In retaliation of colonial invasion, destruction of lands and the loss of his people’s lives from smallpox, murder and removal from their lands, Pemulwuy began raids on settlers’ farms. As Pemulwuy’s guerrilla raids on the colony continued, runaway convicts began to join the native warriors. Pemulwuy looted redcoats homes stealing musket balls, clothes and harvest, cutting off food supplies. Using his own land to his advantage, his ingenuity and courage are his overwhelming traits. He uses the eons of knowledge inherited by his forefathers. His strategy, his ingenuity and courage and his overwhelming determination weighed heavily within the mind of his enemy.
On the 22 March 1797, 100 redcoats with native trackers persued Pemulwuy and his men. Pemulwuy’s men were only armed with spears and boomerangs, a fight ensued, which is known as the ‘Battle of Parramatta’. It was at this time that Pemulwuy was hit by buckshot from a gun used by a settler.
Seven pieces of buckshot entered Pemulwuy through his torso and head. He was captured, restrained and sent to Balmain hospital. At this point the natives and settlers thought he was dead. Gravely wounded and still in shackles Pemulwuy miraculously absconded from the gaol and his raids continued.