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Robert O'Hara Burke

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Robert O'Hara Burke
Born1821
Died1861
Occupation(s)Policeman, explorer

Robert O'Hara Burke (1821—1861)[1] was an Irish policeman, who led the Burke and Wills expedition. This was the largest and best equipped expedition to explore Australia. They successfully crossed the country, from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1861. The expedition ended in disaster when Burke and his second in command, William John Wills died from starvation at Cooper Creek on their way back to Melbourne.

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fitzpatrick, Kathleen (1969). "Burke, Robert O'Hara (1821 - 1861) Biographical Entry - Australian Dictionary of Biography Online". adbonline.anu.edu.au. Retrieved 4 June 2011.