🏜Stranded in the Outback: James Annetts and Simon Amos

In 1986, teenagers James Annetts and Simon Amos answered an advertisement for positions as jackeroos on a remote cattle station in Western Australia, near Halls Creek. By the end of the year working and living conditions became unbearable for the pair who were reported missing after failing to make their routine radio checks.

[@johnoz3342]

I worked at Nicholson Station from 1978 to 1980 when I was 17, back then it was managed by Len Hill and his wife Robyn. It was well run and all the staff and station hands were well fed and cared for, some of my favourite memories were from that time there, unfortunatly for James and Simon it was the exact opposite. We drove some cattle from Nicholson Station to Flora Valley one time, but I can't recall who was the manager at that time. Very much a tradgedy, a very harsh enviroment and very isolated. From what I've read, there are more questions than answers, my heart goes out to their loved ones.

[@theknightwatchman]

Thanks very much for your comment.

[@danozism]

The boss of both Flora Valley and Nicholson Stations in 1986 was a bloke named Giles Loder, who has a certain 'reputation'.

[@BlueMoon-0506]

What year was that you drove cattle from Nic to Flora? I know at least three managers before Giles. Yes, once Vestys sold up those stations went to shit, they were flourishing homes for large Aboriginal communities and well organised operations. I grew up on both these and surrounding stations. A harsh environment if u take it cheap and don’t know. My husband was a “Len Hill” man, we knew Robyn & Len and their two daughters of many years, also most of those people who were associates & known from that area who are connected to the story. Very shocking story!

[@douglasmccauley3267]

There is so much more to this story.

[@theknightwatchman]

There certainly is, I would have liked to have included more. May do it at a later stage.

[@jamessmyth5949]

It seems that in the southerly direction of their travel, even if the unroadworthy ute didn't get bogged or break down it very likely would've run out of fuel before they got to a filling station as there was nothing at all for at least a couple of hundred kilometres.

[@theknightwatchman]

Yes, they were very ill-prepared and it seems like they were in a hurry to get away.

[@Favemusic-mw4nl]

I was with the crew who found their bodies/remains. Worked with Clan Contracting who cut the seismic lines for the seismic company, NORPAC. I was driving the grader, a 12G Caterpillar, and the police asked me to bring the grader in case they needed it to get through the dunes. After the remains of James Annetts was found I heard what sounded like thunder to the north, although there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Someone said it sounded like blasting. These dark clouds came over and before I got halfway back to our camp it was raining heavily, very unusual for that time of year. The next day the main seismic crew was arriving and the creek crossings were washed out, I had to take the grader out and fix the crossings so they could get in, took all day. Will never forget that......

[@theknightwatchman]

Far out. I didn’t expect to hear from anyone so close to the story. Thanks for your comment 🙏

[@Favemusic-mw4nl]

@@theknightwatchman I still remember a lot of what happened that day quite clearly. Strange considering it was something like 37 years ago and I can't remember what I did yesterday....

[@Kevin-oh2je]

If Lassiter's reef existed Clan Contracting would have found it...or a myriad of other RnD companies Someone suggested it is Olympic Dam...nuh...

[@BlueMoon-0506]

I’m currently reading the book Death in the Sand, I noted with interest that word “siesmic”, all the time wondering what it really meant way out there. Interesting indeed about the rain and noise u heard. By the way, was a gun found in their possession?

[@Favemusic-mw4nl]

@@BlueMoon-0506 From memory there was a 22 cal rifle with the remains of Simon Amos......

[@chantelleamos1613]

Yes, there is much more to the story 😢 Simon is my first cousin, my dad was the contact person for the police throughout the search and investigation. Very very tragic.

[@theknightwatchman]

I’m very sorry about you and your family’s loss, Chantelle.

[@danozism]

I am so sorry for your loss, Chantelle. Yes, it's such a tragic story. I think Giles Loder knows a lot more than he let on, to be honest. From what I have learned through my research, it seems he was a very heartless and cruel person to work for. I am convinced that Simon and James were smart boys, and not the types to attempt to drive that wreck of a Datsun ute anywhere far without a decent amount of supplies, water, fuel etc. They also wouldn't have left without their pay, smokes and other belongings. Simon would definitely not have left his Charger there! From what I know of Giles Loder and Peter Sherwin, it wouldn't shock me to learn that they were somehow involved. Wishing you all the best from the South East.

[@Kevin-oh2je]

@@chantelleamos1613 Entire Australia hope your family are coping OK If not, PLEASE put your hand up for a hand up Do not be afraid to consult your local MP and express your concerns They claim to be there to assist, a claim I rarely get denied

[@BlueMoon-0506]

Currently reading the book Death in the Sand about them. It definitely highlights that the investigation was lacking……..let’s just say that.

[@eglin32]

Far too young to be left on their own way out there someone should be ashamed forever

[@theknightwatchman]

Yes, hard to believe how young they were and what they were expected to do.

[@falscherbruce5522]

Better than another KZbin video about same case. That has ludicrous stock footage including US dollars, a multimeter that is supposed to be an SSB radio, and somebody using a smart-phone!

[@theknightwatchman]

Cheers for that. And it gets x10 the views. Thanks for watching.

[@swansfan6944]

I’m the same age the boys would be today if they were still here,and I remember this very well. It certainly looks like a typical car breaks down in outback and boys perish scenario, but I think it was made to look that way. These two innocent, gullible boys were not happy and not getting on with the boss, I believe they were killed but I guess we will never know. Murdered or not there employer was very much responsible for these young lads, and they failed them. RIP James and Simon. Thank you for sharing their story. ❤️Jodie, Wollongong.

[@theknightwatchman]

Thanks Jodie 🙏 I remember it too. What struck me was just how young they were to be in that nightmare situation with people who didn’t care about their welfare, or as you suggest, may have been a threat to them. Very sad as they had their whole lives ahead of them.

[@swansfan6944]

@@theknightwatchman I can’t stand when someone gets away with murder. I really feel for the families, not ever really knowing what happened is the worst. Im glad that Jason and Simon are being remembered though. Thanks again.

[@theknightwatchman]

@@swansfan6944 In the video I didn’t get to mention that Jamie’s dad flew up to Halls Creek and conducted his own search and inquiries without success. I have met members of his family because I used to live out near where they were from. Never discussed it with them but you can tell it was something that weighed on their minds, as it no doubt would.

[@swansfan6944]

@@theknightwatchman how gut wrenching and heart breaking that must have been for him. I think every single day would be torture for the families because they don’t know the truth, it’s something families need and deserve. I wish this case would be reopened but then, that probably would be to painful for the 2 families. I hope both families are doing okay. The parents of James and Simon would be getting on in age now, as the boys would have been 53 like me. I just lost my dad last November. When they pass they will be with their beloved boys again, and that makes me smile. On a lighter note, I see most of your videos on u tube are cricket related. Sorry but I’m an AFL girl, actually just a swan girl 😀

[@theknightwatchman]

@@swansfan6944 Sorry for the loss of your dad 😢 You’re all good, I actually went to a few of the very first Swans games at the SCG (not many people there) and went to see them when they played pre-season games in the Riverina. I’m not a massive footy fan but my dad and brother go for the Swans ☺️

[@billythekid2281]

I had never heard of this case.

[@theknightwatchman]

I remembered it from when I was a kid and later met members of Jamie Annetts’s family because I was living out that way. Thanks for watching.

[@danozism]

Thanks for the video mate. The more people who know about this case, the better. Such a sad story, but what I think really happened is even sadder and truly evil. As much as there are many good people in the outback, there are also some psycho arseholes- much like anywhere I guess. Great work. Cheers

[@theknightwatchman]

Thanks mate, really appreciate it. The lads were around my age and couldn’t imagine the situation they found themselves in. Also got to meet some of their family members through the years. Yes, I know what you mean. I’ve lived in the outback and while there are some great people there are some very dodgy units too. Thanks again 🙏

[@johncurtain2516]

😢

[@TheNYCGoldenGlover]

Saw the original went down so am reposting to help with analytics. As previously stated, great stuff. Brutal and sad but watched it a second time

[@theknightwatchman]

Much appreciated as before 🙏 Unfortunately the supposedly ‘free’ music (the nice tune at the end) got a copyright claim. Sick of it happening so removed it and reuploaded than bothering to challenge. Thanks again ☺️

[@christendomempire5657]

Scary interesting led me here.

[@theknightwatchman]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@Kevin-oh2je]

Bullshit outcome from lazy police