Contemporary Thunderbolt Balladry: Of all the tales of the Australian bushrangers, with the exception of Edward Kelly, none has left behind a richer tradition of lore and legend than the notorious Frederick Ward, alias Captain Thunderbolt. His reign was a long one, beginning in 1863 and ending with his death on May 25th, 1870, a period of seven years. His activities were confined almost exclusively to the New England district.