John Gilbert had shot and killed Sergeant…

John Gilbert had shot and killed Sergeant Parry during the robbery of a mail coach near Jugiong, New South Wales, in late 1864,.

Then, in January 1865, Constable Nelson had been shot and killed by John Dunn when the gang raided a hotel in Collector.

In early 1865, the authorities had determined on radical legislation to bring an end to the careers of Ben Hall, together with John Gilbert and John Dunn.

The Felons Apprehension Act had been pushed through the Parliament of New South Wales for the specific purpose of declaring Hall and his comrades outlaws, and meant that they could be killed by anyone at any time without warning.

From 1863 to 1865, Ben Hall and his gang have had one of the most prolific periods of any bushranger or outlaw.

In May 1865, Hall decides to leave New South Wales.

However, his whereabouts are reported to the police by a man who had previously given his gang assistance and protection.

The police are waiting, and on May 5th, Hall is ambushed at Billabong Creek by eight well-armed policemen.

Hall is shot and killed as he runs away.

A number of folk songs recount Hall's life and exploits.

The most notable is Streets of Forbes, which has been recorded by numerous singers and groups.