Episode 120: The Death of Dr Gilbert Bogle and Margaret Chandler

In 1963 Chatswood, Sydney, Dr. Gilbert Bogle and Mrs. Margaret Chandler, both married to others, were found dead near the Lane Cove River after a New Year's Eve party. Their partially nude bodies suggested a romantic encounter, but no cause of death was found, with poisoning suspected due to purple blood. Despite extensive testing, no toxin was identified. Police ruled out suspects, including Chandler’s husband, and theories of Cold War secrets. A 2006 documentary suggests hydrogen sulfide from the polluted river caused the deaths, as it can be fatal at high concentrations and explain the blood discoloration. Questions remain about who covered the bodies, with theories pointing to a greyhound trainer or witnesses avoiding detection. The case remains unsolved.

 

Sources:

Burns, B. (2023, April 11). In 1963, Margret and Gilbert snuck off to Sydney’s ‘lovers’ lane’. The next day, they were found dead. Mamamia. https://www.mamamia.com.au/dr-bogle-and-margaret-chandler/

Murphy, D. (2016, September 2). New twist in Gilbert Bogle nd Margaret Chandler murder mystery. The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/new-twist-in-gilbert-bogle-and-margaret-chandler-murder-mystery-20160901-gr6it3.html

 Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes — EXACTLY RIGHT. (n.d.). EXACTLY RIGHT. https://www.exactlyrightmedia.com/buried-bones

 

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep