The Comancheros Motorcycle Club, an outlaw motorcycle gang, has a storied and controversial history that spans several decades. Founded in 1966 in Sydney, Australia, the Comancheros quickly gained notoriety for their involvement in criminal activities, clashes with rival gangs, and their distinct presence in the country’s motorcycle culture.
Origins and Early Years: The Comancheros MC was established by Jock Ross, an Australian of Scottish descent, who envisioned a motorcycle club inspired by the American outlaw motorcycle culture. The club’s name, “Comancheros,” is a nod to a group of traders and smugglers that operated along the United States-Mexico border in the 19th century. The choice of name reflected the rebellious and anti-establishment ethos that the club would come to embody.
During its early years, the Comancheros cultivated an image of brotherhood, camaraderie, and a love for the open road. However, this image quickly became tarnished as the club became entangled in criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violent confrontations with rival motorcycle gangs.
Rivalries and Turf Wars: One of the most infamous rivalries in the Comancheros’ history is with the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, another outlaw motorcycle gang operating in Australia. The conflict between the two groups escalated over the years, leading to a series of violent clashes and reprisals. These confrontations often occurred in public places, attracting media attention and raising concerns about the impact of outlaw motorcycle gang violence on community safety.
In 1984, the conflict between the Comancheros and the Bandidos reached a deadly climax with the “Milperra Massacre.” The violent showdown occurred at a public event in Milperra, a suburb of Sydney, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including four Comancheros and two Bandidos members. This incident marked one of the darkest chapters in the history of Australian outlaw motorcycle gangs and prompted increased law enforcement scrutiny on these organizations.
Legal Troubles and Internal Strife: Over the years, the Comancheros faced numerous legal challenges, with many members being arrested and prosecuted for various offenses. Internal conflicts and power struggles within the club also contributed to its turbulent history. Leadership changes and factional disputes led to schisms and splinter groups, further fragmenting the already volatile outlaw motorcycle gang landscape in Australia.
Modern Era: As the Comancheros entered the 21st century, law enforcement agencies in Australia intensified efforts to combat organized crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs. Raids, arrests, and legal proceedings targeted key figures within the Comancheros, disrupting their criminal activities.
Despite these challenges, the Comancheros MC continues to operate, adapting to changing law enforcement strategies and maintaining a presence in Australia’s motorcycle subculture. The club’s history is a complex tapestry of brotherhood, criminality, violence, and internal strife, making it a fascinating but controversial subject within the broader context of outlaw motorcycle gangs around the world.