1902
The execution of “Breaker” Morant
On this date two Australian officers of the Bushveldt Carbineers serving with the British army in the Boer War were executed by firing squad for war crimes. The trial remains controversial to this day.
By 1901, the major Boer armies had been defeated but a nasty guerrilla war continued in the countryside. Excelling at this kind of conflict was Harry “Breaker” Morant, an Englishman who had migrated to Australia where he gained a reputation as an expert horseman and bush ranger. Serving with him in a light cavalry regiment tasked with tracking down Boer commandos was Australian lieutenant Peter Handcock. Acting out of what seems to have been a desire to avenge the death of their commanding officer, the two participated in a number of murders of unarmed prisoners. After being reported by their own men, Morant and Handcock were arrested, tried and executed. Despite a confession, subsequent books, a play, and a popular movie made the two out to be innocent victims of the British army anxious to conceal an official “take no prisoners” policy.
To the Rev. Canon Fisher
Pretoria
The night before we’re shot
We shot the Boers who killed and mutilated
our friend (the best mate I had on Earth)
Harry Harbord Morant
Peter Joseph Handcock
Historians are now convinced that the men were guilty of the crimes for which they suffered but “Breaker” Morant remains an Australian folk hero.
