The Military History Society of NSW

Lt Peter Handcock O n Anzac Day this year journalist Peter FitzSimons wrote an article published in the Sydney Morning Herald calling for the removal of the name of Lieutenant Peter Handcock from the Bathurst, New South Wales, Boer War Memorial on the ground that he was a convicted war criminal, for which he was executed by firing squad alongside Lieutenant Harry "Breaker" Morant  in South Africa on 27 February 1902. Handcock was a Bathurst district local. James Unkles is an author, former naval reserve officer, military and civilian lawyer, and campaigner for a pardon for Morant, Handcock and the third convicted man, George Witton. On 30 May 2021 James posted a response to FitzSimons on his website. The response notes that on 4 May 2021 the Bathurst Sub-Branch of the RSL wrote to Bathurst Regional Council, which controls the monument, opposing the removal of any names from the Memorial. A copy of the letter is reproduced below. Bathurst Regional Council has declined to re

The Military History Society of New South Wales Incorporated Email: president@militaryhistorynsw.com.au Telephone: 0419 698 783 Postal address: PO Box 929, Rozelle NSW 2039 SUBMISSION ON NOMINATION FOR HERITAGE REGISTER LISTING   Item details Name of item: Harris Creek Rail Bridge (Under Consideration for Listing) Other name/s: Holsworthy Rail Bridge, Holsworthy Pedestrian Bridge, Harris Creek Bridge Type of item: Built Group/Collection: Transport - Rail Category: Railway Bridge/ Viaduct   The Society notes that the Heritage Council of NSW assesses items for listing on the State Heritage Register against seven criteria. The item must meet at least two of the seven criteria.   The Society agrees with the Statement of Significance and submits that in this case the proposed item meets four of the seven criteria: (a) historical values, (b) associations with people or gro