Lts Harry 'Breaker' Morant, Peter Handcock and George Witton - Medals for meritorious and loyal service

Lt Harry 'Breaker' Morant

- By James Unkles

Background

In the service of the British Empire, the Australian colonies offered troops for the war in South Africa. Australians served in contingents raised by the six colonies or, from 1901, by the Australian Commonwealth.

About 25,000 Australians volunteered to serve in the war.

The war is also remembered for the controversial trial and execution of Lieutenants Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant and Peter Handcock and the imprisonment of George Witton for shooting Boer prisoners.

On 27 February 1902, Morant and Handcock were executed, while George Witton was imprisoned. Historians have claimed these men were used as scapegoats for the political interests of British military commander Lord Kitchener and his political masters. Evidence has emerged these men were not tried and sentenced according to law and advocacy continues with the aim of addressing this injustice. A House of Representatives motion tabled by Scott Buchholz MP on 12 February 2018 highlights this. The motion expressed sincere regret and apologised to the descendants of the three men for the manner in which they were treated. The motion stated:

“sincere regret that Lieutenants Morant, Handcock and Witton were denied procedural fairness contrary to law and acknowledges that this had cruel and unjust consequences; and

sympathy to the descendants of these men as they were not tried and sentenced in accordance with the law of 1902”

Scott Buchholz’s address to the House is compelling:

“Lieutenants Morant and Handcock were the first and last Australians executed for war crimes, on 27 February 1902. The process used to try these men was fundamentally flawed. They were not afforded the rights of an accused person facing serious criminal charges enshrined in military law in 1902. Today, I recognise the cruel and unjust consequences and express my deepest sympathy to the descendants” (1)

Service Medals 

There is another aspect that has emerged about the service rendered by Morant, Handcock and Witton. I am pleased to announce on behalf of the descendants of these men that their loyal and exemplary service to the colonial contingents during the war has now been recognised with the presentation of service medals. 

Australian and British authorities no longer issue medals for service in the Boer war. However replica medals can be sourced for descendants once details of service are confirmed. There is no impediment that prevents such medals being issued to the descendants of these men. 

Details of Service 

Morant from Renmark served as a volunteer with the 2nd South Australian Mounted Rifles during the Anglo Boer War (1899-1902). His service was meritorious and loyal. He was commended by his Commanding Officer for his service to the Regiment. 

Morant held the rank of Lance Corporal and was promoted to Sergeant during his service in South Africa. Eventually he also served in a British contingent, the Bushveldt Carbineers. During his service he was commended for the capture of notorious Boer commander, Kelly. 

Handcock from Bathurst joined the NSW Mounted Rifles and deployed to South Africa on 17 January 1900, serving for 12 months. His service was meritorious and loyal. He then joined the Bushveldt Carbineers as a Lieutenant on 21 January 1901. 

Witton from Victoria joined 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen as a Corporal and went to South Africa on 1 May 1900. His service was meritorious and loyal. He also joined the Bushveldt Carbineers as a Lieutenant on 1 June 1901. 

Medals were issued in recognition of Lieutenant Witton’s service. One of his descendants Mr Brian Turley celebrated Witton’s service to the 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen on 1 November 2021 when he was presented with the medals (pictured). (2) 

James Unkles and Brian Turley

Presentations to the descendants of Lts Handcock and Morant are to follow. 

JAMES UNKLES is a civilian lawyer, military reserve legal officer (Rtd) and petitioner for the descendants of Morant, Handcock and Witton. He is the author of Ready, Aim, Fire: Major James Francis Thomas - The Fourth Victim In the Execution of Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant, Sid Harta Publishers. The book can be sourced online at Booktopia or contact James at jamesunkles@hotmail.com

www.breakermorant.com

Footnotes 

(1)  House of Representatives Hansard 12 Feb 2018, Scott Buchholz MP

      (2) War veteran 'Breaker' Morant and comrades recognised after 120 years, Nine News, 6/11/21