Lieutenants Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant, Peter Handcock and George Witton –Medals for meritorious and loyal service
Desecendant of George Witton, Brian Turley, received service medals from Jim Unkles, Nov 2021
https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/breaker-morant-and-boer-war-soldiers-to-receive-military-medals/0dbbd953-4da4-48ea-a7b2-
Bathurst Newspaper article- medals
The Australian_02-11-2021_Main_AustralianVIC_p6 (1)
http://militaryhistorysocietynsw.blogspot.com/2021/11/lts-harry-breaker-morant-peter-handcock.html
Background
In service of the 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.
The Australian colonies had volunteers serving in contingents. About 25,000 Australian served in the war.
The war is also remembered for the controversial trial and execution of Lieutenants Harry Breaker Morant, Peter Handcock and the imprisonment of George Witton for shooting Boer prisoners.
On 27th of February 1902, Lieutenants Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant and Peter Handcock were executed, 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 to have this injustice addressed. A House of Representatives motion tabled in 2018 by Scott Buchholz, MP on 12 February 2018 highlights this. The motion expressed sincere regret and apology to the descendants of these men for the manner in which Morant, Handcock and Witton 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:
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Service Medals
There is also 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, recognition they rendered loyal and exemplary service to the Colonial Contingents during the war is 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 CO for his service to the Regiment.
Morant held the rank of Lance Corporal and promoted to Sergeant during his service in South Africa. Morant eventually also served in British Contingent, the Bushveldt Carbineers. During his service he was commended for the capture of notorious Boer Commander, Kelly.
Handcock from Bathurst joined NSWs Mounted rifles and deployed to South Africa 17 January 1900 and served for 12 months. His service was meritorious and loyal. He then joined the Bushveldt Carbineers as a Lieutenant on 21 Jan 1901.
Witton from Victoria joined 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen as a Corporal, went to SA 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 recognised for Lt Witton’s service. One of his descendants’ Mr Brian Turley celebrated Witton’s service to 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen occurred on 1 November 2021 (pictured).[ii]
Presentations to the descendants of Lts Handcock and Morant to follow.
James Unkles
www.breakermorant.com
[i] House of Representatives Hansard 12 Feb 2018, Scott Buchholz, MP
[ii] https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/breaker-morant-and-boer-war-soldiers-to-receive-military-medals/0dbbd953-4da4-48ea-a7b2-9d5b715f0977&ct=ga&cd=CAEYACoUMTA4MDk1MTI3OTU2NTg0MDk0NzcyGjk2OTUxZDJiODZkZjdhMjk6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEs5nxXdqm8uamjKiHyKMUbs-IBUg