Deaths on February 27

Harry "Breaker" Morant, English-Australian lieutenant (b. 1864)

Known by his evocative nickname "Breaker," Harry Harbord Morant, born Edwin Henry Murrant on December 9, 1864, was an Anglo-Australian figure whose life journey saw him transition from a skilled drover, horseman, and bush poet to a military officer. His compelling yet tragic story culminated in his conviction and execution on February 27, 1902, for the murders of six prisoners-of-war and three captured civilians during the intense Second Anglo-Boer War. These grave incidents occurred across two separate, harrowing events that would forever mark his legacy.

Service, Charges, and the 'Nuremberg Defence'

Morant's tenure as a lieutenant with the Bushveldt Carbineers during the arduous Second Anglo-Boer War placed him at the heart of the conflict. It was during this period that he faced arrest and a subsequent court-martial, charged with committing murder while on active service—a truly rare and significant prosecution in the annals of British military history. Prosecutors argued that Morant, seeking vengeance for the combat death of his commanding officer, orchestrated a brutal series of retaliatory killings. These grim acts targeted both Boer prisoners-of-war and numerous civilian inhabitants across the Northern Transvaal, painting a stark picture of wartime brutality.

In a move that pre-empted the principles later enshrined as the 'Nuremberg Defence,' Major James Francis Thomas, Morant's defense attorney, mounted a vigorous challenge. Thomas passionately argued for his clients' acquittal, asserting that they could not be held legally or morally accountable. Their defense rested on the controversial claim that they were merely following orders, an argument that continues to spark debate about individual responsibility amidst the fog of war.

The Convictions and Fateful Execution

The severity of the charges against Harry "Breaker" Morant was undeniable. He stood accused of the summary execution of Floris Visser, a wounded prisoner-of-war, a shocking act that defied the conventions of warfare. Furthermore, he was implicated in the slaying of eight individuals who had surrendered at the Elim Hospital: four Afrikaners and four Dutch schoolteachers, with five of them confirmed members of the Soutpansberg Commando. The court found Morant guilty on these counts, leading to a grim sentence of death.

Adding another layer to this complex legal drama, Morant, alongside Lieutenant Peter Handcock, faced a separate court-martial for the murder of the Reverend Carl August Daniel Heese. Heese, a South African-born Minister of the Berlin Missionary Society, had offered spiritual solace to the Dutch and Afrikaner victims at Elim Hospital and was tragically shot dead on the same afternoon. While Morant and Handcock were acquitted of the Heese murder, their earlier death sentences for the murders of Floris Visser and the eight victims at Elim Hospital stood. On February 27, 1902, justice, as determined by the court, was carried out by a firing squad composed of soldiers from the Cameron Highlanders, bringing a definitive end to "Breaker" Morant’s tumultuous life.

A Divisive Legacy: Folk Hero or Convicted Criminal?

In contemporary Australia, Harry "Breaker" Morant and Lieutenant Peter Handcock have ascended to the status of controversial folk heroes. Their story is often viewed through the lens of a burgeoning Australian nationalism, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the nation's quest for self-determination and independence from the British Empire. This enduring fascination with their plight has inspired a wealth of cultural works, including books, a compelling stage play, and most notably, Bruce Beresford’s award-winning 1980 Australian New Wave film, Breaker Morant. This cinematic masterpiece not only introduced Morant’s complex life story to a global audience but, as some argue, elevated the accused officers to the stature of Australian icons and martyrs, deeply embedding them in the national psyche.

Despite the grave nature of the evidence and charges against them, a significant segment of modern Australian society perceives Morant and Handcock not as cold-blooded murderers, but as scapegoats, or even as victims of a "judicial murder." This perspective fuels ongoing efforts, often with public backing, to secure a posthumous pardon or even a new trial for the pair, reflecting a persistent desire to re-evaluate history.

Enduring Perspectives: Justice and Unanswered Questions

Yet, the narrative surrounding the trials and executions remains sharply divided, particularly when viewed from a South African perspective. Historian Charles Leach articulates this sentiment, noting that for many South Africans—especially the descendants of victims and others involved in the far Northern Transvaal—justice was, at best, only partially served by the original trial and its outcomes. A pervasive feeling lingers that not all culpable parties faced accountability, with the enigmatic and "notorious Captain Taylor" often cited as a prime example of an unpunished perpetrator. This stark divergence in historical interpretation underscores the deep emotional and cultural wounds left by the Second Anglo-Boer War and the contentious legacy of figures like "Breaker" Morant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harry "Breaker" Morant

Who was Harry "Breaker" Morant?

Harry "Breaker" Morant, born Edwin Henry Murrant, was an Anglo-Australian drover, horseman, bush poet, and military officer who became infamous for his court-martial and execution during the Second Anglo-Boer War. He is a controversial figure, seen by some as a convicted war criminal and by others as an Australian folk hero.

When was "Breaker" Morant executed?

Harry "Breaker" Morant was executed by firing squad on February 27, 1902.

What crimes was Morant convicted of?

Morant was convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of six prisoners-of-war (including Floris Visser) and three captured civilians (eight individuals at Elim Hospital), committed during two separate incidents in the Second Anglo-Boer War. He and Lieutenant Peter Handcock were acquitted of the murder of Reverend Carl August Daniel Heese.

What was the "Nuremberg Defence" in his trial?

Morant's defense attorney, Major James Francis Thomas, argued for acquittal based on the premise that his clients were only following orders, thus not legally or morally responsible. This argument pre-empted the principles later known as the "Nuremberg Defence," which centers on the idea that subordinates should not be held liable if they were merely executing commands from superior officers.

Why is "Breaker" Morant considered an Australian folk hero?

In modern Australia, Morant and Handcock have become symbolic figures. Many Australians view their court-martial and execution as an act of scapegoating by the British military, and their story is often interpreted as representing Australia's struggle for self-determination and independence from British imperial power. This narrative was significantly amplified by the influential 1980 film Breaker Morant.

Are there ongoing efforts to pardon "Breaker" Morant?

Yes, there have been, and continue to be, public and political efforts in Australia to secure a posthumous pardon or a new trial for Harry "Breaker" Morant and Peter Handcock, reflecting ongoing debate and differing interpretations of their guilt and the fairness of their original trials.