Pardons plea over Boer War executions

Australia has asked the British Government to pardon two Boer War soldiers whose courts-martial and execution in 1902 have become part of Australian folklore.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Feb 2010, 21:15 BST

Updated 10th Feb 2010, 21:15 BST

Attorney-General Robert McClelland sent a petition requesting the

pardon last week, said military lawyer James Unkles.

Lieutenants Harry "Breaker" Morant and Peter Handcock were found guilty by a British court-martial of killing prisoners of war in the final days of the South Africa conflict and executed in Pretoria by firing squad.

Mr Unkles, who wrote the petition, said the soldiers' trial was marred by legal mistakes and secrecy. His petition asks for a comprehensive legal review of the case after he found 10 areas of concern – including lack of legal advice, solitary confinement for three months, and no communication with the Australian government. The two men volunteered for the war.

Government Australia