Breaker Morant

Harry Harbord "Breaker" Morant was an English horseman and military officer. He is primarily remembered as a war criminal convicted during the Second Boer War. This conflict took place in South Africa between 1899 and 1902. Morant was executed for the murder of nine prisoners-of-war (POWs) and three captured civilians. His case remains a significant moment in military and colonial history. It highlights the complex relationship between the British Empire and its colonies.

Morant's early life began in Bridgwater, Somerset, England. He was born Edwin Henry Murrant on December 9, 1864. His father died four months before his birth. His mother, Catherine Murrant, worked as a matron at a workhouse. She managed to send him to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys. There, he won prizes for French, German, and classics. However, he also frequently misbehaved and influenced other students to join his mischief.

In 1883, Morant moved to the Australian colonies. He arrived in Townsville, Queensland, aboard the SS Waroonga. During his fifteen years in Australia, he worked many different jobs. He was a stockman, a horse trader, and a bookkeeper. He also gained fame as a bush balladist. These were poems or songs about life in the Australian bush. He earned the nickname "The Breaker" after riding a wild horse named Dargin's Grey.

Despite his skills, Morant faced many personal struggles. He often struggled with debt and was known for avoiding creditors. He was even convicted of obtaining money under false pretences in 1889. He sometimes used the name Harry Morant to hide his identity. He also claimed to be the son of an English Admiral. However, the Admiral released a statement denying any relation to him. By 1900, his circumstances were very difficult as he moved between colonies.

Morant enlisted in the South Australian Mounted Rifles in 1899. He served as part of the British Empire forces in South Africa. He initially served as a corporal and a despatch rider. A despatch rider is someone who carries important messages between units. Later, he received a commission as a lieutenant. He joined an irregular regiment called the Bushveldt Carbineers.

During the war, Morant was accused of several revenge killings. Prosecutors stated he killed Boer POWs and civilians in the Northern Transvaal. He was accused of the summary execution of Floris Visser, a wounded prisoner. He was also accused of killing eight people at Elim Hospital. These victims included four Afrikaners and four Dutch schoolteachers. His defense attorney, Major James Francis Thomas, argued that Morant followed superior orders. Thomas claimed there was an order not to take prisoners. However, the court could not prove such an order existed.

Morant and Lieutenant Peter Handcock were found guilty of murder. They were also tried for the death of Reverend Carl August Daniel Heese. They were acquitted of the Heese murder, but sentenced for the other killings. On February 27, 1902, a firing squad executed them. This event has caused great debate in modern Australia. Some see them as folk heroes or martyrs for Australian independence. Others view them as criminals who committed serious wrongs. Some South Africans believe justice was only partially achieved. They feel other responsible parties, like Captain Taylor, were not punished. This case continues to be studied in books and films today.