‘Breaker’ Morant could be added to Boer War Memorial honour roll under push supported by MPs

He’s one of the most divisive figures in Australian military history, but two prominent politicians are backing a push to add Breaker Morant’s name to Adelaide’s Boer War Memorial.

Morant, third from left, with soldiers from 2nd South Australian mounted rifles contingent. Picture: Australian War Memorial/Boer/War

An increasing number of politicians have backed a move to add the name Australia’s most famous war criminal Harry “Breaker” Morant to the Boer War Memorial outside Government House in Adelaide.

State opposition leader David Speirs and federal Labor Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas

have backed a push led by Morant’s distant cousin Cathie Morant to add the name of the controversial former soldier, executed by firing squad in 1902, to the historic monument.

“I believe Lieutenant Morant’s service to South Australia should be recognised,” Mr Speirs says in a letter supporting Cathie Morant.

“He first served in the Boer War with the Second Contingent of the South Australian Mounted·Rifles and subsequently went on to serve in the Bushveld Carbineers under British

command.”

Mr Georganas said Morant made many sacrifices as part of his war service.

“In remembering soldiers like Lieutenant Harry Morant, we recognise their willingness to endure hardships and their courage to risk their life so that we could live in peace,” he said.

His comments come despite Morant having been found guilty of murdering 12 prisoners, including children, during the Boer War.

Harry (Breaker) Morant

Grave of Harry "Breaker" Morant in Pretoria, South Africa.

The fairness of his court martial has been the subject of much debate and military lawyer James Unkles is pushing for an independent inquiry into the matter.

Mr Unkles has also spent the past three years helping Ms Morant lobby Adelaide City Council to include Harry Morant’s name on the North Terrace memorial.

The council owns the prominent Adelaide landmark, which is a life-size bronzed statue of a soldier on horseback perched atop a 3.7m-high Murray Bridge granite pedestal.

Mr Unkles said Harry Morant – an itinerant drover, horsebreaker and bush poet before he signed up – served the 2nd South Australian Mounted Rifles unit “with distinction” in 1900. After a year’s active service he left the Transvaal and travelled to Britain, the place of his birth, but returned to join the British regiment the Bushveldt Carbineers, also known as the BVC in 1901.

It was while fighting for the BVC that Morant and Lieutenant Peter Hancock were arrested and tried for the murder of the 12 Boer prisoners.

“Harry Morant volunteered in South Australia and served with distinction and without military or civil infractions,” Cathie Morant said.

Cathie Morant, a distant relative of Breaker Morant. Picture by Sean Davey

“He was promoted to sergeant and was commended by his commanding officer. He subsequently served with a British Contingent, the Bushveldt Carbineers in 1901.

“I understand there is opposition to Harry’s inclusion to the memorial, however my request is not about his service with the Bushveldt Carbineers.

“There is no objective evidence that explains why Harry Morant was not included on the memorial when it was built in 1904. I strongly refute the suggestion he was specifically excluded because of his subsequent convictions while serving with the BVC. Speculation is not evidence.”

Mr Unkles has won approval from Plan SA to install a new plaque with Morant’s name on the base of the memorial, and an interpretative board nearby explaining the service of South Australians in the Boer War, Morant’s involvement and his subsequent conviction.

But the plans remain subject to approval from Adelaide City Council. Mr Unkles and Ms Morant hope to address a council committee meeting next month to push their cause.

Originally published as ‘Breaker’ Morant could be added to Boer War Memorial honour roll under push supported by MPs