Harry 'Breaker' Morant and Peter Handcock, two Australian soldiers, were executed in Pretoria following their conviction for war crimes committed during the Second Boer War. Their trial gained notoriety for its contentious nature, as it raised questions about the rules of war, the treatment of prisoners, and military accountability. Morant and Handcock were charged with the murder of Boer prisoners, and their defense argued that they acted under orders in a war environment that was chaotic and brutal. The prosecution maintained that their actions breached the laws of war, leading to a trial that was both a reflection of military discipline and a critique of British colonial policy. The trial concluded swiftly, resulting in their execution by firing squad, which took place in the presence of military officials and numerous witnesses.

The executions were seen as a means of upholding military order within the British Empire, but they also drew international criticism. Many questioned the fairness of the trial, particularly the limited defense options and the context in which the alleged crimes occurred. The case became emblematic of broader discussions around ethics in warfare and the treatment of soldiers under military law. Public sentiment in Australia was divided, with some viewing Morant and Handcock as scapegoats for broader military failures. Their fates prompted a national dialogue about the nature of justice during conflict and influenced perceptions of the British military amidst growing anti-colonial sentiment.