In 1902, three Australian volunteers who served with the British Army during the Anglo Boer War were tried and sentenced for executing Boer combatants.
Lieutenants Harry 'Breaker' Morant and Peter Handcock were executed and George Witton sentenced to life imprisonment. The manner in which these men were treated remains controversial, shrouded in protest that they were scapegoated for the war crimes of their British superiors.
The book is dedicated to the memory of Major James Francis Thomas who was relegated to history without an understanding of who he was and the part he played in the dynamic development of the town of Tenterfield in New South Wales, Australia, as a property owner, solicitor, newspaper proprietor, historian, poet, proponent for Australian nationalism, volunteer soldier.
This book also tells how he came to serve in the Boer War, yet was destined to die alone from malnutrition, destitute having suffered from the stress of what he experienced in representing Morant, Handcock and Witton as their trial lawyer. This book acknowledges the sacrifice Thomas made in acting for his clients, a task that took a terrible toll on his mental and physical health and his life in Tenterfield.
"It is an awesome responsibility for a defence lawyer to try to save the life of a client...;This fascinating book...(is) a worthy contribution to literature on miscarriage of justice."
Geoffrey Ronald Robertson AO, QC
"This comprehensive scintillating examination of Major James Thomas of Tenterfield and the Transvaal is long overdue. Too often the heavy lifters in historical sagas get overlooked. This book goes to the core of the Breaker Morant trial and the role of Major Thomas, a brave dedicated man who deserves this testament as he stepped up for justice against the dictats of Kitchener. He also made his contribution to the NSW regional community of Tenterfield, and to State and Nation."
Tim Fischer AC. Ex Deputy PM, Former Ambassador and author.
"This book will appeal to lawyers as it delves into military law and generally for presenting a side to the British Empire which is less gilded than the perceptions of many Australians. Concentration camps for civilians, destroying farms, a clear take no prisoners policy. This is a compelling read"
Roger Mendelson, Lawyer and author
"This is a book which will appeal to those with an interest in military history and an empathy with those seeking to right perceived past wrongs"
Vic Bar News review by barristers Andrew Kirkham And Gary Hevey
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