Peter Handcock | |
---|---|
![]() Peter Joseph Handcock (1900) | |
Born | Peter Joseph Handcock 17 February 1868 near Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia |
Died | 27 February 1902 | (aged 34)
Cause of death | Execution by firing squad |
Criminal status | Executed |
Spouse | Bridget Alice Mary Martin (1888–1902; his death) |
Children | 3 |
Conviction(s) | Murder (11 counts) Manslaughter |
Criminal penalty | Death |
Details | |
Victims | 13+ |
Span of crimes | August – 7 September 1901 |
Country | South African Republic |
Target(s) | POWs and civilians |
Date apprehended | 23 October 1901 |
Military career | |
Allegiance | British Empire |
Years of service | 1899 – 1902 |
Rank | Lieutenant |
Unit | 1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles Bushveldt Carbineers |
Battles/wars | Second Boer War |
Peter Joseph Handcock (17 February 1868 – 27 February 1902) was an Australian-born Veterinary Lieutenant and convicted war criminal who served in the Bushveldt Carbineers during the Boer War in South Africa.
After a court martial, Handcock (along with Harry "Breaker" Morant) was convicted and executed for the murders of nine Boer POWs and three other civilians.[1]
His execution, "which had been carried out without the knowledge and consent of the Australian government",[2] was and remains a controversial issue in Australia.