THE trial and ensuing execution of Lieutenants Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant and Peter Handcock in February 1902 in the heat of the Boer War has remained a tender point in both Australian and British military history.
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News that remnants belonging to Morant were recently discovered at the Tenterfield tip has upset documentarian, lawyer and historian Jim Unkles.
It's led him to once again call for an independent inquiry into the historical case.
Mr Unkles has dedicated years to studying Morant and Handcock and participated in the creation of a documentary, 'Breaker Morant – The Re trial', for Foxtel's History channel.
"The article about Breaker Morant relics recently discovered comes as no surprise," Mr Unkles said in a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald.
"I have worked tirelessly for six years on behalf of descendants to uncover compelling evidence that Lieutenants Harry Morant, Peter Handcock and George Witton were not tried according to law of 1902 and suffered a gross injustice.
"The latest find of these items will again bring to the public's attention that this case must be reviewed independently of government to assess the case for posthumous pardons.
"The inscriptions, purportedly by Morant's counsel, Major [J.F] Thomas, proclaim that his clients were not justly tried.
"Thomas protested the innocence of his clients and was determined to have the trials reviewed. He remained committed to the cause until his death.
Mr Unkles said the relics will be of great interest to senior legal counsel and community figures, including a current Government Minister, a former Deputy Prime Minister and former Supreme Court Justice who have called for such an inquiry.
"While, these treasures belong in the national heritage collection, on behalf of the descendants of these men, the Government may need to have an open mind and negotiate about an inquiry for these relics to be truly recognised and celebrated," he said.