Breaker Morant

Who was Breaker Morant?

Harry "The Breaker" Harbord Morant was an Anglo-Australian drover, horseman, poet, soldier and convicted war criminal whose skill with horses earned him the nickname "The Breaker". The bulk of his published work appeared in The Bulletin magazine.

During service in the Second Boer War, Morant allegedly participated in the summary execution of nine Boer prisoners. His actions led to his controversial court-martial and execution by firing squad. He was found not guilty of a separate charge of killing a German missionary, Daniel Heese, who had been a witness to the shootings.

In the century since his death, Morant has become a folk hero to some in Australia. His story has been the subject of several books, a stage play, and a major Australian feature film.