Lot 2068

Description

N.S.W.G.R., 46 Years Service Medal (KC), in enamel and gilt (26mm x 17mm) screw back fitting for lapel, reverse impressed diagonally, ’P.L.J.Handcock’. Extremely fine.

Together with a photo, written on back, ’Peter Handcock. Taken on his second marriage day 1956 died 1966. Only son (child?) of Peter Handcock shot in South Africa during Boer War.’ The father, Peter Joseph Handcock, also a railwayman, enlisted for the South African War as a shoesmith in the 2nd Contingent of the New South Wales Mounted Rifles. In February 1900 he was promoted Farrier Sergeant before transferring to the Railway Services Police. Then, in February 1901, he joined the Bushveldt Carbineers as a veterinary lieutenant. After the officer in command of the unit, Captain P Hunt, was killed and his body mutilated, Lieutenant H.H. Breaker Morant, a close friend of Hunt, ordered that all Boer prisoners be shot from that day on. The BVC rigorously hunted Boers and all prisoners and those who surrendered were shot. After a German missionary was shot, General Kitchener ordered a full investigation and subsequently Morant, Handcock and other officers were arrested. Following a dubious general court martial proceeding, Morant and Handcock were found guilty and shot by firing squad in Pretoria goal on 27 February 1902. Thus Handcock became the first Australian national executed for war crimes. With photo of son, Peter Handcock, and research.