Scapegoats of the Empire (ePub)

George Witton (1874-1942) was an Australian lieutenant who served during the Second Boer War. Born in Victoria, Australia, Witton's military service became particularly notable following the controversial court martial and execution of two fellow officers, Harry 'Breaker' Morant and Peter Handcock. These events were extensively chronicled in Witton's book, 'Scapegoats of the Empire', first published in 1907. The work provides a personal and impassioned account of the court proceedings and the systemic flaws Witton perceived in the administration of military justice. It has been a key resource for scholars studying the legal and ethical dimensions of military conduct and colonial history. Witton's authorial tone conveys a sense of injustice and sheds light on the harsh and complex realities of wartime. The book remains a seminal work for those interested in Australian military history and the broader implications of imperial policies during the Boer War. Though 'Scapegoats of the Empire' is Witton's only known published work, it has secured his literary reputation as an authoritative voice concerning the politics of war, the intricacies of colonial military operations, and the personal stories entwined with such broader historical narratives. The enduring relevance of Witton's account has also been reflected in modern cultural depictions of the Morant case, most notably in the 1980 film 'Breaker' Morant.