Peter Handcock

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.

His execution, "which had been carried out without the knowledge and consent of the Australian government", was and remains a controversial issue in Australia.

Life Peter Joseph Handcock was born at Peel, near Bathurst, New South Wales, to William Handcock (1830–1874), and Bridget Handcock, née Martin (1830–1881) on 17 February 1868

He was apprenticed to a blacksmith at age 12, and later worked as a blacksmith with the Railways Department.

Handcock also organized and participated in the executions of eight surrendering Boers. "We are justified in shooting everything in sight," Handcock said to a fellow trooper.

On 7 September 1901, Hancock and Morant heard that three Boers were approaching their camp. They met the three with two other soldiers. The Boers were Roelf van Staden and his two sons, 16-year-old Roelf Jr. and 12-year-old Chris, who was very sick from a fever.

Petitions for review of convictions and sentences

In 2010, petitions were submitted for the review of the convictions of Handcock and his colleagues.