Shoot Straight, You Bastards! by Nick Bleszynski delves deep into the infamous case of Lieutenant Harry “Breaker” Morant and the controversial events surrounding his execution in 1902 during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Morant, along with Lieutenant Peter Handcock, was executed by a British firing squad, sparking an enduring debate about his innocence and the morality of wartime justice. This powerful account examines not only the events of that fateful morning but also the broader themes of political machinations, greed, and the tragic consequences of ambition.
Bleszynski’s narrative is both thorough and thought-provoking, offering new evidence in the updated edition, including an appendix with dramatic revelations. One such revelation is the suggestion that British officer Lord Kitchener ordered the execution of prisoners, challenging the fairness of Morant’s trial. The book also explores expert legal opinions that support Morant’s innocence and the campaign for a proper judicial review of the case. Shoot Straight, You Bastards! provides a fresh perspective on a story that has haunted Australian and British history for over a century.
This compelling and controversial book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, legal justice, or the moral complexities of war. It sheds light on the ambiguity of Morant’s legacy, making it as relevant today as it was a century ago.
