George Ramsdale Witton | |
|---|---|
.jpeg) Lieutenant G.R. Witton, Bushveldt Carbineers (1901) | |
| Born | 28 June 1874 |
| Died | 14 August 1942 (aged 68) |
| Criminal status | Deceased |
| Motive | Superior orders |
| Conviction(s) | Murder (8 counts) Manslaughter |
| Criminal penalty | Death; commuted to life imprisonment |
| Details | |
| Victims | 9+ |
Span of crimes | 11 August – 23 September 1901 |
| Country | South African Republic |
| Target(s) | POWs and civilians |
Date apprehended | 23 October 1901 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | British Empire |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | South Australian Mounted Rifles Bushveldt Carbineers |
| Battles / wars | Second Boer War |
George Ramsdale Witton (28 June 1874 – 14 August 1942) was a lieutenant in the Bushveldt Carbineers in the Boer War in South Africa. He was sentenced to death for murder after the shooting of nine Boer prisoners.[1] He was subsequently reprieved by Lieutenant-General Viscount Kitchener on the grounds that he was following the orders of his colleagues. However, Lieutenants Peter Handcock and Harry "Breaker" Morant, who were court martialled with him, were both executed by firing squad on 27 February 1902.
- ^ Woolmore, pp. 142–144.