PDF Summary:Scapegoats of the Empire, by George Witton

In Scapegoats of the Empire, George Witton recounts his experiences serving in Australia's Imperial Regiment and the Bushveldt Carbineers during the Boer War. He describes the challenges he faced, from harsh conditions to controversial orders regarding prisoners.

Witton provides insight into the alleged war crimes committed by Lieutenant Morant and others, detailing the flawed court martial proceedings and his own life sentence. The book follows Witton's imprisonment, his supporters' efforts to secure his release, and his eventual freedom after a large-scale petition calling for a pardon.

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The Court Martial Process and Its Flaws

Witton criticizes the martial court process as flawed and hurried, arguing that it was influenced by the negative perception of the Bushveldt Carbineers and lacked proper due process.

Hasty Court Martial Hindered Defense, Influenced by Carbineers' Perceived Actions

Witton argues that the martial court process was deeply flawed. He criticizes the hasty nature of the process, citing the inadequate time given for defense preparation and the pressure from Army Headquarters to deliver swift justice following international outcry over the Carbineers' alleged actions. This pressure, he argues, created a bias against the defendants, preventing an equitable trial.

Context

• Military court martials often differ from civilian trials, with distinct procedures and standards. During this period, the rights of the accused in military trials were not as robustly protected as in civilian courts, potentially leading to rushed judgments.
• The international outcry and political pressure to resolve the situation quickly could have influenced the decision to limit preparation time, prioritizing a swift resolution over a fair trial.
• Army Headquarters would have been responsible for maintaining the British Army's reputation and ensuring that any misconduct was addressed swiftly to appease both domestic and international audiences.
• The allegations threatened to tarnish Britain's international standing, as the country was seen as a major colonial power with a responsibility to uphold certain standards of conduct.
• The chain of command and the influence of higher-ranking officials could impact the impartiality of the proceedings, as lower-ranking soldiers might be scapegoated to protect the institution's reputation.
• Bias in a trial can manifest in various ways, such as prejudgment by the judges, exclusion of exculpatory evidence, or inadequate time for the defense to gather evidence and witnesses, all of which can undermine the fairness of the proceedings.

Witton Blamed for Conspiring in the Murders of Visser and Eight Boer Prisoners, Despite Minimal Involvement

Despite his minimal involvement, Witton was accused of being complicit in the killing of both Visser and eight other Boer prisoners. He argues that he followed his superior officers' commands, believing them to be lawful at the time. He also points to examples of other units carrying out similar actions without punishment, suggesting that the military trial unfairly focused on the Carbineers.

Context

• The Boer prisoners were part of the Boer commandos, who used guerrilla tactics against the British forces.

Other Perspectives

• Following orders does not absolve an individual from moral responsibility, especially in cases involving loss of life.
• The argument could be seen as an appeal to common practice, which is a logical fallacy; just because something is done frequently does not make it morally or legally acceptable.
• The legal proceedings might have been part of a broader effort to maintain discipline and order within the military, with the Carbineers' case serving as an example.

Witton's Imprisonment and Efforts to Secure His Release

This section recounts the author's experience as a prisoner, highlighting the harsh conditions, his severe health deterioration, and the tireless campaign to secure his release, orchestrated by supporters in Australia and South Africa.

Witton's Imprisonment, Health Issues, and Harsh Conditions

Witton endured harsh prison conditions, including degrading treatment, monotonous work, and inadequate medical care, ultimately contracting typhoid.

Witton Sentenced To Life, Endured Severe Hardship In Prisons

Witton describes the harsh realities of being incarcerated, from the demeaning clothes and constant searches to the monotonous labor and strict enforcement of quiet. He recounts his surprise at receiving a life imprisonment and the initial despair that followed. The author details the difficult conditions in the prisons he was moved between, including Gosport and Lewes, where the food was inadequate and the sanitary arrangements appalling.

Practical Tips

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Witton Contracted Typhoid Fever While Incarcerated

Witton's health deteriorated significantly due to the harsh prison conditions and inadequate medical care. He describes his struggles with physical ailments and the psychological toll of prolonged isolation and a lack of certainty. Ultimately, he contracted typhoid fever while incarcerated at Portland and endured a life-threatening struggle for several months.

Practical Tips

• Develop a 'certainty anchor' routine that includes activities with predictable outcomes. Engage in simple tasks like gardening, where you can anticipate the growth of plants, or cooking, where following a recipe leads to a known result. This can provide a sense of control and predictability in your daily life.
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The Campaign to Secure Witton's Release

Witton emphasizes the large-scale campaign orchestrated by his supporters to secure his release, showcasing the public outcry against the punishment he received and the widespread belief in his innocence.

Australian Petition Gathers More Than 100,000 Signatures for George Witton's Pardon

A large-scale petition, garnering over 100,000 signatures, was launched by Australians pleading for Witton’s pardon. The petition highlighted the unfairness of Witton's sentence, emphasizing his junior position, his obedience to orders, and the lack of evidence demonstrating any ill intent on his part. The petition argued that his actions should be considered in the context of the guerrilla warfare he was involved in and the conflicting orders given to his unit.

Practical Tips

• Implement a "Two-Question Rule" in your conversations: whenever you feel inclined to judge someone's motives, first ask yourself two questions: "What else could this mean?" and "Is there evidence to support a negative intent?" This practice can help you pause and consider situations more objectively, leading to fairer assessments of others' actions.
• Engage in role-playing games that simulate command and control scenarios. Find or design a role-playing game where players must make strategic decisions with incomplete information and conflicting orders. This can help you develop an appreciation for the challenges faced in such environments and the importance of context in decision-making.

Witton's South African and UK Supporters Sought Case Reconsideration

Witton recounts the tireless efforts of his supporters there, who formed a release committee and garnered support from influential figures like Hon. J. D. Logan and Major Jamieson, M.P. The committee organized public meetings, gathered affidavits from fellow soldiers, and lobbied the government in South Africa to advocate for his release to the British authorities. They argued that Witton was a victim of a miscarriage of justice and that a civil court needed to retry him to uncover the full truth. He also highlights the support from journalists and ordinary citizens who believed in his innocence and condemned the War Office's attempts to suppress the complete information about the case.

Context

• Witton was one of the "Breaker Morant" group, involved in a high-profile court-martial for alleged war crimes. The trial was controversial, with debates over the legality and morality of orders given during wartime.
• The term refers to a legal situation where an innocent person is wrongly convicted. Highlighting this would have been crucial in rallying public and political support, as it suggests a failure in the legal system that needed rectification.
• Having influential figures like politicians or community leaders speak at these meetings could lend credibility and attract media attention, increasing the pressure on authorities to reconsider the case.
• Gathering affidavits is a common legal strategy to build a case for appeal or retrial, aiming to introduce new evidence or perspectives that were not considered in the original trial.
• Figures like Major Jamieson, M.P., indicate the involvement of political leaders who could leverage their positions to influence decisions at higher levels of government.
• Similar cases in military history where soldiers were later exonerated or pardoned due to new evidence or shifts in public opinion provide context for understanding the claims of miscarriage of justice.
• The involvement of influential figures and public campaigns often aimed to shift cases from military to civil courts, where there was a belief that trials would be more transparent and subject to public scrutiny.
• The period was marked by tensions between the press and government authorities, with journalists sometimes facing censorship or pressure when reporting on controversial issues, such as military trials.
• Newspapers and pamphlets played a crucial role in shaping public opinion at the time. Investigative journalism often exposed injustices and rallied public support for individuals perceived as wronged by the system.
• Public campaigns and advocacy were instrumental in bringing attention to perceived injustices, demonstrating the power of collective action in influencing government decisions.

Witton Eventually Goes Free

This section celebrates Witton's eventual release, crediting the persistent efforts of his supporters and acknowledging the influential figures who championed him.

Witton's 1904 Release Supported by Hon. J.D. Logan

After three years of imprisonment, Witton was finally released in 1904. His release was largely credited to the tireless efforts of Hon. J. D. Logan, who relentlessly campaigned on his behalf and traveled to England himself to obtain his release once it was officially confirmed. Logan’s strong belief in Witton's innocence and his tireless advocacy played a pivotal role in gaining the young soldier's long-awaited freedom.

Context

• George Witton was an Australian soldier involved in the controversial Boer War, which took place from 1899 to 1902 between the British Empire and two Boer states in South Africa.
• Hon. J.D. Logan was a prominent figure in South Africa, known for his influence and connections. His advocacy was crucial due to his ability to mobilize public opinion and navigate political channels.
• The early 1900s were a time of significant political tension regarding colonial military actions. Public opinion was divided, and there was growing scrutiny of the British Empire's military practices.
• The case and Logan's involvement underscored the complexities of colonial warfare and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers, influencing future military and legal reforms.

Witton Reunited With Family in Australia Following Ordeal

Upon his release, Witton was met with immense public support. He warmly acknowledges those who campaigned for his release, including his brother, a major, the Australian Natives' Association, and former Prime Minister Alfred Deakin. Finally reunited with his loved ones in Australia, he expressed immense gratitude for the support he received throughout his ordeal.

Context

• The case stirred nationalistic feelings in Australia, contributing to a growing sense of identity separate from British colonial rule.
• Witton's ordeal included imprisonment and a death sentence, which was later commuted to life imprisonment, highlighting the severity of his situation and the relief upon his release.
• Witton's release and return to Australia were seen as a victory for those who believed in his innocence and were critical of British military justice.