Posthumous pardon for Aussies

Supporters are seeking a posthumous pardon for three soldiers court martialled during the Boer War more than 100 years ago.

Fairfax newspapers say the federal government will be presented with fresh evidence today on the court martials of three soldiers that led to the deaths by firing squad of two of them, lieutenants Harry Harbord "Breaker" Morant and Peter Handcock.

An independent review of the case by experienced military prosecutor Navy Commander James Unkles, assisted by Army Reserve lawyer Captain Tim Beale, has uncovered new evidence in the case that found the convictions of the three soldiers were unsafe and unjust.

A petition based on the findings will be presented in federal parliament.

A second petition was forwarded to the Queen last week.

It's expected the petition will be reviewed this week and passed on to Attorney-General Robert McClelland for action, Fairfax said.

Commander Unkles said there were at least 10 legal grounds to have the case re-opened.

"I have no doubt if this case is reviewed by the appropriate authorities the convictions would be set aside and they would be pardoned," Commander Unkles said.

Morant, Handcock and fellow lieutenant George Ramsdale Witton were convicted of murdering Boer prisoners.

Morant and Handcock were executed in 1902, despite pleas for mercy, while Witton was released less than two years into a life sentence.

Some suggest Morant and Handcock were executed to ease European concerns after they were earlier acquitted of killing a German missionary.

- AAP