as counsel for Bram Fischer when he was brought to trial. E Khan writes: "Hanson was big in every way: in intellect, in physique, in voice, in courage, in application, in determination. He was fearless, if ebullient and temperamental, in court. Ever eloquent — his colleagues would speak of "Hansonian eloquence" — he could develop an argument for his client on fact or law at the drop of a hat. In cross-examination he was penetrating and robust, and could be fierce; he had indeed a great reputation as a cross examiner. To counsel on the other side, he could prove an awkward opponent; but no one ever questioned his integrity". Family Hanson first married Mabel Martin with whom he adopted a son, Michael Anthony Hanson and then had a daughter, Clare Hanson. His second marriage was in 1945 to Anna Marie Berger (known as Anita). They had two daughters and a son. Anita predeceased Harold by 18 years, after which he married Cissie Pincus. Notes References J.R. Steyn, South African Law Journal, (1972) 89:93 The Star Obituary 17 February 1973 Sunday Express Obituary 18 February 1973 Sunday Times Obituary 18 February 1973 Rand Daily Mail Obituary 19 February 1973; 20 February 1973 Nelson Mandela, The first Bram Fischer memorial lecture, 9 June 1995 E. Khan, Dictionary of South African Biography (Pretoria; HSRC, 1987) Carmel Rickard, The Trial of the Century, Sunday Times 2 January 2000 Towards Robben Island: the Rivonia Trial Sentencing Statement of Justice Quartus de Wet in the Trial of Nelson Mandela Private unpublished communication 1904 births 1973 deaths People from Johannesburg South African people of British descent South African Jews Anti-apartheid activists 20th-century South African lawyers Alumni of King Edward VII School (Johannesburg) University of the Witwatersrand alumni