Menu
21/05/2003
Belfast war hero probed over alleged crimes
An army commander from Northern Ireland, who won international acclaim for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a war crimes probe, it has been revealed today.
The MoD confirmed today that Colonel Tim Collins (43) is under investigation for alleged contraventions of the articles of the Geneva Convention.
The most serious allegations surround suggestions that he pistol-whipped an Iraqi civic leader and fired his pistol at an Iraqi vehicle when no threat was apparent.
Colonel Collins, who could face a court martial and dismissal if the allegations are upheld, has denied the charges.
The Belfast man, who has been a professional soldier for 22 years, made headlines across the globe for the rallying speech he gave to the 650 men of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, on March 19.
In that speech, he called on his men to be ferocious in battle but "magnanimous in victory". Colonel Collins had stressed the importance of being robust but to follow humanitarian rules governing warfare.
Promoted to full Colonel when his battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment was relieved from the battle zone last month, it had been suggested that he would be in line for a gallantry award for his leadership displayed during the action in Iraq.
Prince Charles wrote to Colonel Colonels to praise his "humane words" and President Bush is said to have a copy of the speech on display in the Oval Office.
(GMcG)
The MoD confirmed today that Colonel Tim Collins (43) is under investigation for alleged contraventions of the articles of the Geneva Convention.
The most serious allegations surround suggestions that he pistol-whipped an Iraqi civic leader and fired his pistol at an Iraqi vehicle when no threat was apparent.
Colonel Collins, who could face a court martial and dismissal if the allegations are upheld, has denied the charges.
The Belfast man, who has been a professional soldier for 22 years, made headlines across the globe for the rallying speech he gave to the 650 men of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, on March 19.
In that speech, he called on his men to be ferocious in battle but "magnanimous in victory". Colonel Collins had stressed the importance of being robust but to follow humanitarian rules governing warfare.
Promoted to full Colonel when his battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment was relieved from the battle zone last month, it had been suggested that he would be in line for a gallantry award for his leadership displayed during the action in Iraq.
Prince Charles wrote to Colonel Colonels to praise his "humane words" and President Bush is said to have a copy of the speech on display in the Oval Office.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
01 September 2003
NI-born Colonel cleared of Iraq war allegations
A Northern Ireland-born colonel, who was praised by Prince Charles for a pre-Iraq war speech to British troops, has been cleared of breaking the rules of conduct during the recent conflict.
NI-born Colonel cleared of Iraq war allegations
A Northern Ireland-born colonel, who was praised by Prince Charles for a pre-Iraq war speech to British troops, has been cleared of breaking the rules of conduct during the recent conflict.
23 May 2003
RIR Battallion Commander faces second inquiry
A second inquiry into the conduct of Royal Irish Regiment Batallion Commander Colonel Tim Collins is ongoing. It was dislosed today that an investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier, Paul Cochrane, at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
RIR Battallion Commander faces second inquiry
A second inquiry into the conduct of Royal Irish Regiment Batallion Commander Colonel Tim Collins is ongoing. It was dislosed today that an investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier, Paul Cochrane, at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
22 May 2003
War hero a shining example to others says UUP leader
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has described Northern Ireland-born Colonel Tim Collins as a shining example to the whole British Army. Mr Trimble's assessment of the soldier follows allegations that Colonel Collins breached articles of the Geneva Convention during the recent Iraq war.
War hero a shining example to others says UUP leader
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has described Northern Ireland-born Colonel Tim Collins as a shining example to the whole British Army. Mr Trimble's assessment of the soldier follows allegations that Colonel Collins breached articles of the Geneva Convention during the recent Iraq war.
09 August 2010
NI-Born Police Mentor Dies In Afghanistan
A Northern Ireland man - believed to be in his early 50s - has been killed in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. The Foreign Office has confirmed that Ken McGonigle from Co Tyrone was working as a police mentor when he was shot by an escaped prisoner in the Musa Qala district on Saturday.
NI-Born Police Mentor Dies In Afghanistan
A Northern Ireland man - believed to be in his early 50s - has been killed in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. The Foreign Office has confirmed that Ken McGonigle from Co Tyrone was working as a police mentor when he was shot by an escaped prisoner in the Musa Qala district on Saturday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
