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01/09/2003
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.
Colonel Tim Collins, 43, was under investigation by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) following allegations of war crimes in Iraq, which were lodged by an American officer. These included an incident where he supposedly pistol-whipped an Iraqi civic leader and fired his pistol at an Iraqi vehicle when no threat was apparent.
In a statement on Monday, the MoD confirmed that no criminal proceedings would be taken and no other disciplinary action was being contemplated.
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 also stressed the importance of being robust in combat but to follow humanitarian rules governing warfare.
Prince Charles wrote to Colonel Collins to praise his "humane words" and President Bush is said to have a copy of the speech on display in the Oval Office.
(MB)
Colonel Tim Collins, 43, was under investigation by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) following allegations of war crimes in Iraq, which were lodged by an American officer. These included an incident where he supposedly pistol-whipped an Iraqi civic leader and fired his pistol at an Iraqi vehicle when no threat was apparent.
In a statement on Monday, the MoD confirmed that no criminal proceedings would be taken and no other disciplinary action was being contemplated.
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 also stressed the importance of being robust in combat but to follow humanitarian rules governing warfare.
Prince Charles wrote to Colonel Collins to praise his "humane words" and President Bush is said to have a copy of the speech on display in the Oval Office.
(MB)
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