Menu
21/05/2003
British war hero probed over alleged crimes
Colonel Tim Collins, the British Army commander who won international plaudits for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a war crimes probe, it has been revealed today.
Tim Collins (43), who was promoted to full colonel when his battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment was relieved from the battle zone last month, is alleged to have breached articles of the Geneva Convention. The MoD's Special Investigations Branch (SIB) is investigating.
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 posed to his men. Colonel Collins could face a court martial and dismissal if the allegations are proven. He has strenuously denied the charges.
Tim Collins, 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 stressed the importance of being robust but to follow humanitarian rules governing warfare fairly. It had been suggested that he would be in line for a gallantry award for his leadership during the war in Iraq.
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.
(GMcG)
Tim Collins (43), who was promoted to full colonel when his battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment was relieved from the battle zone last month, is alleged to have breached articles of the Geneva Convention. The MoD's Special Investigations Branch (SIB) is investigating.
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 posed to his men. Colonel Collins could face a court martial and dismissal if the allegations are proven. He has strenuously denied the charges.
Tim Collins, 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 stressed the importance of being robust but to follow humanitarian rules governing warfare fairly. It had been suggested that he would be in line for a gallantry award for his leadership during the war in Iraq.
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.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 May 2003
War hero subject of second MoD probe
It has emerged today that Colonel Tim Collins, the British Army commander who won international plaudits for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a second MoD probe. The second inquiry surrounds the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
War hero subject of second MoD probe
It has emerged today that Colonel Tim Collins, the British Army commander who won international plaudits for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a second MoD probe. The second inquiry surrounds the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
02 April 2004
Iraq war hero awarded High Court damages
Colonel Tim Collins, who won praise for his pre-Iraq war speech to British troops, has won undisclosed libel damages against two UK newspapers for allegations made about his conduct during the war. Col Collins won damages against the Sunday Express and Sunday Mirror newspapers at the High Court in Belfast on Friday.
Iraq war hero awarded High Court damages
Colonel Tim Collins, who won praise for his pre-Iraq war speech to British troops, has won undisclosed libel damages against two UK newspapers for allegations made about his conduct during the war. Col Collins won damages against the Sunday Express and Sunday Mirror newspapers at the High Court in Belfast on Friday.
19 October 2006
London mayor wins court appeal
London Mayor Ken Livingstone has won a high court appeal relating to comments he made to a Jewish reporter, in February 2005, comparing him to a concentration camp guard.
London mayor wins court appeal
London Mayor Ken Livingstone has won a high court appeal relating to comments he made to a Jewish reporter, in February 2005, comparing him to a concentration camp guard.
03 June 2009
British Soldier Dies In Afghan Bomb Blast
A British soldier has died in an explosion while on patrol in southern Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Defence. The soldier, from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, died as a result of the blast near Gereshk in Helmand province on Tuesday morning. His next of kin has been informed.
British Soldier Dies In Afghan Bomb Blast
A British soldier has died in an explosion while on patrol in southern Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Defence. The soldier, from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, died as a result of the blast near Gereshk in Helmand province on Tuesday morning. His next of kin has been informed.
11 September 2008
British Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed while on routine patrol duties in southern Afghanistan yesterday. The soldier from the Royal Logistics Corps was killed in a contact explosion near Musa Quleh in Helmand the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed. The cause of the explosion is being investigated.
British Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed while on routine patrol duties in southern Afghanistan yesterday. The soldier from the Royal Logistics Corps was killed in a contact explosion near Musa Quleh in Helmand the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed. The cause of the explosion is being investigated.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
