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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)
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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
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02 April 2004
Iraq war hero awarded High Court damages
A Northern Ireland-born colonel, who was praised by Prince Charles for a pre-Iraq war speech to British troops, has won substantial undisclosed libel damages against two UK newspapers for allegations made about his conduct during the war.
Iraq war hero awarded High Court damages
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