Menu
22/05/2003
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.
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.
The MoD's Special Investigations Branch (SIB) is investigating.
In a statement, Mr Trimble said: “This leader is one of the finest examples of the professional soldier, and any slight on his character is a great disservice to the man and his Regiment.
“The character, grit and even-handed approach of Colonel Collins are characteristics we should applaud. Journalists who shadowed his every move during the Gulf War had nothing but praise for his abilities, which makes the accusations against him all the more dubious.
“He is a shining example to the whole British Army, and I trust that his reputation will remain untarnished when this silly episode is finally laid to rest."
Colonel Collins could face a court martial and dismissal if the allegations are proven.
(MB/GMcG)
Mr Trimble's assessment of the soldier follows allegations that Colonel Collins breached articles of the Geneva Convention during the recent Iraq war.
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.
The MoD's Special Investigations Branch (SIB) is investigating.
In a statement, Mr Trimble said: “This leader is one of the finest examples of the professional soldier, and any slight on his character is a great disservice to the man and his Regiment.
“The character, grit and even-handed approach of Colonel Collins are characteristics we should applaud. Journalists who shadowed his every move during the Gulf War had nothing but praise for his abilities, which makes the accusations against him all the more dubious.
“He is a shining example to the whole British Army, and I trust that his reputation will remain untarnished when this silly episode is finally laid to rest."
Colonel Collins could face a court martial and dismissal if the allegations are proven.
(MB/GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
21 May 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.
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.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
16 April 2003
Blair and Ahern discuss NI impasse in Athens
The British Prime Minister and the Taoiseach have set aside time from their EU schedule for talks on the stalled Northern Ireland peace process. The leaders met to discuss the situation regarding the current impasse while attending an EU summit in Athens.
Blair and Ahern discuss NI impasse in Athens
The British Prime Minister and the Taoiseach have set aside time from their EU schedule for talks on the stalled Northern Ireland peace process. The leaders met to discuss the situation regarding the current impasse while attending an EU summit in Athens.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
