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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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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
