Menu
02/04/2004
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.
The court found that war crimes allegations which claimed Col Collins had stood by as a henchman of Saddam Hussein's was allegedly doused in petrol, set alight and then shot, were false.
In the Sunday Mirror, it was reported that there had been an MOD investigation into a claim that nine Iraqi soldiers had been shot dead while surrendering to members of Col Collins' regiment. Again this was proven to be false. The paper apologised.
Damages awarded in both cases were described as "substantial".
Born in Belfast, Tim Collins, a professional career soldier for 22 years, made headlines across the globe for the rousing speech he gave to the 650 men of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, on March 19, 2003.
In that speech, he called on his men to be ferocious in battle but "magnanimous in victory".
The Colonel also stressed the importance of being robust in combat but to follow humanitarian rules governing warfare.
Prince Charles wrote to him praising his "humane words" and President Bush is said to have a copy of the speech on display in the Oval Office.
(MB)
Col Collins won damages against the Sunday Express and Sunday Mirror newspapers at the High Court in Belfast on Friday.
The court found that war crimes allegations which claimed Col Collins had stood by as a henchman of Saddam Hussein's was allegedly doused in petrol, set alight and then shot, were false.
In the Sunday Mirror, it was reported that there had been an MOD investigation into a claim that nine Iraqi soldiers had been shot dead while surrendering to members of Col Collins' regiment. Again this was proven to be false. The paper apologised.
Damages awarded in both cases were described as "substantial".
Born in Belfast, Tim Collins, a professional career soldier for 22 years, made headlines across the globe for the rousing speech he gave to the 650 men of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, on March 19, 2003.
In that speech, he called on his men to be ferocious in battle but "magnanimous in victory".
The Colonel also stressed the importance of being robust in combat but to follow humanitarian rules governing warfare.
Prince Charles wrote to him praising his "humane words" and President Bush is said to have a copy of the speech on display in the Oval Office.
(MB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 May 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.
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.
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.
20 August 2010
Churchill's 'So Much Owed' Speech Recalled
Today marks the official celebration of the most decisive days of the fight in the skies to save Britain from German invasion during World War II. The 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain is being marked with a reading of one of Winston Churchill's most famous speeches and a fly-past.
Churchill's 'So Much Owed' Speech Recalled
Today marks the official celebration of the most decisive days of the fight in the skies to save Britain from German invasion during World War II. The 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain is being marked with a reading of one of Winston Churchill's most famous speeches and a fly-past.
01 September 2005
Clarke attacks Blair on Iraq
Kenneth Clarke has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Tony Blair over the Iraq war. In his first speech since announcing his intention to run for leadership of the Conservative party, Mr Clarke described Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War as a “catastrophic error”.
Clarke attacks Blair on Iraq
Kenneth Clarke has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Tony Blair over the Iraq war. In his first speech since announcing his intention to run for leadership of the Conservative party, Mr Clarke described Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War as a “catastrophic error”.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
