Controversial NI army colonel awarded OBE

A Northern Ireland-born British Army officer who was investigated for alleged war crimes during the Iraq war is to be awarded…

A Northern Ireland-born British Army officer who was investigated for alleged war crimes during the Iraq war is to be awarded an OBE.

Colonel Tim Collins, who was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Ministry of Defence last month, was the lieutenant colonel in charge of the 1st Battalion the Royal Irish regiment during the war but was promoted on his return from the Gulf to the rank of colonel.

The British Army officer, known as "Nails" to his troops, was lauded for his role in the Iraqi conflict before being plunged into war crimes allegations.

He was elevated to hero status for his address to troops in Iraq, but his career hung in the balance after a US soldier accused him of mistreating Iraqi civilians and prisoners of war. However a full Ministry of Defence inquiry cleared him of any wrongdoing.

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He is famed for the rousing speech he gave troops on the eve of battle which won him praise from the Prince of Wales.

In his address he said: "If you are ferocious in battle remember to be magnanimous in victory."

It has been reported that President George W. Bush had a copy of the speech pinned up on his wall in the Oval office.

He is currently setting up a peace support training centre in Sarajevo as well as working at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Shrivenham, Berkshire.