What made Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins oratory so special?
Battle ready they may be, but it took just a few choice words to penetrate the hardened souls of British troops amassed on the border with Iraq. Colonel Tim Collins drew tears from some of his men with a stirring and heartfelt pre-battle address on the eve of Washington’s deadline for Saddam Hussein to quit Iraq. Fierce rhetoric was followed by human tenderness as he sought to psych-up his troops for what would doubtless be some deadly days ahead. “If you are ferocious in battle remember to be magnanimous in victory,” said Colonel Collins, seeking to set out a definite line between military professionalism and reckless jingoism. Reach wider audience “I know of men who have taken life needlessly in other conflicts. I can assure you they live with the mark of Cain upon them.” FIGHTING TALK The enemy should be in no doubt that we are his Nemesis and that we are bringing about his rightful destruction – there are many regional commanders who have stains on their souls and they are stoking
