12Jan04-Catherine Lyst-Iraq war hero quits 'the army that failed him'
CATHERINE LYST
COLONEL Tim Collins, the British officer who became a national hero following an emotive eve-of-battle speech to his men before they entered Iraq, has resigned, it emerged yesterday.
Col Collins, 43, tendered his resignation last week and is expected to be out of the army by the summer after 22 years’ service.
The man who earned a reputation as a tough but charismatic officer is believed to have become disillusioned with the army after it failed to support him when he was accused of mistreating Iraqi prisoners. He is also said to be concerned that the army is becoming little more than a Home Guard.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) refused to comment on his departure, but military sources confirmed the Northern Ireland-born soldier was leaving. A spokesman said: "It is a private matter between the British Army and Col Collins."
He added it was not normal practice to discuss individuals publicly.
Col Collins, a father of five, who was often seen with a cigar clenched between his teeth and wearing designer sunglasses during the conflict, appears to be leaving a disillusioned man.
His wife, Caroline, told a Sunday newspaper: "Tim is no longer convinced that the army reflects the country with the fourth largest economy in the world. He fears it is becoming a cottage industry.
"He’s worried it is being crippled by political correctness, petty bureaucracy and the refusal of politicians who send British soldiers to war to give them enough money to do their job."
Mrs Collins said a major factor in her husband’s decision to resign was the army’s failure to support him when he was wrongly accused of mistreating Iraqi prisoners under his charge.
A United States army reservist, whom Col Collins had disciplined in Iraq, made the allegation and the MoD launched an extensive investigation, news of which was leaked to the media.
Col Collins was eventually exonerated, promoted and awarded an OBE.
Despite being cleared of all allegations, the months-long investigation clearly left a bad taste in his mouth.
Mrs Collins, speaking from their home in Canterbury, Kent, said of her husband: "The height of his ambition was to command the Royal Irish Regiment on operations, something he achieved during the Iraq campaign. It’s time for a fresh challenge."
It is understood he is set on a career in leadership and management training.
Col Collins rose to the nation’s attention when he delivered his address to Royal Irish Regiment troops. In a speech expounding soldierly virtues such as courage, modesty and respect for the enemy, he said: "We go to liberate, not to conquer. If you are ferocious in battle, be magnanimous in victory."
He also told his men: "You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest, for your deeds will follow you down through history. We will bring shame on neither our uniform nor our nation."
The address earned him praise from Prince Charles and was admired by George Bush, the US president, who is said to have ordered a copy to hang on his office wall.
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