So, what do you all think about Britain moving troops...

[Guest]

Well we werent exactly going to say no were we? lol

Im sure the MOD is putting in an extra order for bodybags right now...

[Guest]

Im sure the MOD is putting in an extra order for bodybags right now...

I think thats almost as offensive as that c*** on the police999 forum who commented on Mr Bigleys death. I dont think thats neccisary when there are servicemen's wives etc on here. Really not helpful when i imagine its a hard enough time for them.

Think, before you post


James

[Redhand]

These animosites between British and American troops have existed for a long time no? I think its British disdain for American naivety in alot of military ventures (see Battle of the Bulge!). Generally, i'd have to agree though.

As for British training paying off in Basra, but aren't the insurgents and people of a completely different nature? One quisi religous, mainly political, the other fully religous?

Btw...Col Tim Collins?...was he the one who recently retired in disgust? Refresh my memory someone.

[dalo]

yeh no offence to the usmc but they are a bit gung ho i am reading a book about the second iraq war called generation kill its about the special forces marines, first recon,in they explain that going up highways they shot at there own parked vehicles that are a few hundred metres away thinking they are iraqi!!!!!! and from reading it seems that they didnt take time to properly identify.

[Kat =^..^=]

. . . Btw...Col Tim Collins?...was he the one who recently retired in disgust? Refresh my memory someone.

British Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins was alleged by US Army Major Re Biastre to have been responsible for mistreatment of Iraqi civilians and prisoners of war. Lieutenant Colonel Collins was later cleared of these charges by a tribunal.

Lt. Col. Tim Collins, 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish addressing his troops, 22 March 2003 (another version says 19 March)

Collins was addressing his 800 men, an arm of Britain's 16 Air Assault Brigade, at Fort Blair Mayne, a Kuwaiti desert camp 20 miles south of the Iraqi border. Here is as much of his extraordinary speech as has been reported.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

"We go to liberate not to conquer. We will not fly our flags in their country. We are entering Iraq to free a people and the only flag which will be flown in that ancient land is their own. Show respect for them.

"There are some who are alive at this moment who will not be alive shortly. Those who do not wish to go on that journey, we will not send. As for the others I expect you to rock their world. Wipe them out if that is what they choose. But if you are ferocious in battle remember to be magnanimous in victory.

"Iraq is steeped in history. It is the site of the Garden of Eden, of the Great Flood and the birthplace of Abraham. Tread lightly there. You will see things that no man could pay to see and you will have to go a long way to find a more decent, generous and upright people than the Iraqis. You will be embarrassed by their hospitality even though they have nothing. Don't treat them as refugees for they are in their own country. Their children will be poor, in years to come they will know that the light of liberation in their lives was brought by you.

"If there are casualties of war then remember that when they woke up and got dressed in the morning they did not plan to die this day. Allow them dignity in death. Bury them properly and mark their graves.

"It is my foremost intention to bring every single one of you out alive but there may be people among us who will not see the end of this campaign. We will put them in their sleeping bags and send them back. There will be no time for sorrow.

"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 the fires of hell for Saddam. He and his forces will be destroyed by this coalition for what they have done. As they die they will know their deeds have brought them to this place. Show them no pity.

"It is a big step to take another human life. It is not to be done lightly. 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. If someone surrenders to you then remember they have that right in international law and ensure that one day they go home to their family.

"The ones who wish to fight, well, we aim to please.

"If you harm the regiment or its history by over-enthusiasm in killing or in cowardice, know it is your family who will suffer. 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 or our nation.

"[Regarding the use by Saddam of chemical or biological weapons] It is not a question of if, it's a question of when. We know he has already devolved the decision to lower commanders, and that means he has already taken the decision himself. If we survive the first strike we will survive the attack.

"As for ourselves, let's bring everyone home and leave Iraq a better place for us having been there.

"Our business now is north."

[sneaky beaky]

Whey Hey,!! Tab,
You're not stirring things here are you? You might get a few "incomings" on this post!!
Sneaky

[Redhand]

righto,

Thx Kat. After i put that post up, i went and checked for myself. It also turned out that the American officer who accused him of these actions was dressed down by Collins earlier.

[MyssL]

Getting back to the original question. I think this short transcript from Question Time is the majority view of most people:

AUDIENCE MEMBER: "Are British Troops being used by the US as a political pawn?"
DAVID DIMBLEBY: (turning to his left) "Michael?"
MICHAEL HESTELTINE: (short pause, and looking bemused) "Yes"
<audience applause>
DAVID DIMBLEBY: "Is that it?!"
MICHAEL HESTELTINE: "Well yes"
<further audience applause>

[Redhand]

Hmm,

I don't know about any polls taken in Britain, but perhaps those would be more telling than a 'Question Time'.

[flo]

Im sure the MOD is putting in an extra order for bodybags right now...

Bang out of order.

From a Royal Marine wife, with 3 children waiting to say her goodbyes in 3 weeks

[Guest]

Im sure the MOD is putting in an extra order for bodybags right now...

Bang out of order.

From a Royal Marine wife, with 3 children waiting to say her goodbyes in 3 weeks

Damn right If i was you URNU i would delete/edit your post. But then again, if i was you, i would not have written such an insensitive load of sh*te in the first place

James

[dalo]

I was reading the paper this morning and i was shocked to find that it is just the scottish infantry regiments that are being moved around. Why is this, black watch is going into an area south of baghdad. Royal scots dragoon guards are filling there place around basra and the royal scottish highland fusileirs are there waiting on reserve.

[Guest]

I dont like to think or say this, but they could be moving them into more dangerous areas because of the reshaping of the armed forces back at home, and perhaps the government has too many soldiers in what will be, The Scottish Regiment (when all are amalgamated) and essentially can afford to loose a few. Not a nice thought i know, and i dissagree strongly with the axeing of the Scottish Regiments.

If anyone takes offense to what i just wrote, i dont mind removing it.

James

[dalo]

Yeh I just remembered that it was said that they might be disbanding a few scottish regiments and now they are moving them into the most dangerous area in iraq. (north around baghdad) why is this?.

[robj]

I dont like to think or say this, but they could be moving them into more dangerous areas because of the reshaping of the armed forces back at home, and perhaps the government has too many soldiers in what will be, The Scottish Regiment (when all are amalgamated) and essentially can afford to loose a few. Not a nice thought i know, and i dissagree strongly with the axeing of the Scottish Regiments.

If anyone takes offense to what i just wrote, i dont mind removing it.

James

I can't believe you. Are you trying to say that our goverment are attempting to kill off its own men?! Shut up!