Discussion
This is a Pre-Battle Speech by British Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins. It was given to the men of the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Guards, on war alert in Kuwait, Wednesday, 19th of March, 2003. It has been circulating around our military internet, so I believe it to be authentic.
I, personally, found it very thought provoking. I felt compelled to post it here to let our British friends and comrades know that many Americans, I dare say most Americans, are thankful for our alliance, and are honored to have your chaps fighting at our side. In America we have an expression…” You find out who your REAL friends are when the going gets rough”.
Here’s to our FRIENDS across the pond...Cheers.
"We go to liberate not to conquer. We will not fly our flags in their country," he said. "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. 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."
He said: "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.
"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."
I, personally, found it very thought provoking. I felt compelled to post it here to let our British friends and comrades know that many Americans, I dare say most Americans, are thankful for our alliance, and are honored to have your chaps fighting at our side. In America we have an expression…” You find out who your REAL friends are when the going gets rough”.
Here’s to our FRIENDS across the pond...Cheers.
"We go to liberate not to conquer. We will not fly our flags in their country," he said. "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. 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."
He said: "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.
"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."
What can be added, stunning speach, this should be used in motivational textbooks if there are such things.
I am genuinely moved by the eloquence of this & on the cusp of battle.
I am following developments closely as two of my family are out there at the moment (both in the US forces), but this sums up the mood well.
I am genuinely moved by the eloquence of this & on the cusp of battle.
I am following developments closely as two of my family are out there at the moment (both in the US forces), but this sums up the mood well.
Wow! A wonderful summary of war, death, honour and the greatness and smallness of men. Knowing how precious life is, and how easily extinguished, can be very sobering, very uplifting, but is always likely to give voice to philosophical thoughts.
Many of us believe this war is just, for the sake of the ordinary people of Iraq, but many of us are also uncomfortable with the way this conflict has been manufactured politically.
Whatever, God speed to all who are risking their lives for another people - that really is altruism on the highest of planes.
Many of us believe this war is just, for the sake of the ordinary people of Iraq, but many of us are also uncomfortable with the way this conflict has been manufactured politically.
Whatever, God speed to all who are risking their lives for another people - that really is altruism on the highest of planes.
Outstanding speech. I got choked up when I read it. That really echoes my sentiments about the war as well. I'd also like to add that the U.S. is truly grateful to our allies, especially the British. My dad is retired USAF and his dad commanded the 13th AF over the Pacific and was in Europe in WWII, and they have both always said that Britain is our greatest ally. Aside from all the political discord around this, to go into battle successfully, you have to believe in the mission. For someone to say "I will face this danger beside you", that really means a lot. I think the media miss that in all the political debate.
>> Edited by seafarer on Friday 28th March 23:27
>> Edited by seafarer on Friday 28th March 23:27
That was a very good speech. Got to hand it to the Brit's on this one. That was a proper way to say things. I wonder why such things never make it on the news shows? Walt may not see all the peoples responses as I have never seen any of his posts outside of the Lotus Esprit section. He is a very good person and an excellent hands on car person by the phone and email communications I have had with him in the past year.
Calvin
Calvin
That was one of the best speeches i have ever read.(it was on the front page of the sun the day after it was made with a picture of the colonel in mirror shades smoking a big cigar.)I also liked the speech George Dubya bush made to his troops on wednesday,with them cheering every word,it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
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