i was stood 20 feet away from Col Tim Collins when he made this speech, and as scared as we were this was the biggest boost to confidence than anything what a legend!
You and your mates did him proud, Bob. Your lot kept your end of the promises he made that day, and lived up to what he asked of you. I wonder why they changed his last paragraph for that bit about *your mums standing in the queues at the co-ops* though? ***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***
Reminds of a US Marine Colonel's words to a reporter at a very dark time in the Korean war: 'We are OK now, we have the sea on one side and the British on the other; and we know they will both be there in the morning.'
That man has the respect he deserves..ex Army...ex SAS and still a wonderful human being and a man who understands the nature of respecting the enemies country and history
Yes, people involved in this sort of offensive should know the entire scope of what they are invading. That helps the troops on the ground make good, moral choices about what they do. Whilst a speach saying 'they're all terrible, theyve done bad things, hit them hard' would be the wrong speech to give. Let the soldiers know what they're doing, and why they're doing it, and that's all we, as civilians need a commander to do - they can make judgement then
Leo Peridot wow. Okay dumbass. Why don’t you look to what the previous eight years brought and then look to now? Do some research before you virtual signal to appear popular. I know it’s difficult, but our previous president allowed media propaganda-why you think that is? Crawl back into your hole you fucking moron piece of shit. I’ll do exactly what you fuck sticks do and start calling names too and I know I can scream louder than you and I can back it up bitch.
As an American Soldier myself I love our British cousins who have steadfastly and unconditionally stood beside us in every battle for the last century. They should and shall always have our unwaivering support. God bless America and God save Great Britain!
Our countries have stood together against the forces of darkness in the past and shall do so in the future, no matter what any nasty troll may think or write.
From the tone of your comments if you doubled your IQ it would still be in single figures. You appear to be someone who has never served their country but has an opinion on everything to do with those who have. If I am wrong I am prepared to apologise but if I am right I do not expect an apology in return as I would be surprised if you were capable of doing so. America and Britain have stood firmly together in the past and will continue to do so in the future. God bless America, God save the Queen.
***** Britain and the United Stated are linked not just by past history but by a common language, culture and democratic institutions. We both value civil liberties and freedom of speech, even if these are open to abuse by certain parts of the social and political spectrum. By this I mean those for whom it is easier to decry than applaud, complain rather than succeed and criticise rather than do. By the way, while the language of the previous poster to your comments is not to my taste, he is essentially correct and I would suggest that you stop posting in SMS. It does nothing for your arguments and gives the impression that you have limited faculties.
I am not quite sure about the relevance of your comment, but the right you are alluding to (ie free speech) is the one you are currently taking advantage of. It is a right shared by pitifully few others in this world. That being the case, I have confidence in my world view. As for values and standards, they are timeless.
Being a US Marine vet, I miss hanging out with the Brits on Bastion. Such a good lot and it always made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing they were going through the same shit we did.
@@MFKR696 In the Marines, I was stationed in Hawaii. During RIMPAC there was a Canadian unit that came to Marine Corps Base Hawaii--and just about every other country involved in RIMPAC had units somewhere in Hawaii during this time. We let them use our laundry facilities even though we were told not to. They got into a big fight with an Australian unit over a disputed lost/stolen wallet. It ended with the Sergeants Major of each unit exchanging the wallet in question to its owner. Good times!
We are so lucky there was a journalist present to record the words of the speech, so well recreated here. Otherwise these wise words would have been lost. This is a fantastic speech from a real leader of men.
Its a shame men like him were few &far between.. &the US military had almost NONE of this sentiment.. hell.. shock &awes entire campaign orders seemed to be.. if it's old blow it up if its shiny take it.. if it wears a hijab stick your johnson in it 💀
Maybe that speech was only given because a journalist was present. Ever thought about that? And maybe it way all staged, just like the lies that should justify this useless war.
I had a drink with Tim Collins in Pristina. A great officer! This is one of the most inspirational addresses by a commander in history. Good job by Branagh.
what can I say but WOW!!!!!an unbelievable speech from a proud Ulsterman,i think as one of his troops they would follow him to hell and back.well said that man 👏👏👏👏👏
To quote a great yet inaccurate war movie: "Have no illusions, tomorrow you will still be my enemy." "You're still my enemy tonight, but even enemies can show respect."
Leo Peridot Germany did come to our shores. Read a history book. Battle of Britain. I don't remember the Brits resorting to anything I mentioned. Not even during wars of antiquity such as when the French invaded our territories under Henry VI or during the War of the Roses. Englishman don't use their kids as human shields.
My father was flew out of England during WWII and had an abiding love of all things British. Our dear late son was protected by, among others, the SAS during his time in the sandbox. He worked intel. The day after a mortar attack one of those operators came in to his tent, slapped down a gore encrusted cell phone and told JD, this belonged to one of those chaps who dropped the rounds on you last night. He won't need it any more. It's trite to say that is typical British understatement, but that is what it was. Thank you all for your service.
Sorry to be a bore, but what does "sandbox" refer to? But man, those SAS guys are on another level - just casually tossing your son stuff from the guy who tried to kill him, that's pretty badass haha; they're superhumans I swear! But they're heroes most of all, and incredibly vital to a prosperous and peaceful civilisation. Sorry to hear that your son has left this world. May he rest in peace until you meet again.
@@zonesquestiloveunderworld The term "sandbox" is often used as a slang term by soldiers to describe a war zone or an area of conflict, particularly in a desert environment like Afghanistan.
we serve to do the job.selection is hard trust me,but serving every day is harder.and then the end comes and we are cast aside.no help or understanding from people.but such is life.let the new rainbow people and others that don't know what they are live long and happy lives, doing nothing but moaning about bollocks.what we do protect the weak and unable.stand and defend or stand and moan.made my call and it was to THE REGT
The way he addresses the historic significance of Iraq makes me happy. Even though I myself am not Iraqi, living in the Middle East, you appreciate the unique historical significance of it all despite the geopolitical problems of today. Makes you feel grounded when you know what civilizations have done to rule this region and here you are living on it normally.
The hope here in the West is that the middle east becomes a bit less religious and more secular once the fighting wears out. Because that's what happened to us in the past in the Cathalic vs Protestant wars. We kinda realised it was dumb and retarded and reformed our society. There's a lot of guilt over Middle East interventions so the West doesn't wanna do anything anymore. Sending fighter jets to Syria takes a year of political backroom talks because pacifism reigns right now. Not because of rational thinking but because of guilt. I'm always curious as to what iraqi's think is the biggest fuck up the West has made in Iraq? A lot of people here think that we shouldnt have gone in in the first place because they think the Iraqi people would be better of with Saddam and the Baathists. But I read 'The Republic of Fear' and I can't imagine that. I don't know. I hope you guys over there realise that the general concensus here in the West is that we hope you guys pull trough. It's in everyones interest to see places like Baghdad and Damascus become the beacons of light, and knowledge and amazement they once where in the past. And not the places of religious violence and hatred they seem to be now.
Another misinformed post by the radical Left. The REAL hope in the West is that the Middle East becomes more Christ like and less Mohammed like. The VAST majority of wars have everything to do with the LACK of Christianity, not sectarian conflicts. Mao murdered 70 million Chinese because Mao was a secular atheist. Hitler another 50 million. Stalin another 35-40 million. In America today, the secular Left has murdered 57 million innocent babies all in the hand of greed, selfishness, and secularism. What is really "dumb" is not to see the clear evidence that Christianity has done more good for the World than all the other "belief" systems combined and that secularism is brutal, hateful, and racist.
You strike me as a nice enough and well meaning sort of fella. Just wanted to say that before the comment section eats you alive for your sentiment. If it helps I've always found sleep to be a good way to relax... Good luck
Colonel Tim Collins probably gave this speech a good deal of thought, however, as an 'off the cuff' talk to his troops, I reckon it beats Shakespeare's St. Crispin's Day speech from 'Henry V', and how wonderful to have the same actor deliver these two monumental speeches. I hope, in time, Col. Collins's speech becomes as well-known as Henry V's, it certainly deserves to be. I could be wrong, but it's possible Col. Collins at some time read one of Churchill's most famous quotes, "When you have to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite." It wasn’t until I had been in uniform that I began to understand what he meant. Churchill said this in response to accusations he was too soft on his speech, in the Commons, when officially responding to Japan’s sneak attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Philippines and Singapore. People felt he had been too polite in his remarks directed to the Japanese Ambassador. Of course, he wasn’t going to kill the Japanese official, he was speaking figuratively. Actually, his remarks in the House, were rightfully savage and true, it was just the sign-off that some thought was too polite. Colonel Collins was, in a way, advising his troops of the same kind of approach. To take lives when battle commands it, but afterwards respect the bodies of those you have killed. As he intimated, the taking of a life is a serious matter. The least we can do is respect the dead; and then, at the appropriate time, grieve for our fallen mates. Thanks for uploading this; I’d forgotten how good this was. I’ll take another look. Cheers, BH
I've always felt that the men most comfortable with violence are also the most compassionate people in the world. They recognize what they're doing and they don't sugar-coat it. But they also have the strength to do what needs to get done. This makes them dangerous, but in an honorable sort of way.
E Drew "If you have no capacity for violence then you are a healthy productive citizen, a sheep. If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath, a wolf. But what if you have a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your fellow citizens? What do you have then? A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the hero's path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed"
@DemocracyOfHypocrisy ... @John Ashtone ... Civilians might respect soldiers more if they didn't use analogies that claim their urge to hurt people grants them authority over us, and casts as dumb herd animals. The craving to hurt people has nothing to do with the intelligence to make wise decisions. Military men consistently force us to do things in simpler, less-effective ways ... just because simple methods are easier for military men to understand. Military men consistently abuse the weak for pleasure, while claiming abuse makes their victims better people. Your value system only works in warfare, because its the only way to give a million guns to a million teenagers without leading to a kinslaying clusterfuck. But in peacetime, your attitude that the rest of us are "sheep" is exactly what keeps you from learning from people smarter than you. If you only respect violent men, that's all you'll learn. If you disrespect those who are kind and gentle, you will learn nothing from us ... and then wonder why your jobs keep going to AI and robots, while the best jobs go to exactly those deviants and pussies you condescendingly despise.
I had the privilege of having a teacher when I was 13-14 who'd been a Capt in the Royal Marines Commandos in the 1960s. A humble, inspirational man who had all of us in awe of him. We'd have jumped through flaming hoops for that guy. Backed us up when we, as teenagers do, got into trouble. Gave us exercises and lessons which built our confidence, something which serves me to this day, and left us with a role model NO ONE has ever eclipsed since. He, and men like Col Collins are few and far between today, regrettably. The more the 'men' in bland, grey suits drive them away from the role they were destined to play in this World, the lesser we'll all be for it.....
It is easy if you are fighting a poor country in their own country. England has never know what it is to have a real war. To know real war, you need to be defeated.
@@escapethewest None of these wars affected England. The wars were fought elsewhere. As I said, you don't know, unless you have faced war. The Napoleonic wars were fought in Europe, not in England.
@@PK-sc2vn The population of the Commonwealth is almost 3 billion people; do you expect the monarch to know every one of them by name, you absolute cretin? Some of us our proud of where we come from and are intelligent enough to understand that the monarchy is about much more than one man or woman... Stop trying to bring other people down to your level.
Thank you for your dignity, Colonel Collins. I became very fond of the Iraqis. I'm sorry there are so many bombings still today CW3, US Army MNSTC-I Baghdad, Iraq 2005-'06
I went to see this guy speak after he had been drummed out by the suits for criticising the tactics and (accurately) predicting the subsequent shambles they were sure to result in. A man of dignity, despite his anger, and an Ulsterman of the best kind.
And don't forget that the most decorated British soldier of the Second World War was Colonel Blair "Paddy" Mayne who came from County Down in Northern Ireland. He was number two in the original SAS but when his CO. Colonel David Stirling was captured, Blair Mayne took command and led them to victory in many raids on the airfields of the enemy in North Africa.
When he said. "Let's leave Iraq a better place for us having been there," I suppose he really meant it. It seems that many others did not. No wonder he had criticisms.
@@flankspeed Let me just vommit. This fake dialogue between you and "Ali from Iraq "should pretend, that the british give a flying fuck aboiut the fate of the iraqi people. Get the fuck outta here.
It was my great privilege to work with E Co, 1st Bat, 52nd Lowland Volunteers out of the Mary Hill Barracks in Glasgow. I was with the US Navy in Scotland at the time. The Scots were very professional, skilled warriors and ferocious in the field. As a young Hospital Corpsman I was (and remain) in awe. I am in their debt.
@@norndev Got it. I understand that the video in question is about an Irish unit of the Royal Army. My observation was about the British Army in general and my experience with same.
Steve Fauser just a brief note, for reasons of history the British Army is not the Royal Army, there are Royal regiments, but for political and historical reasons going back to the Restoration of the Monarchy in the mid-17th Century, the Army as a whole is not Royal. One of the strange quirks on this strange country of ours 😉
It wasn't a conflict. USA decided they wanted power in the middle east and created the war by spreading fake propaganda about weapons of mass destruction, which there were none. Yet some willingly join the army and go on missions to the middle east to this day. It baffles my brain.
@@cryptidian3530 Saddam Hussein gassed 5000 civilians in Halabja in March 1988. That was one of his uses of weapons of mass destruction. Just a cold fact.
@@TommyBahama84 Weapon of mass destruction usually refers to explosive devices such as atomic bombs. I don't think gassing people qualifies for WMD. Horrible thing to do, but I don't think it qualifies. USA propaganda essentially told the public that Iraq had nuclear weapons and that this is the reason they invaded. False. It all comes back to oil and having power in other countries.
@@Nobodyety I'm not saying Sadam Hussein was a good person, but it would be a lie to say that the US military/government didn't use fearmongering to get the American people behind the idea of invading Iraq. What America did to Iraq will never be forgiven, nor will it be forgotten. They lied about WMDs after 2001 happened simply because IRAQ HAS OIL. It was all about power and control. They just needed a good excuse to invade and a well thought out lie that the general public would believe.
@@cryptidian3530 chemical weapons, for example chemical gasses are most definitely WMDs. It was a proud sight to see when Saddam got executed, he most definitely had it coming.
As a British Soldier it has been and will always be a relief and an honour to stand alongside American service men and women. They do an exemplary job under very difficult circumstances.
I met Col. Collins officially on two occasions, it was just prior to him leaving the army, he was ill-served and it showed in his demeanor. He was not a man you would want to cross, he was as tough as nails, the first time he was in uniform and the second in a suit. I wonder what he would have been like if he was my Colonel because he stirred fear in me and I was no longer in the army. Memories run deep.
I served in Iraq and I always strived to treat the people and soldiers/police I worked with and trained as brothers,they served their children, people and country as best as they could,same as me.
You honestly could not have said that any better mate! I'm from Omagh and I'm Catholic I got a bit of a hard time in school for being proud of being British, Irish and Northern Irish. Fortunately now things have changed my British son seems to get on fine. At the end of the day either way you said that greatly, As Kenneth Branagh did in his speech
“Our business now, is north! .. Good luck.” For some reason I got shivers down my back at those words. The words of a true warrior addressing his men and women.
This man....THIS SOLDIER...is a BATTALION COMMANDER! He is a man who is true leader and a man who knows the history and the culture of a people with a proud and ancient history..HE is what we need! HE IS A SOLDIER. A man of strong beliefs. a man committed to accomplishing his battalions mission! If we had MORE LIKE HIM..We'd be a force to be reckoned with . I would proudly serve with this officer!
That is a powerful speech. Respects to all serving retired or fallen - from a Vet. I served with Americans myself and would stand by them again anytime shoulder to shoulder. Fear this Band of Brothers those who oppose peace. My respects to you Tim Collins , SIR.
I remember traveling by trin up to London, myself and three of my colleagues, I had with me a copy of the morning papper. I began to read the artical to myself, it said are lads and girls were about to push over the border into Iraq, the country new that it was comming, you just can't quite believe it. It had this complete speach by Col Collins. I read it out loud to my colleagues, in parts I found it very hard to talk, when I got to the end, the whole carridge was in total silence. Unforgetable
One of the very best speeches i have ever heard cuts direct to the core stunning words i can imagine the fear the worry the pain the simple not knowing, that was a leaders speech i would follow Col Tim Collins, glad he was serving the British Army.
Great speech - I think that Bush had it framed on his wall in the Whitehouse I read somewhere. I met Collins and the head of the British Arrny - Patrick Cordingley - at a conference at the Belfry - and { could honestly say I would go into battle for and with these guys. Both inspirational speakers and leaders and seem to find the words to inspires you. You could hear a pin drop when they spoke. With Patrick, we had the pleasure of sitting around a table with him in a breakout group and we just asked him about leadership and how he would appraoch this and that. He was outstanding and just a credit to the service and the UK. Nothing but the hghest respect for him. BTW the Royal Marines I have met and hung out with are just outstanding and incredibly tough men. I was going to say individuals but they really are peope who think as a team from the world of 'we not me' . Well done
i was amongst those he was speaking too....... it was a great speech but unlike some reports no one was sobbing and as far as i can remember he stumbled through some of it.
0:55 "...its the birthplace of Abraham...you tread...you tread lightly there...". Assalaam alaykum Ya Abi Ibraheem Alaiy salaam (Peace My Father Abraham peace be upon him)
Ankamtilnei Bekungbul Give people freedom of religion. Let them believe in what they believe in, and you believe in your faith. In nowhere in any holy scripture does it say to condemn anyone for what they believe in, aye?
@@jonathanfraser321 I am not sure we Christians have a similar saying, as neither the orginal ones translates accurately enough to English from either Arabic, nor Hebrew, but from the faith of Noah, and Abraham: peace be unto you both ...
0:24 couldn’t help but think of the St. Crispin’s speech “we would not die in that man’s company that fears his fellowship to die with us.” Kenneth Branagh has a knack for badass speeches.
I do not know the name of this film but I can tell you that this is the Royal Irish Regiment (I served for 5 years).Its an amalgamation (1992) of the Royal Irish Rangers and the Ulster Defence Regiment.Their motto (war cry) is Faugh A Ballagh (clear the way) which has its origins in the Napoleonic wars (battle of Barrosa,Royal Irish Fusiliers)
It's called '10 Days to War' and was a series of eight short BBC Tv dramas covering events leading up to Gulf War 2 in 2003. This episode was called 'Our Business is North.' Hope that helps:-)
I came across this video while UA-cam supplied me with endless videos after what I first watched was over. I heard this speech and said to myself I need to find out what movie this came from... I'm in utter awe this was real....
+run4walk Im quoting from the film Henry 5th (1989) adapted from the Shakespeare play starring and directed Kenneth Branagh. I thought that would have been obvious.
Not quite the same as his Agincourt speech from Henry V though, in this instance his side massively outnumbered and outclassed the enemy technologically. Victory was a forgone conclusion, not a small army outnumbered 5 to 1 and half dying from dysentery/diarrhoea as in 1415 ;)
So too was Colonel Tim Collins from Belfast, and grew up there during the Troubles. I've met him and heard him lecture, and Branagh was the perfect choice to portray him.
@ MJW238 - Agreed - the moment any of these people signed on the line they sold out their moral agency. But if for example more officers in the US military had his attitude, Abu Ghraib would not have happened.
@SuperVHSchannel Indeed ... Blame not the soldiers, sailors, not airmen ... ... blame instead those whom order them there. And whilst it is true that the saying 'I was only following orders', has been used far too oftento cover for some of _the_ worse atrocities committed in human history, at the same time, from the US's Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the UK's Chief of Defence Staff, downwards, both Officers and Enlisted have these two deeply engrained in them: to obey the orders of those senior to them; and go where, and when, they are sent, both without question ... It was politicians whom sent their military forces into Afghanistan and Iraq, and whilst you could disobey orders, the penalty for such disobedience in both militaries are prety damn harsh, and you have to be very clear, in your mind of those consequences, before you act. If you're senior enough, the worst that could happen is you'll get sacked. Otherwise, you'll face a courts marshal ... and they tend to be less forgiving than a civilian court ...
@@michaelgove9349 I wouldn't say 'sold out' ... but rather they know that what moral agency they may have is now placed within strict limits ... Even within the military, you are still expected to have moral agency; to treat non-combatants, and even captured POWs, with civility, and dignity, recognizing they are still human beings, with human rights. Abu Ghraib happened because those enlisted, and even officers, involved, totally abandoned what moral agency they did have, and let themselves be swayed by the daemons of their worse nature ... It wasn't that they 'sold out' their moral agency the second they enlisted. Neither the US, nor UK military, regardless of branch, expects you to sell your moral agency. Rather, they did sell their moral agency the second that they began their maltreatment of POWs, in their custody, thereby negating innumerable treaties, and clauses, that enumerate the rights of POWs. Their sold their moral agency when they decided such inhumane, but unlawful, and illegal actions, and behaviours, were not only the right thing to do, but, in doing so, treated those in their care and custody worse than animals ... That's when they 'sold' not only their morals, but their humanity. Given what they did, their sentences were an utter joke. Nothing less than 30-35 years, with a minimum of no less than 25 years, to be served, in solitary confinement, within a military prison, should've been handed down, followed by a Dishonourable Discharge, and total forfeit of all pension and other associated rights ...
His recent interviews are excellent. Honest and insightful, no empty pride or dogmatic defence of the strategic under resourcing, lack of civillian leadership in the power vacumn or craven sucking up. Worth looking for.
What a difference between British officers and American you can see what a proper education will bring and what it means to come from a place with history because you will respect and e knowledge the history and culture of others, respect for this man and what he stands for. i wish more Americans wold see this and take note!
dude the only reason saddam was in power in was because we put him there in the first place WE gave him chemical weapons that killed thousands of Iranians I agree saddam was a bad guy but you just want to blame eveything on him when our governments are partly responsible
i dont know what to say, he brought ancient history to guys have never heard of. its because of men like him that has respect and understanding of a people whom we thought inferior, men like him gives the world respect, did he know at that time that our world began at this place, highest respect for you sir cos i know what they did to you. you are among few that understands and respects other cultures and life, for me you sir are a hero.
War is never a good thing. It is the most unjust and despicable act in human activities. And I am not saying that the Iraq invasion was justified etc. but when it comes down to it: this is the kind of military leader that is needed. A man of ethics, compassion, respect for others and morality. There are few military actions that seem justified in the history of humanity, one of them being: the allied response in WW2 (and I am not talking about the bombing of innocent civilians, less the nuclear bombings). I am a former officer of the German Army armored engineers and I say this: We must bond together in order to facilitate peace, respect and maybe one day unity on this earth. These days we must not give in to reasons of war because of greedy corporations and careless legislature of our so called leaders. We all live on this planet. And if we continue living like this, we will perish.
Sir, I empathise with your general view, though I think WW1 was also inevitable and necessary once Austria, with Germany's backing, made impossible demands of Serbia and Russia. The intention back then was also European expansion at the cost of the sovereignty of neighbouring European countries. I agree that Tim Collins's speech is spot-on for a military leader. He was treated disgracefully by the Americans. This speech, a transcript which I have just post separately, will live on down the ages I think, and rightly so. Respectfully, 123tgw.
I agree with 100% germnbill however and with respect, humanity will stand for no more than 5 minutes of peace. We all want things we don't need and need things we cannot have war as I am told from veterans here in the U.S. starts in the hearts of every human being that overreaches for something that they cannot have. God bless you sir and for your service.
I was in the USN... and also had the privilege of going to the UK... I loved the time there. We truely are one people divided by you know.... but was very well treated so ya GoD save the Queen,...peace and good will....
To our British cousins who fought valiantly next to us in both Iraq and Afghanistan. You were the only people we could count on that were not wearing the Stars and Stripes. Cheers bros.
I was there, a British soldier, in the war. We were in camp Matilda and we went over the border with 1 US MAR DIV. Your words echo precisely something said to me by a US Marine at the time. Proud to have been at your Country’s shoulder; always will be.
This is the eve-of-battle speech made by Colonel Tim Collins to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment in Iraq in 2003. "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. 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
That character is the contrast from every United States soldier who fought in the Gulf. "We shall not fly our flag in their country" the truly modern British way of thinking. Proud to be British
***** Northern Ireland is a massively different situation than Iraq. In Iraq they don't want to be British, therefore the presence of Union Flags would be offensive to them. The only people we're offending in N. Ireland is the Republic of Ireland. As Northern Ireland is a proud British territory they fly the flag themselves and I've seen it myself on camp with the ATC at JHFS Aldergrove. The only people who have a problem with it have no right to be complaining anyway. It's similar to the USA turning around and saying "Hey, we wan't a united north america! Free Canada from British rule so they can join us" and then attacking Canadian forces because they dare to love their country the way it is.
***** Hmm, that's interesting. As you may find the populations ethnicity or heritage does not matter (I realise you did not comment on ethnicity but it is still relevant) if they are the populous of that nation/province then they are who matters. I couldn't care less if Jamaican, Korean or Slavic was the majority in N. Ireland, if it was it would be their decision no matter what. It's interesting that you use the "they are immigrating" argument without any backlash as when this argument is used anywhere else minorities go off the rails. Whether they are Mainland British or Northern Irish British their vote matters because it is they who's lives lie in that land.
I was in this camp when he made this speech, serving with a different unit. The media have blown it all out of proportion. The lads I spoke to were like "yeah whatever...".
I used to drink with a lot of the lads from the Royal Irish, junior NCOs most of them. When they got back, quite a few of them spoke about Collins' speech, and were nothing but fulsome in their admiration and respect for him, even when pissed, when true feelings tend to come out.
This speech, it's eloquence, humanity, wisdom and intelligence, makes me embarrassed that we Yanks produce something like "Generation Kill" and pass it off as the definition of our experience in Iraq.
i was stood 20 feet away from Col Tim Collins when he made this speech, and as scared as we were this was the biggest boost to confidence than anything what a legend!
thanks for serving.
Respect, Bob.
You and your mates did him proud, Bob. Your lot kept your end of the promises he made that day, and lived up to what he asked of you. I wonder why they changed his last paragraph for that bit about *your mums standing in the queues at the co-ops* though?
***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***
You met Col. Collins in person?
So how close is this to the original? Also, respect for your service from an American.
Reminds of a US Marine Colonel's words to a reporter at a very dark time in the Korean war: 'We are OK now, we have the sea on one side and the British on the other; and we know they will both be there in the morning.'
That's a fantastic quote. Most British troops would concur the same for the Marines.
which usmc colonel was this?
That made me smile 🇬🇧
@@Maliothemaster- Chesty Puller. What a guy!
And which Colonel would that be?
That man has the respect he deserves..ex Army...ex SAS and still a wonderful human being and a man who understands the nature of respecting the enemies country and history
Yes, people involved in this sort of offensive should know the entire scope of what they are invading. That helps the troops on the ground make good, moral choices about what they do. Whilst a speach saying 'they're all terrible, theyve done bad things, hit them hard' would be the wrong speech to give. Let the soldiers know what they're doing, and why they're doing it, and that's all we, as civilians need a commander to do - they can make judgement then
" Be ferocious in battle and magnanimous in victory" - You sir, have nailed it !!
@Leo Peridot Who are you referring to?
@Leo Peridot The British army isnt led by Donald Trump mate. The mab giving this speech was not an American soldier..
Leo Peridot wow. Okay dumbass. Why don’t you look to what the previous eight years brought and then look to now? Do some research before you virtual signal to appear popular. I know it’s difficult, but our previous president allowed media propaganda-why you think that is? Crawl back into your hole you fucking moron piece of shit. I’ll do exactly what you fuck sticks do and start calling names too and I know I can scream louder than you and I can back it up bitch.
@Leo Peridot Piss off, you're a nobody, typing words on a keyboard whilst real men fight.
He said "If you are ferocious in battle..." which takes away the power of the statement a bit.
As an American Soldier myself I love our British cousins who have steadfastly and unconditionally stood beside us in every battle for the last century. They should and shall always have our unwaivering support. God bless America and God save Great Britain!
Our countries have stood together against the forces of darkness in the past and shall do so in the future, no matter what any nasty troll may think or write.
From the tone of your comments if you doubled your IQ it would still be in single figures. You appear to be someone who has never served their country but has an opinion on everything to do with those who have. If I am wrong I am prepared to apologise but if I am right I do not expect an apology in return as I would be surprised if you were capable of doing so.
America and Britain have stood firmly together in the past and will continue to do so in the future. God bless America, God save the Queen.
Hear, hear, cousin. Proud americophile - wish there were more in my country.
***** Britain and the United Stated are linked not just by past history but by a common language, culture and democratic institutions. We both value civil liberties and freedom of speech, even if these are open to abuse by certain parts of the social and political spectrum. By this I mean those for whom it is easier to decry than applaud, complain rather than succeed and criticise rather than do.
By the way, while the language of the previous poster to your comments is not to my taste, he is essentially correct and I would suggest that you stop posting in SMS. It does nothing for your arguments and gives the impression that you have limited faculties.
I am not quite sure about the relevance of your comment, but the right you are alluding to (ie free speech) is the one you are currently taking advantage of. It is a right shared by pitifully few others in this world. That being the case, I have confidence in my world view. As for values and standards, they are timeless.
It's a lack of men like col Tim Collins.
That finds government like we have.
I wished I'd served under him.
Kenneth Branagh is a highly under appreciated actor.
+Brian Stuart An actors actor. If that makes sense.
+OriginalRAB It does and you are correct.
humpgh, how is he under appreciated by anyone who sees him. ....Only by those who don't.
One Olivier Award one Emmy and Three Baftas... I don't think you could call him under appreciated.
Brian Stuart superior to Larry Olivier in Henry V!
Being a US Marine vet, I miss hanging out with the Brits on Bastion. Such a good lot and it always made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing they were going through the same shit we did.
+Vic Von Doom . Yep, the broadwalk with the odd show on..usually comedy, happy days
@@MFKR696
In the Marines, I was stationed in Hawaii. During RIMPAC there was a Canadian unit that came to Marine Corps Base Hawaii--and just about every other country involved in RIMPAC had units somewhere in Hawaii during this time. We let them use our laundry facilities even though we were told not to.
They got into a big fight with an Australian unit over a disputed lost/stolen wallet. It ended with the Sergeants Major of each unit exchanging the wallet in question to its owner.
Good times!
We are brothers and will always be on the same side and what a side that is.
Old soldier here........we trained with them at Fort Bragg and fought beside them in Iraq. They are tough bastards and cherished allies!
You do know he is from northern Ireland. No brit would ever make that speech.
Oh that we had even 1 politician with this level of leadership, compassion, strength of character and charisma.....
He’s a politician now, in his home country.
He’s standing for the Ulster Unionist Party in north down for this year’s general election
We are so lucky there was a journalist present to record the words of the speech, so well recreated here. Otherwise these wise words would have been lost. This is a fantastic speech from a real leader of men.
And very much off the cuff, too.
Its a shame men like him were few &far between.. &the US military had almost NONE of this sentiment.. hell.. shock &awes entire campaign orders seemed to be.. if it's old blow it up if its shiny take it.. if it wears a hijab stick your johnson in it 💀
And lucky that the journalist (presumably) knew shorthand.
Maybe that speech was only given because a journalist was present. Ever thought about that? And maybe it way all staged, just like the lies that should justify this useless war.
I had a drink with Tim Collins in Pristina. A great officer! This is one of the most inspirational addresses by a commander in history. Good job by Branagh.
what can I say but WOW!!!!!an unbelievable speech from a proud Ulsterman,i think as one of his troops they would follow him to hell and back.well said that man 👏👏👏👏👏
US Marine Vet for ODA 595. The Brits were my favourite. I miss those days Afghanistan was a hell of a journey too.
During are long history it's not the first time Britain has been to Afghanistan.
I thought ODA 595 was Army Special Forces(Task Force Dagger, Horse Soldiers.) Whats a Marine doing with Army Special Forces?
The speech of a true warrior who holds other warriors, even if they are his enemies, in the highest esteem.
To quote a great yet inaccurate war movie:
"Have no illusions, tomorrow you will still be my enemy."
"You're still my enemy tonight, but even enemies can show respect."
Leo Peridot Germany did come to our shores. Read a history book. Battle of Britain. I don't remember the Brits resorting to anything I mentioned. Not even during wars of antiquity such as when the French invaded our territories under Henry VI or during the War of the Roses. Englishman don't use their kids as human shields.
Overlooked not underated. Oh come on.
Col. Collins was speaking not only of respect for soldiers, but of all in the land where they were fighting.
My father was flew out of England during WWII and had an abiding love of all things British. Our dear late son was protected by, among others, the SAS during his time in the sandbox. He worked intel. The day after a mortar attack one of those operators came in to his tent, slapped down a gore encrusted cell phone and told JD, this belonged to one of those chaps who dropped the rounds on you last night. He won't need it any more. It's trite to say that is typical British understatement, but that is what it was. Thank you all for your service.
Ah, yes. How to say something without saying it. The English are very good at that. Keeps you on your toes, what?
Sorry to be a bore, but what does "sandbox" refer to?
But man, those SAS guys are on another level - just casually tossing your son stuff from the guy who tried to kill him, that's pretty badass haha; they're superhumans I swear! But they're heroes most of all, and incredibly vital to a prosperous and peaceful civilisation.
Sorry to hear that your son has left this world. May he rest in peace until you meet again.
@@zonesquestiloveunderworld The term "sandbox" is often used as a slang term by soldiers to describe a war zone or an area of conflict, particularly in a desert environment like Afghanistan.
we serve to do the job.selection is hard trust me,but serving every day is harder.and then the end comes and we are cast aside.no help or understanding from people.but such is life.let the new rainbow people and others that don't know what they are live long and happy lives, doing nothing but moaning about bollocks.what we do protect the weak and unable.stand and defend or stand and moan.made my call and it was to THE REGT
The way he addresses the historic significance of Iraq makes me happy. Even though I myself am not Iraqi, living in the Middle East, you appreciate the unique historical significance of it all despite the geopolitical problems of today. Makes you feel grounded when you know what civilizations have done to rule this region and here you are living on it normally.
As you very well should be my friend.
The hope here in the West is that the middle east becomes a bit less religious and more secular once the fighting wears out. Because that's what happened to us in the past in the Cathalic vs Protestant wars. We kinda realised it was dumb and retarded and reformed our society.
There's a lot of guilt over Middle East interventions so the West doesn't wanna do anything anymore. Sending fighter jets to Syria takes a year of political backroom talks because pacifism reigns right now. Not because of rational thinking but because of guilt.
I'm always curious as to what iraqi's think is the biggest fuck up the West has made in Iraq?
A lot of people here think that we shouldnt have gone in in the first place because they think the Iraqi people would be better of with Saddam and the Baathists. But I read 'The Republic of Fear' and I can't imagine that.
I don't know. I hope you guys over there realise that the general concensus here in the West is that we hope you guys pull trough. It's in everyones interest to see places like Baghdad and Damascus become the beacons of light, and knowledge and amazement they once where in the past. And not the places of religious violence and hatred they seem to be now.
It took the west hundreds of years. They didn't call it "The hundred years war" because it was over in a day.
Another misinformed post by the radical Left. The REAL hope in the West is that the Middle East becomes more Christ like and less Mohammed like. The VAST majority of wars have everything to do with the LACK of Christianity, not sectarian conflicts. Mao murdered 70 million Chinese because Mao was a secular atheist. Hitler another 50 million. Stalin another 35-40 million. In America today, the secular Left has murdered 57 million innocent babies all in the hand of greed, selfishness, and secularism. What is really "dumb" is not to see the clear evidence that Christianity has done more good for the World than all the other "belief" systems combined and that secularism is brutal, hateful, and racist.
You strike me as a nice enough and well meaning sort of fella. Just wanted to say that before the comment section eats you alive for your sentiment. If it helps I've always found sleep to be a good way to relax... Good luck
Kenneth Branagh is a terrific actor.
And way underrated!
You don't use it, you lose it! Pity!
Col. Tim Collins is an amazing man.
+Nameless Paladin One of the best of our time, and criminally underappreciated.
+N Tan
I was thinking more along the line of Henry V, great movie!
Colonel Tim Collins probably gave this speech a good deal of thought, however, as an 'off the cuff' talk to his troops, I reckon it beats Shakespeare's St. Crispin's Day speech from 'Henry V', and how wonderful to have the same actor deliver these two monumental speeches. I hope, in time, Col. Collins's speech becomes as well-known as Henry V's, it certainly deserves to be.
I could be wrong, but it's possible Col. Collins at some time read one of Churchill's most famous quotes, "When you have to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite." It wasn’t until I had been in uniform that I began to understand what he meant.
Churchill said this in response to accusations he was too soft on his speech, in the Commons, when officially responding to Japan’s sneak attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Philippines and Singapore. People felt he had been too polite in his remarks directed to the Japanese Ambassador.
Of course, he wasn’t going to kill the Japanese official, he was speaking figuratively. Actually, his remarks in the House, were rightfully savage and true, it was just the sign-off that some thought was too polite.
Colonel Collins was, in a way, advising his troops of the same kind of approach. To take lives when battle commands it, but afterwards respect the bodies of those you have killed. As he intimated, the taking of a life is a serious matter. The least we can do is respect the dead; and then, at the appropriate time, grieve for our fallen mates.
Thanks for uploading this; I’d forgotten how good this was. I’ll take another look. Cheers, BH
I've always felt that the men most comfortable with violence are also the most compassionate people in the world. They recognize what they're doing and they don't sugar-coat it. But they also have the strength to do what needs to get done. This makes them dangerous, but in an honorable sort of way.
No, War is war and hell is hell. There are no innocent people in hell, but they are in war.
E Drew
"If you have no capacity for violence then you are a healthy productive citizen, a sheep. If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath, a wolf. But what if you have a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your fellow citizens? What do you have then? A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the hero's path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed"
@DemocracyOfHypocrisy ... @John Ashtone ... Civilians might respect soldiers more if they didn't use analogies that claim their urge to hurt people grants them authority over us, and casts as dumb herd animals. The craving to hurt people has nothing to do with the intelligence to make wise decisions. Military men consistently force us to do things in simpler, less-effective ways ... just because simple methods are easier for military men to understand. Military men consistently abuse the weak for pleasure, while claiming abuse makes their victims better people. Your value system only works in warfare, because its the only way to give a million guns to a million teenagers without leading to a kinslaying clusterfuck. But in peacetime, your attitude that the rest of us are "sheep" is exactly what keeps you from learning from people smarter than you. If you only respect violent men, that's all you'll learn. If you disrespect those who are kind and gentle, you will learn nothing from us ... and then wonder why your jobs keep going to AI and robots, while the best jobs go to exactly those deviants and pussies you condescendingly despise.
Unless they are total psychopaths but they shouldn't be in the military for that reason.
John Ashtone dude just the fuck up
this is what makes me proud of the British soldier as a professional doing an outstanding job with reverence, respect and professionalism throughout.
And these are long forgotten lessons in light of recent events with Trump pardoning some of those that have done things against the Geneva convention.
Warforged hahahaha
And teachers think they are under paid?
I met Colonel Collins once....after 10 minutes in his company I decided he was the kind of guy I'd follow into hell and back.
And look forward to the trip!!
I had the privilege of having a teacher when I was 13-14 who'd been a Capt in the Royal Marines Commandos in the 1960s. A humble, inspirational man who had all of us in awe of him. We'd have jumped through flaming hoops for that guy. Backed us up when we, as teenagers do, got into trouble. Gave us exercises and lessons which built our confidence, something which serves me to this day, and left us with a role model NO ONE has ever eclipsed since. He, and men like Col Collins are few and far between today, regrettably. The more the 'men' in bland, grey suits drive them away from the role they were destined to play in this World, the lesser we'll all be for it.....
It is easy if you are fighting a poor country in their own country. England has never know what it is to have a real war. To know real war, you need to be defeated.
@@peace-now Have forgotten WW2, WW1 and the Napoleonic wars among others?
@@escapethewest None of these wars affected England. The wars were fought elsewhere. As I said, you don't know, unless you have faced war. The Napoleonic wars were fought in Europe, not in England.
I am glad to be Aussie to be part of the commonwealth. For queen and country who is with me
👍🇬🇧🤝🇦🇺🤝🇨🇦🤝🇳🇿🤝🇺🇸👏👏👏👏♥️🤍💙👍😊😊😊😊😊
me all day long
An Australian who lives as far away from UK as is nearly possible, loyal to Queen (now king) that neither knows nor cares that you exist.
@@PK-sc2vn Do you have a name?
@@PK-sc2vn The population of the Commonwealth is almost 3 billion people; do you expect the monarch to know every one of them by name, you absolute cretin? Some of us our proud of where we come from and are intelligent enough to understand that the monarchy is about much more than one man or woman... Stop trying to bring other people down to your level.
Thank you for your dignity, Colonel Collins.
I became very fond of the Iraqis.
I'm sorry there are so many bombings still today
CW3, US Army
MNSTC-I
Baghdad, Iraq 2005-'06
101st Bco 2-502 2005-2006
51st Signal Bn Al Kut 2003-2004
Man you all some old dogs heh
As a soldier in this war , now as an older man this is a poignant and a stirring speech !!
just over 20 years ago. Still feels like minutes to me.
"Be ferocious in battle and magnanimous in victory" is such a fire line.
I met some of Her Majesty's warriors in both Iraq and Afghanistan. They are some of the best gents of war I've met. Classy.
I went to see this guy speak after he had been drummed out by the suits for criticising the tactics and (accurately) predicting the subsequent shambles they were sure to result in. A man of dignity, despite his anger, and an Ulsterman of the best kind.
And don't forget that the most decorated British soldier of the Second World War was Colonel Blair "Paddy" Mayne who came from County Down in Northern Ireland. He was number two in the original SAS but when his CO. Colonel David Stirling was captured, Blair Mayne took command and led them to victory in many raids on the airfields of the enemy in North Africa.
@@alansimpson596 Blair paddy Maine should have gotten at least two VCs, now there WAS a hero.
Hey sorry for a necro, but can you send me any reading material or video on his critiques and his predictions?
@@alansimpson596 Blair Maine... played rugby for Ulster (as was) broke a fellas arm, and retired himself. A friend of my Fathers.
When he said. "Let's leave Iraq a better place for us having been there," I suppose he really meant it. It seems that many others did not.
No wonder he had criticisms.
Col. Tim I respect every word you said it. thank you
Ali from Iraq
As a Brit, I respect you and I thank you on the Colonel's behalf.
I wish the best for you and for the future of your country.
Thank you Ahmed Ali. Colonel Tim Collins made a truly AMAZING and very respectful speech.
@@flankspeed Let me just vommit. This fake dialogue between you and "Ali from Iraq "should pretend, that the british give a flying fuck aboiut the fate of the iraqi people. Get the fuck outta here.
@@kidyfiddler5527 Stay in the UK or USA or wherever you live, you piece of shit
@@captain2ahab are u a dickhead ?? Why u hating for no reason
It was my great privilege to work with E Co, 1st Bat, 52nd Lowland Volunteers out of the Mary Hill Barracks in Glasgow. I was with the US Navy in Scotland at the time. The Scots were very professional, skilled warriors and ferocious in the field. As a young Hospital Corpsman I was (and remain) in awe. I am in their debt.
They aren't Scots, he's addressing the Royal Irish. Brits in Northern Ireland of Scottish ancestry.
@@norndev Got it. I understand that the video in question is about an Irish unit of the Royal Army. My observation was about the British Army in general and my experience with same.
Steve Fauser just a brief note, for reasons of history the British Army is not the Royal Army, there are Royal regiments, but for political and historical reasons going back to the Restoration of the Monarchy in the mid-17th Century, the Army as a whole is not Royal. One of the strange quirks on this strange country of ours 😉
I didn't agree with the conflict in Iraq and still don't, BUT this was one hell of a speech and a very humble one too.
It wasn't a conflict. USA decided they wanted power in the middle east and created the war by spreading fake propaganda about weapons of mass destruction, which there were none. Yet some willingly join the army and go on missions to the middle east to this day. It baffles my brain.
@@cryptidian3530 Saddam Hussein gassed 5000 civilians in Halabja in March 1988. That was one of his uses of weapons of mass destruction. Just a cold fact.
@@TommyBahama84 Weapon of mass destruction usually refers to explosive devices such as atomic bombs. I don't think gassing people qualifies for WMD. Horrible thing to do, but I don't think it qualifies. USA propaganda essentially told the public that Iraq had nuclear weapons and that this is the reason they invaded. False. It all comes back to oil and having power in other countries.
@@Nobodyety I'm not saying Sadam Hussein was a good person, but it would be a lie to say that the US military/government didn't use fearmongering to get the American people behind the idea of invading Iraq. What America did to Iraq will never be forgiven, nor will it be forgotten. They lied about WMDs after 2001 happened simply because IRAQ HAS OIL. It was all about power and control. They just needed a good excuse to invade and a well thought out lie that the general public would believe.
@@cryptidian3530 chemical weapons, for example chemical gasses are most definitely WMDs.
It was a proud sight to see when Saddam got executed, he most definitely had it coming.
"A British soldier can overcome any foe except his own Government"
Reading in 2020. No truer words.
Rule Britannia
Irish! With a famous Irish surname! A tiny Island who supplied the Brits with three of their best. Wellington, Montgomery, Mayne
All the Roundheads are asking “Are we jokes to you?”
@@Egilhelmson The parliamentarians lost in the end, and rightly so.
A dictatorship is no better than an absolute monarchy.
As a British Soldier it has been and will always be a relief and an honour to stand alongside American service men and women. They do an exemplary job under very difficult circumstances.
Shoulder to shoulder mate, as it always has been.
These were Col. Collins' exact words
I met Col. Collins officially on two occasions, it was just prior to him leaving the army, he was ill-served and it showed in his demeanor. He was not a man you would want to cross, he was as tough as nails, the first time he was in uniform and the second in a suit. I wonder what he would have been like if he was my Colonel because he stirred fear in me and I was no longer in the army. Memories run deep.
Jesus
I served in Iraq and I always strived to treat the people and soldiers/police I worked with and trained as brothers,they served their children, people and country as best as they could,same as me.
You honestly could not have said that any better mate! I'm from Omagh and I'm Catholic I got a bit of a hard time in school for being proud of being British, Irish and Northern Irish. Fortunately now things have changed my British son seems to get on fine. At the end of the day either way you said that greatly, As Kenneth Branagh did in his speech
This probably one of the best speeches I've heard.
The way a leader should lead his troops. Unfortunately not many like this man.
And they tend to get beaten by bureaucrats and bean counters
“Our business now, is north! .. Good luck.”
For some reason I got shivers down my back at those words.
The words of a true warrior addressing his men and women.
Good speech...wonderful really...pity there were no weapons of mass destructions and they still on their knees. .tx Pres Bush😢
This man....THIS SOLDIER...is a BATTALION COMMANDER! He is a man who is true leader and a man who knows the history and the culture of a people with a proud and ancient history..HE is what we need! HE IS A SOLDIER. A man of strong beliefs. a man committed to accomplishing his battalions mission! If we had MORE LIKE HIM..We'd be a force to be reckoned with . I would proudly serve with this officer!
That is a powerful speech. Respects to all serving retired or fallen - from a Vet. I served with Americans myself and would stand by them again anytime shoulder to shoulder. Fear this Band of Brothers those who oppose peace. My respects to you Tim Collins , SIR.
This is one Yank, who gets chills every time I hear this.
There not tanks there brits
Yanks
Wow. These words should be used in all conflicts. Respect your fellow man.
"We happy few, we band of brothers" got to love Kenneth Branagh
I remember traveling by trin up to London, myself and three of my colleagues, I had with me a copy of the morning papper. I began to read the artical to myself, it said are lads and girls were about to push over the border into Iraq, the country new that it was comming, you just can't quite believe it. It had this complete speach by Col Collins. I read it out loud to my colleagues, in parts I found it very hard to talk, when I got to the end, the whole carridge was in total silence. Unforgetable
One of the very best speeches i have ever heard cuts direct to the core stunning words i can imagine the fear the worry the pain the simple not knowing, that was a leaders speech i would follow Col Tim Collins, glad he was serving the British Army.
Great speech - I think that Bush had it framed on his wall in the Whitehouse I read somewhere. I met Collins and the head of the British Arrny - Patrick Cordingley - at a conference at the Belfry - and { could honestly say I would go into battle for and with these guys. Both inspirational speakers and leaders and seem to find the words to inspires you. You could hear a pin drop when they spoke. With Patrick, we had the pleasure of sitting around a table with him in a breakout group and we just asked him about leadership and how he would appraoch this and that. He was outstanding and just a credit to the service and the UK. Nothing but the hghest respect for him. BTW the Royal Marines I have met and hung out with are just outstanding and incredibly tough men. I was going to say individuals but they really are peope who think as a team from the world of 'we not me' . Well done
*SPEECH, not speach
i was amongst those he was speaking too....... it was a great speech but unlike some reports no one was sobbing and as far as i can remember he stumbled through some of it.
Well Martyn, there's life and then there's acting one is always prettier than the other.Was it fairly represented?
Um suppose it wasn't too bad, the reporter there didn't even take notes or pictures. I bet she didn't last long as a reporter....
Martyn With a Y Was it like the speech we've just seen? Massive respect. I'm not half the man you are.
0:55 "...its the birthplace of Abraham...you tread...you tread lightly there...".
Assalaam alaykum Ya Abi Ibraheem Alaiy salaam (Peace My Father Abraham peace be upon him)
@Ankamtilnei Bekungbul If not for the faith of Abraham, you wouldn't be here.
@Ankamtilnei Bekungbul True, we are all descended from Noah. Jesus Christ would not have been born if not for Noah and Abram.
Ankamtilnei Bekungbul Give people freedom of religion. Let them believe in what they believe in, and you believe in your faith. In nowhere in any holy scripture does it say to condemn anyone for what they believe in, aye?
from the faith of Isaac to the faith of ishmael, Salaam Aleikum. and as I say it shalom aleichem.
@@jonathanfraser321
I am not sure we Christians have a similar saying, as neither the orginal ones translates accurately enough to English from either Arabic, nor Hebrew, but from the faith of Noah, and Abraham: peace be unto you both ...
0:24 couldn’t help but think of the St. Crispin’s speech “we would not die in that man’s company that fears his fellowship to die with us.” Kenneth Branagh has a knack for badass speeches.
God bless my fallen British cousins. You will not be forgotten!
... An American Soldier...
Collins speech is brilliant & thoughtful this is why the Irish, Welsh, Scots & English are STRONG together 👍
Leave the Irish out of your silly little failed experiment that is the 'UK'
@@SK-tc2sf Why? Many an Irishman has given his life for the UK - and we, in the UK - have massive respect or our Irish comrades in arms!...
He's British / Norn
@Paddy234ffs go away
@@Dressagevidshe’s not British, he’s Northern Irish
It takes the Northern Ireland voice to make such great speech as this
Winston Churchill. ..hold my beer
@@tonybaines8393 Churchill has zero respect in Northern Ireland where he is remembered as the Judas he was.
Really.You should get out more.
The accent is both terrifying, and inspiring. Perfect for giving someone a reality check.
I do not know the name of this film but I can tell you that this is the Royal Irish Regiment (I served for 5 years).Its an amalgamation (1992) of the Royal Irish Rangers and the Ulster Defence Regiment.Their motto (war cry) is Faugh A Ballagh (clear the way) which has its origins in the Napoleonic wars (battle of Barrosa,Royal Irish Fusiliers)
It's called '10 Days to War' and was a series of eight short BBC Tv dramas covering events leading up to Gulf War 2 in 2003. This episode was called 'Our Business is North.' Hope that helps:-)
@@ianrkav It helps me, it was why I was reading the comments, cheers.
It was also the Battle Cry of the US Irish Brigade during the American Civil War. It was stenciled on the Regimental colors.
Is the accent on point in this clip?
@@PiddePedd I'm from Ireland, it's pretty damn good
I came across this video while UA-cam supplied me with endless videos after what I first watched was over. I heard this speech and said to myself I need to find out what movie this came from... I'm in utter awe this was real....
spot on !!! Detta var bland det bästa jag hört !! This was some of the best i have ever herd !!! pardon my spelling ...
Thanks for posting this. We couldn't get it in the US. Go Kenneth!!
One of the greatest Northern Irishmen of modern times.
Who, Tim Collins or Kenneth Branagh?
@@rogueriderhood1862Both and Paddy himself
I was the taxi driver who took him to RAF brize Norton . very chatty man . and very knowledgeable
You weren’t
@@Cooz-h1l Was to
A very moving and superb re-enactment of a real call to arms with thoughtful dignitas.
Hindsight 13 years later, too bad not enough people listened to this man.
This and St Crispins Day …Branagh can sure hold a audience
Good lord, I hate the Internet.
This speech is amazing, though, and I thank the person who put it up.
"For today is St. Crispin's day" oh sorry wrong film.
This isn't from a film
+run4walk Im quoting from the film Henry 5th (1989) adapted from the Shakespeare play starring and directed Kenneth Branagh. I thought that would have been obvious.
+Alexander Cummins Maybe to someone who had seen it. You're mistake was assuming that everyone, atleast in the comments of this video, had.
+run4walk No I knew most people wouldn't have known about it, but just because everyone doesn't get the joke doesn't mean I'm not going to tell it.
+Alexander Cummins *joke
If that's really the case then why say that you thought it would have been obvious?
Amazing Inspirational Speech as someone that served in Iraq and Afghanistan It touch me.
Strange to hear Kenneth Branagh speak with what must be the accent he spoke with before drama school. He's from Belfast.
whats your point here ?
Only that I've never heard him speak with a Belfast accent before.
Not quite the same as his Agincourt speech from Henry V though, in this instance his side massively outnumbered and outclassed the enemy technologically. Victory was a forgone conclusion, not a small army outnumbered 5 to 1 and half dying from dysentery/diarrhoea as in 1415 ;)
So too was Colonel Tim Collins from Belfast, and grew up there during the Troubles. I've met him and heard him lecture, and Branagh was the perfect choice to portray him.
I'll bet he talks like that whenever he visits family in Ulster. It's what folk do.
"If you're ferocious in battle, be magnanimous in victory". Always.
Kenneth Branagh rocking his natural accent.
If only our politicians had had the vision of this man, we wouldn't even have been in Iraq in the first place.
This man took part in the war - you can’t absolve him of responsibility.
@ MJW238 -
Agreed - the moment any of these people signed on the line they sold out their moral agency.
But if for example more officers in the US military had his attitude, Abu Ghraib would not have happened.
@SuperVHSchannel
Indeed ...
Blame not the soldiers, sailors, not airmen ...
... blame instead those whom order them there.
And whilst it is true that the saying 'I was only following orders', has been used far too oftento cover for some of _the_ worse atrocities committed in human history, at the same time, from the US's Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the UK's Chief of Defence Staff, downwards, both Officers and Enlisted have these two deeply engrained in them: to obey the orders of those senior to them; and go where, and when, they are sent, both without question ...
It was politicians whom sent their military forces into Afghanistan and Iraq, and whilst you could disobey orders, the penalty for such disobedience in both militaries are prety damn harsh, and you have to be very clear, in your mind of those consequences, before you act. If you're senior enough, the worst that could happen is you'll get sacked. Otherwise, you'll face a courts marshal ... and they tend to be less forgiving than a civilian court ...
@@michaelgove9349
I wouldn't say 'sold out' ... but rather they know that what moral agency they may have is now placed within strict limits ...
Even within the military, you are still expected to have moral agency; to treat non-combatants, and even captured POWs, with civility, and dignity, recognizing they are still human beings, with human rights. Abu Ghraib happened because those enlisted, and even officers, involved, totally abandoned what moral agency they did have, and let themselves be swayed by the daemons of their worse nature ...
It wasn't that they 'sold out' their moral agency the second they enlisted. Neither the US, nor UK military, regardless of branch, expects you to sell your moral agency. Rather, they did sell their moral agency the second that they began their maltreatment of POWs, in their custody, thereby negating innumerable treaties, and clauses, that enumerate the rights of POWs. Their sold their moral agency when they decided such inhumane, but unlawful, and illegal actions, and behaviours, were not only the right thing to do, but, in doing so, treated those in their care and custody worse than animals ...
That's when they 'sold' not only their morals, but their humanity. Given what they did, their sentences were an utter joke. Nothing less than 30-35 years, with a minimum of no less than 25 years, to be served, in solitary confinement, within a military prison, should've been handed down, followed by a Dishonourable Discharge, and total forfeit of all pension and other associated rights ...
And Blair wants to make a comeback. God no!
His recent interviews are excellent. Honest and insightful, no empty pride or dogmatic defence of the strategic under resourcing, lack of civillian leadership in the power vacumn or craven sucking up. Worth looking for.
That 'mark of Cain' comment is chilling!
The Watchword for every soldier.
@@danielw5850 For everyone.
I have conceal carried for years, his comments remind us of how one action can live with us for years.
What a difference between British officers and American you can see what a proper education will bring and what it means to come from a place with history because you will respect and e knowledge the history and culture of others, respect for this man and what he stands for. i wish more Americans wold see this and take note!
Watch a few less movies and talk to those who served with the Americans. But yes, Col Collins deserves all that you said and more!
Former SAS. Great leader
Damn fine speach! Brits did good in Iraq.
oh yea sure the millions of dead civilians just shows it
Callum Webb So what about Saddam were you ok with?
Mark Murphy saddam was a puppet to the us and uk
dude the only reason saddam was in power in was because we put him there in the first place WE gave him chemical weapons that killed thousands of Iranians I agree saddam was a bad guy but you just want to blame eveything on him when our governments are partly responsible
But WHAT were YOU ok with?
As an american i am glad to have you guys on our side!
There are very few men in this world that I would call Sir and mean it in the way it's meant to be. This man would make me proud to serve with him.
Lt Col Tim Collins; Belmont Primary, Strandtown Primary, Royal Belfast Academical Institution Belfast. Best schooling in the country.
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For He who sheds blood with me this day, is my brother"
i dont know what to say, he brought ancient history to guys have never heard of. its because of men like him that has respect and understanding of a people whom we thought inferior, men like him gives the world respect, did he know at that time that our world began at this place, highest respect for you sir cos i know what they did to you. you are among few that understands and respects other cultures and life, for me you sir are a hero.
War is never a good thing. It is the most unjust and despicable act in human activities. And I am not saying that the Iraq invasion was justified etc. but when it comes down to it: this is the kind of military leader that is needed. A man of ethics, compassion, respect for others and morality. There are few military actions that seem justified in the history of humanity, one of them being: the allied response in WW2 (and I am not talking about the bombing of innocent civilians, less the nuclear bombings). I am a former officer of the German Army armored engineers and I say this: We must bond together in order to facilitate peace, respect and maybe one day unity on this earth. These days we must not give in to reasons of war because of greedy corporations and careless legislature of our so called leaders. We all live on this planet. And if we continue living like this, we will perish.
Sir, I empathise with your general view, though I think WW1 was also inevitable and necessary once Austria, with Germany's backing, made impossible demands of Serbia and Russia. The intention back then was also European expansion at the cost of the sovereignty of neighbouring European countries. I agree that Tim Collins's speech is spot-on for a military leader. He was treated disgracefully by the Americans. This speech, a transcript which I have just post separately, will live on down the ages I think, and rightly so.
Respectfully,
123tgw.
+germnbill War is never a good thing? Tell it to the people liberated from nazi concentration camps.
HEAR, HEAR!
Herzlichen glückwunsch von amerika
I agree with 100% germnbill however and with respect, humanity will stand for no more than 5 minutes of peace. We all want things we don't need and need things we cannot have war as I am told from veterans here in the U.S. starts in the hearts of every human being that overreaches for something that they cannot have. God bless you sir and for your service.
Kenneth Branagh, an artist who plays on the same scene than Alec GUINNESS, Lawrence OLIVER, etc... What a talent.
Brilliance from start to finish. Pure brilliance in content and delivery.
I was in the USN... and also had the privilege of going to the UK... I loved the time there. We truely are one people divided by you know.... but was very well treated so ya GoD save the Queen,...peace and good will....
To our British cousins who fought valiantly next to us in both Iraq and Afghanistan. You were the only people we could count on that were not wearing the Stars and Stripes. Cheers bros.
I was there, a British soldier, in the war. We were in camp Matilda and we went over the border with 1 US MAR DIV. Your words echo precisely something said to me by a US Marine at the time. Proud to have been at your Country’s shoulder; always will be.
Thanks for you're service
This is the eve-of-battle speech made by Colonel Tim Collins to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment in Iraq in 2003.
"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.
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
Thank you kind sir
"The ones who wish to fight, well, we aim to please."
Wish they'd kept that in 😄
That character is the contrast from every United States soldier who fought in the Gulf. "We shall not fly our flag in their country" the truly modern British way of thinking. Proud to be British
He's Irish.
OLDXolique NI is part of Britain
LJ But his attitudes aren't British. There's no honour among thieves.
***** Northern Ireland is a massively different situation than Iraq. In Iraq they don't want to be British, therefore the presence of Union Flags would be offensive to them. The only people we're offending in N. Ireland is the Republic of Ireland. As Northern Ireland is a proud British territory they fly the flag themselves and I've seen it myself on camp with the ATC at JHFS Aldergrove. The only people who have a problem with it have no right to be complaining anyway. It's similar to the USA turning around and saying "Hey, we wan't a united north america! Free Canada from British rule so they can join us" and then attacking Canadian forces because they dare to love their country the way it is.
***** Hmm, that's interesting. As you may find the populations ethnicity or heritage does not matter (I realise you did not comment on ethnicity but it is still relevant) if they are the populous of that nation/province then they are who matters. I couldn't care less if Jamaican, Korean or Slavic was the majority in N. Ireland, if it was it would be their decision no matter what. It's interesting that you use the "they are immigrating" argument without any backlash as when this argument is used anywhere else minorities go off the rails. Whether they are Mainland British or Northern Irish British their vote matters because it is they who's lives lie in that land.
He is a hero along with his men showing humility thanks to his great leadership.
I studied this speech in GCSE English. Perfect speech for a royalist-Irish school
This man understands what it is to be a righteous and morally upright warrior. This is that standard.
Bad, Steven! You have my Thanks for Your Service!
Col, Collins is inspiring!
From South Ireland RESPECT
I was an MP in lane 10 3rd Herd...on March 17th when we crossed....
It should be remembered that Tim Collins served in the SAS and that he was a lot more than a desk soldier
I was in this camp when he made this speech, serving with a different unit.
The media have blown it all out of proportion. The lads I spoke to were like "yeah whatever...".
Well said, no sentimental PR shite
I used to drink with a lot of the lads from the Royal Irish, junior NCOs most of them. When they got back, quite a few of them spoke about Collins' speech, and were nothing but fulsome in their admiration and respect for him, even when pissed, when true feelings tend to come out.
This speech, it's eloquence, humanity, wisdom and intelligence, makes me embarrassed that we Yanks produce something like "Generation Kill" and pass it off as the definition of our experience in Iraq.
Don't mistake the people who made "Generation Kill" as speaking for all of us.
Thank you for your service mate
General Collins your quality will be known among your enemies if wherever you meet them my friend
Very humble speech