British military chiefs are under pressure tonight to drop an investigation into a high-profile Irish born, British Army officer's conduct during the war on Iraq.
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Lt Col Tim Collins. Phot: Reuters
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As colleagues closed ranks around Lt Col Tim Collins, there was growing anger at the allegations made against him by a US officer.
MPs also warned of possible damage to the transatlantic military alliance because of the complaint.
Lt Col Collins, who commanded the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment, delivered a celebrated address to his men hours before they went into battle against Saddam Hussein's forces.
His speech earned lavish praise from the Prince of Wales and President George W Bush, yet claims have been made that his treatment of war prisoners and an Iraqi civic leader may have breached the Geneva Convention.
Friends and colleagues were tonight shocked at the complaints but vowed to stand by the officer.
One senior Royal Irish source declared: "There is a real code between brother officers." The Northern Ireland-born officer is being investigated by the Army's Special Investigations Branch.
Lt Col Collins (43) who is on leave, has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
It is understood the investigation is at an advanced stage and his friends claimed jealousy was the motive for the allegations.
One claimed tonight: "American soldiers complaining about minor indiscretions demonstrates complete impropriety by the US authorities.
"These people would not have come out if he hadn't made that speech."
The Ministry of Defence confirmed an investigation was under way into allegations made against a British officer who was serving in Iraq.
A spokesman said: "We cannot comment further because of the risk of compromising the investigation."
Lt Col Collins was often seen with a cigar clenched between his teeth and wearing designer sunglasses during the conflict.
The father of five, who was promoted to colonel after the war, has now left the regiment for a new posting.
But if found guilty of the allegations he could face tough disciplinary action or even expulsion from the Army.
"He would be dealt with by a chain of command, but whether that would be courts martial or censure is not certain," a defence source said.
Lt Col Collins inspired his men on the eve of battle when he urged them to do their duty while treating the enemy with respect.
"There are some who are alive at this moment who will not be alive shortly," he said.
"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."
He reminded his soldiers that the enemy had the right under international law to surrender and would one day return to their families.
"If you harm the regiment or its history by over-enthusiasm in killing or in cowardice, know it is your family who will suffer," he said.
"You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest."
Mr David Burnside, the Ulster Unionist MP for South Antrim, claimed there was intense rivalry between US and British troops and warned that the affair could damage relations if left to fester.
He said: "The British Army are better trained in civil administration, not least because of their role in Northern Ireland.
"But both armies have got to work together in Iraq and these sort of allegations do not help.
"It could damage relationships, although I hope not, and the MoD should clear this up as soon as possible."
The officer commanding the Royal Irish refused to discuss the claims surrounding Lt Col Collins.
Regimental Colonel Simon Fordham said: "These are allegations and the investigation that is under way will see the result of what has been claimed."
PA
PA