Beags old chap,
For many years you recollections and comments have kept us amused and indeed informed with many a wise word. However the very title of the thread lowers it to the basest form of tabloid journalism and you got the rabid responses you so deserved. Of course all British soldiers are NOT Thugs or Murderers. What a stupid thing to ask! There are some who have done illegal acts, probably some that are doing so right now and almost certainly some that will do so in the future. Hopefully these people will be found out and the full weight of the law thrown at them.
In today’s paper is an article about a man driving his car over the speed limit along a dual carriageway and killing a lad crossing the road at a green light on a controlled crossing. By the way I hope all the louts on the thread about speed cameras noted that the chap thought he was capable of driving his car at those speeds and that he could decide the speed limit. Back to thread. Does this make all male car drivers murderers?
All the usual drivel about what can you expect from thicky loutish low intelligence squaddies who smashed up Basra has been aired. Was it only a couple of weeks ago we were all lauding the soldier who was invested with the VC at the palace? Anyone remember Kipling and “It’s Tommy this and Tommy that”? All the rubbish about the squaddies wrecking Basra and pouring cement down the drains. A close family member of mine was in the armoured column that went in and took the airfield and surrounds. He would like to have a word with someone who can tell him the FACTS about this story and a quiet word with those who know nothing but happily repeat it. Have any of you, other than watching Saving Private Ryan any concept of what a battle is like. Shells, mortars and bullets everywhere from both sides. They did not need to wreck the place it was a consequence of the battle!!!!!! They had been in tents with no showers, toilets or anything for weeks so the last thing they would do is wreck running water facilities. It’s the same rubbish rumour as flushing Korans down the toilet but unbelievably spread and given credence by the RAF who were not even there.
No-one on this site has any idea what went on with the prisoners and they should wait until the court has decided. How many writing on this site have any experience of being there under attack day after day, week after week.
Imagine you went into the village where those RMP where killed and you found someone who had murdered your friends. Imagine you are in a bar in North London, which as usual is bedecked with Irish Tricolours. You are in the Royal Signals and it’s the day after two of your best friends have been kicked, punched and beaten to death by a savage mob in Belfast. A man comes in and cheers at the news on the TV (Yes it does happen!) and says he was involved. You and your mates then see him outside on his own. What to do next - Discuss.
Of course you should go to PC Plod and report him but you don’t.
I would however leave you with a task. Watch the last few minutes of the film – A Few Good Men. The wonderful lawyer thinks he finds out the truth but as Jack Nicholson so eloquently tells him he hasn’t because can’t stand the truth. You have bred young men into killing machines that follow orders, risk their lives to win battles and it’s Jack’s job to keep them that way. That is why they win VCs and do all the dirty work whilst others sit warm by their fireplaces in their homes in Blighty pontificating or relaxing in the mess with a G and T after a hard days flying. They are not policeman and they do as they are trained and follow the example of their leaders both Officers and NCOs who are equally culpable.