Divided by a Common Language

The British troops moral-boosting speech on the eve of the advance into Iraq by Lt. Col Tim Collins:

    "If you are ferocious in battle, remember to be magnanimous in victory. We go to liberate, not to conquer. We are entering Iraq to free a people, and the only flag that will be flown in that land is their own. Don't treat them as refugees, for they are in their own country. If there are casualties of war, then remember, when they woke up and got dressed in the morning they did not plan to die this day. Allow then dignity in death. Bury them properly and mark their graves. You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest, for your deeds will follow you down into history. Iraq is steeped in history. It is the site of the Garden of Eden, of the Great Flood and the birth of Abraham. Tread lightly there."

The US speech - Vice Admiral Timothy Keating:

    "When the President says 'go'; look out - it's hammer time" (followed by "We Will Rock You" at high volume).

Flight International, 22-28 April 2003

Last updated: 26 January, 2004 09:56