From the moment Tim Collins' speech to his men in Iraq was made public, this soldier became a hero and an inspiration to world leaders and infantrymen alike.

     To a public confused and suspicious about motives for war, he at last offered some explanation for it and inspired a mood of optimism and humanity that has since been sadly lost.

     Only two months later Collins was pilloried by two national newspapers and accused of war crimes and had to fight to clear his name.