Keith,Regarding your soldiers keeping the peace, I can recall many incidents in my own life where I would question that. I see you recall many events that occurred over thiry years, none of which the forces of occupation carried out of course. Would you really like me to run a list past you ? The work of a sniper is not an easy one, ask any British soldier, you have to first select your location without arousing interest, then return through an area where there could possibly be road checkpoints, take your shot, and in most cases it will only be one shot,and make good your escape. Yes I have known many that carried out this work, and their nerve proved to be something else.It was not as simple as you make it out to be. I have spoken to many British soldiersi recent times through my work who served here during those years and they may not have held Provisonals in high esteem, but they did respect them.As to mistakes caused by active service units, these do occur, Look at the British army in Iraq. All of the active service units North and South have been stood down, and we all hope it remains to stay that way. I hope this explaination I have given answers some of your questions, I could have listed as I said incidents in which the British army killed at will, but I prefer not to go down that road. It was a long time ago. And yes I have recalled examples in the past, but seen the error in that. I do condem the loss of life be it from whatever quarter.