Had I been wrong Richard I would have paid the price for it - that is commonly understood as accepting the consequences of your actions - in otherwords taking personal responsiblity for the choices you make - an anthema to a "socialist" I know, but if you have accepted the position you take the flak that goes with it.

As to how I got on with those who pressed me to follow the order I thought illegal after the event? Things went on as normal on the surface, I let it be known what I "wanted" to do next and lo and behold it happened.

Did I enjoy the enquiries? Well yes as a matter of fact I did, primarily because I knew I was right. I knew with 100% certainty the outcome before it came to any investigation.

Within the British Armed Forces very, very few illegal orders are ever given. I say that because I am aware of the training given whereas you are completely unaware of it. I have lived in that environment - you have not.

Your training and life experience is associated with the law and the law is governed by "evidence" (For which there are clear rules) and "precedent" (For which there are documented examples) - QRRN governed what I had to face and they backed me up to the hilt - I was never worried about the outcome.

Thanks 999 - I believe that you do have a better understanding than most.