Regarding the British army here in the North of Ireland during the troubles, they certainly left a lastly mark on me. Scars.

I know it's only words, Divis, and I would be the last to play semantics - Honest! But saying that the British Army left it's scars on you does not do either you or the Britsh Army justice.

That some evil bastards in the British Army kicked the crap out of you - Yes. That someone higher up the chain not only ignored that act but actively condoned it - Yes. But to tar them all with the same brush is a bit like the way the local yobs consider that all policemen are bastards!

I am not sure quite how to put what I mean but if you have to blame anyone blame the politico's. The soldiers, like the local plods, were just doing a job. That they played dirty at times is not in doubt but in war, which this was considered to be by both sides, shit happens. The difference between the squaddie putting the boot in and the provo setting the timer is a question of justification.

That your side was more justified than the soldiers is a different argument altogether. That the soldiers justification had official sanction is much more a reflection on his bosses than on himself.

I think!

Cheers

DtG