Posted on 03/14/2003 4:42:22 PM PST by MadIvan
The United States general who will command British troops in battle told thousands of soldiers gathered for a desert parade yesterday that he was thankful for their presence in the looming conflict with Iraq.
Lt-Gen James Conway, the commander of 1 Marine Expeditionary Force, addressed more than 4,000 men and women from the 7th Armoured Brigade and 16 Air Assault Brigade, who assembled with Challenger 2 tanks and Warrior armoured vehicles.
"About 225 years ago in my country the expression 'The British are coming' was used to scare the children," he said at Camp Coyote in northern Kuwait
"I can assure you that when we were here in Kuwait . . . and heard that the British were coming, it was a very positive thing. It is great to have you aboard."
He paraphrased a quote he attributed to George Orwell, saying: "Our countrymen should rest well in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would do them harm."
He added: "Having read your histories, I believe that Britain's rough men have always served under these colours and always will."
Among the assembled units were 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the Black Watch, whose pipers played as Lt-Gen Conway approached the troops. He stood on a Challenger 2 tank, decked out with a Union flag and the Stars and Stripes, to give his rallying address.
Both British and American forces deployed in Kuwait have become increasingly frustrated at the delays caused by diplomatic wrangling and suggestions last week that the absence of a second United Nations resolution could result in the US having to carry out an invasion of Iraq on its own.
American soldiers readily admit that the presence of the British is important to them for more than just the military prowess they bring.
Standing beside the field artillery crew he commands, Capt James Montgomery, 28, of the US Third Infantry Division, said: "The average American wants to be justified in his activities and if you have to go and kill someone you want to know you are doing the right thing.
"When we hear that it is possible one of our closest allies may be abandoning the cause it is one more thing casting doubt on what we thought was right." Sitting on his Abrams battle tank, Staff Sgt Steve Hicks, 33, reiterated the importance of British involvement.
"The Brits are great guys and great soldiers," he said, before pointing towards the desert and adding: "We do not want to be alone out here."
In a nearby camp, the Royal Marines were yesterday declared "good to go" by their commanding officer after two months of intense preparation in Kuwait and on warships in the Persian Gulf.
"We are now ready for operations," Brig Jim Dutton said. He stood at the head of a formidable amphibious warfare fighting force comprising both Royal Marines and the US Marine Corps, hidden under mile after mile of sand pattern camouflage netting. It concealed tanks, troop carriers, artillery pieces, missiles and thousands upon thousands of men, all anxious for the off.
Royal Marines have trained with their US counterparts many times but this time members of US 15 Marine Expeditionary Unit will be under British command, the first time in living memory.
Last night weapon systems were being re-cleaned, satellite communication systems rechecked and drills rehearsed one last time as the men (and small component of women) of 3 Commando Brigade stood ready.
There was no mistaking the glint of enthusiasm in their eyes at the chance of taking part in a full operation after so many years of training and preparation.
Air Marshal Brian Burridge, asked how he had come by the injury, replied: "Kicking a journalist."
Actually it's BAe = British Aerospace
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