LIEUT COL Tim Collins, the former Kent-based soldier whose powerful speech to his men during the Gulf war made him a household name, is being investigated by the Ministry of Defence.

An inquiry is being carried out into his conduct while a commander during the war in Iraq.

Lieut Col Collins, until recently based at Howe Barracks at Canterbury, won praise during the conflict, particularly for a rousing speech he made to his Royal Irish Regiment troops on the eve of the fighting in the Gulf.

Reported allegations include punching, kicking and threatening Iraqi soldiers, pistol-whipping an Iraqi civil leader and firing near the feet of Iraqi civilians.

Lt Col Collins is currently on leave after safely bringing back from the Gulf all 600 Canterbury-based soldiers of the regiment. He was unavailable for comment but is reported to have denied any wrong-doing.

An MoD spokesman said: "We can confirm an investigation is being conducted into allegations surrounding a British officer who served in Iraq. We cannot comment further because of the risk of compromising the investigation."

Since returning from the war, Lieut Colonel Collins has been promoted to the rank of Colonel and posted away from Howe Barracks.

During the speech in the Gulf he told his troops: “If you harm the regiment or its history by over-enthusiasm in killing or in cowardice, know it is your family who will suffer.

“You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest - for your deeds will follow you down through history. We will bring shame on neither our uniform or our nation.”