Spiers from band of brothers RIP

**Timber020** · 16th April 2007, 21:25

I heard from a mate in the US that Colonel Ron Spiers died a few days ago peacefully, those who have seen Band of Brothers would know him as the guy who shot the german prisoners.

Brave guy, sad to see the World War 2 vetrans ranks thin so quickly these days.

**Pussy** · 16th April 2007, 21:34

RIP Colonel Speirs. I have nothing but the utmost respect for those guys. About two and a half years ago I wrote to Dick Winters, and got a reply from him. It made me feel very proud.

**gijoe1313** · 16th April 2007, 21:36

Absolutely awesome series that BOB ... I got the DVD set as soon as it came out and even now enjoy watching it now and then. It's currently being played on the History Channel on SKY at the moment (kinda weird!)

I'm playing Brothers in Arms : Road to Hill 30 at the moment, really brings back moments from BOB when I play it...

And I always spare a thought for those brave soldiers that died on all sides for their courage and commitment to fulfil their duties and obligations. There, but for the grace of God, go I...

**Jeaves** · 16th April 2007, 22:48

RIP brave soul .

**onearmedbandit** · 16th April 2007, 23:08

Okay, so I know of the series and saw a few, and obviously this guy has great admiration, but what's the deal with the shooting prisoners thing?

**Maha** · 16th April 2007, 23:31

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

but what's the deal with the shooting prisoners thing?

Captive audiance perhaps???.....

**alexthekidd** · 17th April 2007, 00:28

come on ladies, its Colonel Ronald Speirs

one of the few people like miself, I before E except after C and in Speirs

**alexthekidd** · 17th April 2007, 00:32

more about him here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Speirs

**Chisanga** · 17th April 2007, 01:30

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

, but what's the deal with the shooting prisoners thing?

I'm certain the realities of war are often very different to the glorified, sanitised Hollywood version of war.

**spudchucka** · 17th April 2007, 07:04

He was a legend alright. If you liked the series you should get a copy of the Stephen Ambrose book as well, its a very good read.

**Sniper** · 17th April 2007, 07:42

JUST A COMMON SOLDIER
(A Soldier Died Today)
by A. Lawrence Vaincourt

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our heart are in mourning, for a soldier died today.

**MisterD** · 17th April 2007, 08:14

Originally Posted by Chisanga

I'm certain the realities of war are often very different to the glorified, sanitised Hollywood version of war.

There's not much glorified and sanitised about the depiction of war in BOB...

**bull** · 17th April 2007, 08:56

how apt that BoB last night showed the heroic Speirs running through the middle German occupied town with tanks galore to meet up with Allied support, then he decides hell run back to his troops after that. Thats bloody legendary, could just imagine the germans seeing him running amongst them and wondering whether to shoot or stare in amazement.

RIP Speirs

**Swoop** · 17th April 2007, 09:31

An excellent series indeed.
Truly amazing that the actors were able to sit down with the people they were portraying to get their stories, actions and traits.

Impressive.