The
Illustrated History
The
Illustrated History Barry Davies, bem
DEDICATION The Special Air Service
Uthough
this
not an official history of the Special
is
with a high degree of accuracy. years.
experiences
ni\
should know:
1
served
I
laving established myself as a writer, with
I
pubhcity,
the S AS.
in
return some measure
help to
the SAS. In lighl of this.
I
when
time
al a
have decided thai
I
this
book
my
be
Sen
ice.
nli
the
\\
regimem
last
book
iliis
to the officers
for eighteen
work based an m in
I
I
slum unsolicited
anxious to
is
on the SAS.
hope that
this will
works being written about
of normality to the proliferation oi
dedicate
portrays the regimem
ii
greal deal of ni\
;i
regimem
the
will
\ir
and men of 22 S
both pasl
\S.
ami present.
Acknowledgements The author would fortius book. shot are
even
thank
like to
Ihe\ have
all
S \S hooks.
their current image. Until
\ii
S AS
that thev lind
now Ibny
(
Service -
M\ thanks
a \ast array of fascinating
ti>
suffered
l>\
s
the recent release
keeping with
in
prod need, with the regimem
s
nfortunately, his research material
I
in
an) danger. Secondly, and
Regimem has
reraghty has alway
member
not available to me, hut having been a serving
do have access
in
The Muslinlcd History, more
and accurate history of the SAS.
help, a wonderful
S \S w ho pnr\ ided pictures
he publisher's decision was to blank
I
any chance of an individual being put
hope
I
ol the
be named, and specified that where the soldiers
to
serving, their faces should be blanked.
still
lace to avoid
with the knowledge thai the Special ol
ex-members
those
all
asked no1
of the
SAS
eighteen years,
for
photographs which bring
was
this
hook
to
I
life.
Department of the Imperial War Museum.
also go to the Photographic
Section Five studios ol Stockport. Photo Press and Prank Spooner.
ISBN
ÂŤ522^
I
published
First
9
(>81
Great Britain
in
in
1996
h\
Books
\ trgin
an imprint of Virgin Publishing Ltd
332
1
.ailhroke
London
\\
Copyright
The
10
Š
right of
Grove
5AH Barn Davies 1996
Barn Davies
accordance with
Phis
hook
is
lent, resold,
to he identified as
lopyrighl Designs
(
author of
and Patents
sold subject to the condition thai
it
hired out or otherwise circulated w
any form of binding or cover other than thai
in
Vet
this
work has been asserted
l>\
him
in
\')?,i\.
shall not, h\
wax
the publisher
iiliout
which
it
is
trade or otherwise, be
ol
prior w Hit en consent in
s
published and w ithoul a similar
condition including this condition being imposed upon the subsequenl purchaser.
\
catalogue record for this hook
ISBN
is
available from the British Librarv.
85227 696 7
1
Designed b\ Design Printed
2.'L
London
in Italy
Colour separations bv Pendrv Litho.
lime England
Disclaimer. Before
1
undertook
photographs used
this project. in this
book.
I
I
look srrtous legal advice regarding the reproduction of the
have complied with the law.
the original negatives, slides, or Polaroids.
or Polaroid, then
I
Where
have the owner's consent
I
in so
much
as
I
hold
many
do not have the original negative,
in writing for the rights
of
slide
connected with
publication of the photographs. Additionally, some of the photographic rights have been
purchased from various sources has been any doubt n> i
to
in the belief that the
vendor holds such
ownership, every reasonable
rue ow ner of the each picture
efforl lias
rights.
been made
\\
here there
to locale the
Contents CHAPTER ONE
THE EARLY YEARS 8 CHAPTER TWO
Selection and Training 28 CHAPTER THREE
Combat Survival 52 CHAPTER FOUR
TROOP TRAINING 66 CHAPTER FIVE
OMAN 82 CHAPTER SIX
NORTHERN IRELAND 106 CHAPTER SEVEN
Anti-Terrorist Team 122 CHAPTER EIGHT
COUNTLR-REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE 154 CHAPTER NINE
THEFALKLANDS 172 CHAPTER TEN
THE GULF WAR 182 CHAPTER ELEVEN
Specials and Surprises
212
CHAPTER TWELVE
roll of honour 220 Operational History 223
Introduction ;iii\
sing
WWII. What has changed is the enemy, and the threat he poses to our society. The men of the SAS have been asked to take on many and varied tasks over the years, facing each new challenge
and gath-
with the kind of determination atid dedication that
years ago, while serving as a sergeant in
and a keen photogSquadron Commander
the Special Air Service,
my
rapher to hoot,
asked
me
my personal
the vast collection in
ering
many
produce a photo album.
to
possession,
others that were freely offered.
I
set
I
aboul
the task. Most pictures were of the boys doing differenl things,
mam
and
were only posed shots of individuals,
but just a few were rather unique.
The album, which
seemed
fell l>v
good idea
like a
attention.
the wayside
the photographs together,
kept
I
the time,
once more demanded our immediate
operations
as
at
dragging
them with me from house to house, even from country to country, and unfortunately many were lost over the years. At last I have completed the album, and stands it
as a tribute to the men. the training, the skills
success of the
although
amiss of
this
me
ment, and
is
SAS
over the past
2.~>
modern
essentially a
it
would be
not to mention briefly the birth of the regi-
its
resurrection as
22 Special Air Service dur-
a picture
the case of the
SAS
is
worth a thousand words and.
in
Illustrated History, there has never
been a more accurate statement. This book contains photographs, most of which have newer been
scores of
seen before.
They cover
the
more
SAS and speak volumes about
recent history of the
Britain's elite regiment,
showing the tough training methods the British
Army must endure
in
that
members
from training exercises
major operations
to
of
changed dramatically is
all
SAS
and coinage, they are indeed. Sadly, they are still men of flesh and blood, and main have died. They
skill
died protecting our country and our
SAS
soldier, long since dead,
-
way
tactics used in recent
the
has changed
men. In little
of
life.
once stated.
\\
hen they
morning, and jump
eat their breakfasts in the
As one in their
cars to go to work, do the\ ever think about us prothe
tecting
Oman
This soldier died
trade routes?
war. protecting British interests
in
the
against the
(oil)
spread of communism.
war
\> the
in
Oman was
enemy was beginning ism. This
being fought, a sinister new
emerge
to
international terror-
-
began with several hijackings
most of which
in
the headlines around the world, but
hit
Games massacre
1972 Olympic
in
Munich. This single ad provoked a
vasl retaliation againsl terrorism. Firsl
came
then Mogadishu, and then siege in
the late 60s.
London. Above
all else,
it
was Entebbe.
Embassy
the Iranian
this action
by the
SAS
threw them on to centre stage, and they performed well.
Not only that, but they did \
ision
in full
it
view of a
live tele-
audience.
over
killers.
Highly trained,
by the SAS have
years and the process
ongoing.
remains constant
I
nothing more than a bunch of highly trained
The regiment keeps itself thoroughly up to date with modern technological developments and in many cases leads the way in producing new weapons and equipment. One thing, however, the
soldiers are invincible.
tainly,
The equipment and change
To those who think that SAS would say that, in terms of
offer.
SAS
the world.
of
men can
On a SAS i>
order to wear the cov-
eted winged dagger and giving a unique insighl into life,
in
nothing had prepared society for the
ing the early 1950s.
They say
only such
That said.
years.
history,
and the
Stirling -back
truth, the personality of
since the days of David
final note,
many
claim disparagingly that (he
yes.
and prepared
to kill, cer-
Why do you Why does the
but what are their real motivations?
think they suffer the rigors of selection?
government hone them, supply them with the very ent
equipment, and dress them
because when
all
men. they know
else fails,
that they
Service. As for the
men
men. of
whom we
black? They do so
and our country needs such can count on the Special Air
themselves, they are your sons.
your brothers, husbands and just
in
lat-
fathers.
They
should be proud.
are good,
CHAPTER ONE
THE EARLY YEARS World War
behind the German
as a raid-
creation during Since cause havoc behind enemy ing force designed its
II
also in occupied France, Greece.
to
lines in the deserts of
North Africa, the SAS has
dramatically widened
its
war
scope of operations.
equipment
to
SAS
The
commitment and professionalism
played by the
SAS
the standards
set in
The
historical
more than
photographs seen
•")()
here
They
represent the
and demonstrate how the daring
An SAS
raids
DO it
into
two regiments during the war and
was reborn
Scouts. These
gle,
been
In
men
and
in
fought for
1951, -2
and Borneo.
patrol in the North African desert during
to
become the
perfect
weapon
party had just returned after three
World War
II.
The guns
for hit-and-run raids. This raiding
months behind enemy
8
months
SAS was formed and
ed regiment went on to fight
out
lorin
ol
the
Malayan
in the hostile jun-
the natives,
are Vickers 'K' machine guns originally intended for use by aircraft but
adapted
the
stalking D the communist recreating the legend of the SAS.
belriendiiiii
terrorists
SAS was young SAS
carried
SAS grew
however,
dis-
selected with care in order to show what the like in its early years.
they were
1
years ago.
have
if
(
fit-
soldier of today bears testimony to
the desert
ferocious
had special French and Belgian detachments, but )4.~>. By despite its success, was disbanded in 1949,
.
ness, courage,
a
also
-
high-tech but die levels of personal
They established but death was the only reward
for
captured.
his
may have been
to the Allied
Destroying aircraft and disrupting lines of
effort.
reputation,
modern-day counterpart in the Gulf War The vehicles and equipment used in the Gulf and
much
the fledgling regiment.
arduous tasks and the most deadly adversaries. There soldier of 19-+1
Yugoslavia and
communication and supply became everyday tasks
help them tackle the most
remain, however, striking similarities between the
North Africa but
Italy.
throughout Europe, contributed so
developing innovative new strategies and sophisticated, specialised
lines, not just in
lines.
(IWM)
in
the
newly expand-
Malaya, Oman. Aden
9
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
In 1940.
in
David
Stirling
North Africa.
men
was a lieutenant with No 8
lengths to present
his
idea to the high
Finally, he accosted General Ritchie. his
own
office inside
and evaded
randum
all
band of dedicated enemy lines, he went
In the belief that a small
could operate successfully behind the
to great
Commando
command.
Deputy Chief of
Stall, in
GI 1Q, having climbed a barbed wire fence
the sentries to get there. His idea
eventually reached the
Middle East, General Auchinleck.
and memo-
Commander in Chief of and the SAS was bom. As
the the
main strength came from his ability to select and enlist those men who had both daring and vision. One such man was Paddy Mavne. (IWM) founder of the SAS,
Stirling's
10
THE EARLY YEARS
Paddy Mayne was one of Stirling's first recruits on forming the SAS. The nickname 'Paddy' came with his Irish ancestry, and before the war lie was well known for his accomplishments in the world of sport. In battle
which
possessed qualities of leadership
him apart from most men: he was awarded four lis reputation was built on his personal bravery, which
sci
DSOs. at
lie
I
times was characterised as reckless and wild. Indeed.,
he was
first
recruited into the SAS. he
Mayne survived deep behind enemy lines, only
striking a superior officer.
SAS
attacks
crash
in
Office.
was under
be killed
1955. This photograph was taken on a
(IWM)
11
arrest
the rigors of to
when
visit to
for
many
in a
the
car
War
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Lieutenant Colonel Stirling talking to Lieutenant McDonald, the leader of the raiding party pictured previously. Although this photograph in
was taken
the desert, the heavy duffel coat worn by Stirling demonstrates
cold
it
how
can get, especially at night. (IWM)
An American
Willy's
jeep as used by the SAS. They were
light, agile
and
robust, ideally suited to desert conditions because of their four-wheel drive.
This one has a
with a single Vickers
0.5m Browning heavy machine gun on the
'K' for
the front passenger and a set of twin
front, 'K's for
the rear man. All the extra jerry cans contain either fuel or water. (IWM)
12
The Early years
13
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
As early as 1042, the reputation of the SAS born. This man, Cpl
Sillito,
friendly lines alter a raid
Alamein. Cpl care of any
Sillito
and a
German
soldier
was being
walked over 100 miles back
to
on the German railway system near lieutenant, were tasked with taking
guards. As they did so the lieutenant
machine gun jammed, and he died during the
s
firefight. Sillito.
pursued by the enemy, managed to escape. With no food or water, he covered the distance in just over
was
finally
to stand.
found by members of
(IWM)
14
his
own
two days. When he
unit,
he was too weak
the early Years
Trucks of the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) preparing for battle.
The LRDG worked very closely with the SAS
in
the early
years of the North African campaign. The similarity to the fighting
columns during the Gulf War
15
is
uncanny. (IWM)
SAS
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
His Royal
Highness the Duke of Gloucester inspects troops
recommended
for gallantry
the soldiers. The the
left
who have been
awards. Note the SAS wings on the chest of
same wings
are used today, but they are
arm. (IWM)
16
now worn on
the Early Years
His Royal Highness inspects
SAS troops
as they strip and assemble
German weapons. Knowing the enemy's weapons as still
a basic requirement for their
well as your
modern-day counterparts. (IWM)
17
own
is
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Men
of ist
SAS who were parachuted behind German
Operation Bullbasket
and
Lt P.H.P.
in
Weaver
in
June 1944.
This picture of
a clandestine open-air
lines during
Lt H.
Storres
camp was taken
near Chateauroux. The purpose of Operation Bullbasket was to
support the Normandy landings. (IWM)
Opposite top: Another picture from Operation Bullbasket. The man seated at the front
is
johnie Holmes.
captured by the Germans on the 3rd
days
later.
July
except Holmes were
1944 and executed four
Note the camouflage net concealing the jeep. (IWM)
Opposite bottom: French Verrieres. Standing
Morris.
All
is
soil again, in
Capt
J.E.
the forest near Le Foret de
Tonkin, sitting on the right
The four others were captured by the Germans and
executed on the 7th
July
1944. (IWM)
18
is
Lt H.
The Early Years
19
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
During the war later to
as part
was
(Special Boat Section,
become Special Boa1 Service) established itself of 1st SAS. One of (lie meat est heroes of the SBS
the Danish
from bases islands
SBS
in Africa, the
all
in
Turkey,
SBS
the
raided German-held
round the Aegean and the Adriatic with
Lassen always
mainland
Lieutenant Anders Lassen. Operating
in the thick
of the action.
was on the
in Italy however, that a gross act of treachery
broughl about Lassen's demise. Bv to Major.
It
this
time promoted
Lassen was leading a diversionary force during
Lake Commachio. advancing alone a road heavily defended by machine-gun nests and pill-boxes. The patrol came under vicious fire: one was wounded and the rest took cover in the lake. Lassen, however, the attack on
pressed on with the attack.
gun
nests
and the
first
moved forward armed knock out three more
He destroyed
the machine-
pill-box with grenades then
with a pistol and grenades to
pill-boxes.
The
fifth pill-box
out a white flag but
when Lassen approached
their surrender, they
opened
range. Lassen
win the
\ ictoria
accept
to
and he was shot
was only the second
also being a Dane, to his actions at
fire
at close
foreigner, the first
Cross,
awarded
Lake Commachio. He was 25 years
20
hung
for
old.
The Early years
The the
birth of the
modern-day 22 SAS came about during
communist troubles
Malaya between 1950 - 1959.
in
Trouble had been brewing
in
Malaya
for a
and Lieutenant Colonel Mike
Calvert,
who was
Hong Kong
at the time,
instructed to evaluate the
communist
influence. Calvert, a tough soldier
commanded
was
an SAS Brigade during the
couple of years serving
in
who had
last war,
innovated the idea of the Malayan Scouts (SAS). He instigated
many
of the basic tactics that exist today, the
most famous being the four-man
and operated under very
patrol.
They performed
hostile conditions, completing
arduous tasks deep within enemy
territory.
Scouts formally became known as 22 SAS
whereupon
Calvert instructed Major John
return to England
and
set
The Malayan in
1951,
Woodhouse
to
up a specialised selection
course. Calvert (inset right)
is
seen
in
the photograph
above inspecting troops of the French SAS towards the end of World War
II.
(IWM)
21
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
SAS
soldiers working behind the lines with partisans
would prominently
display the British flag to notify Allied aircraft of their presence area. Exactly the
same system was used during
photograph was taken
in
Italy.
(IWM)
22
in
the Gulf War. This
the
The early years
Entry into the jungles of Malaya difficult,
the quickest
involved landing
known as
in
floor.
method being by parachute.
the high jungle canopy and
tree-jumping. The technique
dangerous, and those the trees
and Borneo was
still
who
was
This
became
at best very
survived the impact with
had to lower themselves to the jungle
These SAS troops are preparing
Note the paniers on their
for a tree
right hips in the
jump.
photo
above. These contained the lines they used to lower
themselves to the ground.
23
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
As the SAS established
once more as
itself
a regular British unit, the tasks
they were expected to undertake came thick and 1967, the
SAS
SAS were
active
in
fast.
Between 1959 and
Aden, Borneo and Oman. Here
patrol being briefed in the jungle
in
we see an
Borneo before setting out on
their mission.
With the increasing use of helicopters, tree-jumping declined, yet the conditions on the ground remained very
one of the
first
pictures taken
much
as they do today.
where helicopters were used
insertion. (IWM)
24
This
for jungle
is
THE EARLY YEARS
25
.
SAS:THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
In
1959 Jebel Akhdar
SAS
operation.
in
Oman was
Some 70 men
from
the scene for a daring 'D'
Squadron were
transported directly from the jungle to the desert, where
they immediately went into action. During the assault on Jebel Akhdar, a Billiere
won
young captain by the name of Peter De
the Military Medal for his actions. These
photographs show the rugged training
la
underway
in
terrain of the Jebel
and
riot
the Jebeli village of Saiq.
m
_ 26
The Early Years
The
role of the
SAS during the Aden
conflict
was
limited to up-
country patrolling and 'Keeni Meeni' (Swahili for snake grass) covert units mainly comprising of Fijians
the towns, passing themselves off as Arabs.
SAS found
come
difficult to
It
the
who operated was
to grips with, partly
deteriorating political situation
in
in
a conflict the
due to the
and the number of enemy factions
involved. That said, they stayed to the bitter end and were
involved
massive
in
most of the
riots in Crater district.
only
way
This
SAS trooper
lifted
action.
into Crater.
is
This picture
The road
in
was taken during the
the centre
was the
(IWM A 35119)
preparing his L42 sniper
rifle
prior to being
by helicopter into the mountains overlooking Crater. The
local uprising
had succeeded
population trapped
in
in killing
the area.
Many
most of the white of the bodies had been laid
the road for the Arab trucks to run over. After the arrival of
out
in
the
SAS sniper group,
the streets
became deserted.
(P)
27
CHAPTER TWO
Selection and Training The
SAS
selection
(SOPs). Specialist weapons
course takes place in the
Brecon Beacons. The whole course has two
Training follow.
skills
and Combat Survival
The Combat Survival phase ends with
weed out those who are unsuitable, and to push to the limit those capable of passing. The overall course, which was devised in the early 50s by Major John Woodhouse, has changed very little over the years, although more emphasis was placed on safety after a series of deaths in the late 70s and early 80s. The course is long and tough. Those who pass the build-up to test week find that at the end lliey are faced with the 'Endurance March. Little can prepare them
an Escape and Evasion exercise, where candidates are
to succeed inside the allocated time
driving licence. Only once the candidate has fulfilled
aims, to
for this challenge is
-
a fitting achievement in
Continuation training
all
the basics that
fully
Loads and distances
march, or 'Fan Dance' as
will it
is
clothed,
complete with
demanding but equally
winged dagger.
belt
essential
of the criterion required
he be marched
is
not finished.
at least a
equipment. possession of a
on the selection course
in to receive his beret It
is
with
its
mile Less full
will
coveted
bestows an ethos of belonging; a
bond with those warriors who have gone before and given so much. Then he is sent to a Sabre Squadron as an SAS
and learning Standard Operating Procedure*
out.
go on to Jungle Training, and
Even then, it SAS candidates are required to swim
make a good SAS soldier. a member of a four-man
map.
will
static-line parachuting.
selection will
his
candidates undergo intensive interrogation
Those remaining
weeks, at
SAS candidate checking
all
training.
all
lasts for fourteen
These include operating as patrol
capture,
itself.
which time those candidates surviving be taught
expected to avoid capture. However, irrespective of
Try cheating
depend on the sometimes
28
soldier.
and you are on your way exercise, but the
endurance
called, defies imagination.
29
SAS:TIIE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
M The wild Brecon Beacons, home of the SAS basic training. This barren,
mountains
is,
during bad weather, as hostile as any
other place on earth. soldiers.
30
exposed range of small
It
has claimed the
lives of
many
Selection and training
The basic the
rule of selection:
way down -
this
never give up.
31
pace yourself. Walk up the
way you
just
hill
and run on
might make the grade. Never stop and
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
32
Selection and training
Opposite top and bottom: Those to
who pass
complete the fourteen-week continuation
individuals learn
the soldiers
how
infantry regiments,
fieldcraft skills are excellent. Nevertheless,
basics helps to bring everyone up to the
Another
is
priority in the
means choosing
a
re-learning contact
SAS
is
become very
generally state of the
art.
their
same
high standard.
drills. (P)
surveillance. Staying concealed
soldier carries into battle totals is
of
going back to the
(OP).
Weapon
sophisticated, and require
expert knowledge. The value of the equipment a
it
go on
Many
and normally
good observation position
sighting systems have
will
training. Here the
to operate as a four-man patrol.
come from
This four-man patrol
week
test
many thousands
modern SAS of pounds, and
These pictures show a laser target
designator (top), and a night vision aid
(right),
which allows the
patrol to see perfectly during the dark hours. (P)
33
SAS:TIIK ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
No matter what parent regiment you come from, basic be re-learned. Weapon
assemble and
fire
skills are a
weapon
is
almost every type of weapon
an
Usi. Pictures
These soldiers are having a
field
must
necessity and learning to strip,
these two pictures show. The machine guns are small
skills
is
taught, as
M6os and
taken around 1975.
day
in
the
(P)
more than one sense of
the word, firing off a variety of weapons. The top picture shows the General Purpose Machine role.
34
The bottom picture
is
Gun (GPMG)
of a
fire
in
the sustained
power demonstration.
fire
(P)
Selection and training
mt 35
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Soldiers on basic static-line parachute training, taken inside a helicopter. This picture
was taken
Reconnaissance
at the
ILRRP (International Long Range
Patrol) School, in
Germany. Irrespective of location,
soldiers are expected to undergo several parachute
Before any soldier can enter an
jumps annually.
SAS squadron, he must
first
all
SAS
(P)
pass the basic
parachute course. This picture was taken during a basic parachute course at Brize Norton,
the
new
and shows paratroopers dropping from
low-level parachute.
The SAS now run
parachute course. (PHOTO PRESS)
36
their
a Hercules using
own
specialist
Selection and training
37
SAS:The Illustrated history
Target attack also plays a major role
in
the SAS. Despite the
advent of Laser Target Designators (LTD), demolition required. These pictures
show the demolition team
standard charges to an earth satellite station.
38
(P)
skills are still
fitting
Selection and Training
Four months of intensive training
make up
course, one of the most exciting courses participate. (P)
39
in
the
SAS demolition
which a soldier can
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
The Laser Target Designator (LTD) has begun to play in
SAS
training.
by plastering
amounts
it
a
major part
The more traditional method of destroying a target with explosive charges entailed carrying large
of explosive on to the target. Most vital installations are
well protected,
making
it
extremely
difficult to
get to the target,
and there are the additional problems of being spotted while placing the charges or the charges being discovered before they
have been detonated. The LTD simply allows the patrol to mark the target from a distance.
A wide
cruise missiles fired from a safe distance can lock 'painted' target.
These two pictures were taken
the Harrier coming
in just
device on the short legs.
bombs and
variety of smart
above sea (P)
40
level.
in
on to the laser Scotland. Note
The LTD
is
the small
SELECTION AND TRAINING
One
in
done until skills
four
SAS men
is
trained
medical
in
to provide basic life-saving support
This
skills.
on the
is
battlefield
the casualty can be evacuated. Additionally, medical play a large part
The picture on the
in
right
any 'hearts and minds' campaign.
was take
young boy with an infected removed
it
leg.
in
Oman, and shows
When
the scab
exposed the bone. Several weeks
a
was
later,
following a course of penicillin, he recovered, thanks to
the
SAS medic. The top
picture
is
of an aborigine
being treated during an SAS patrol
campong
in
Malaya.
(Soldier
man
visit to a local
Mag)
41
SAS:
Till:
[LLUSTRATED HIS POKY
Almost every SAS soldier can speak
at least
than his native tongue. Not everyone to converse
is
of
immense help
the lines. The soldier tin
in this
of food contains no pork.
is
to the
one language other
your enemy, and the
SAS while operating behind Arabic that the
is
explaining
in
A simple
thing, but
one that could
picture
cause major problems with a Muslim. This Arab
named
ability
is
from a tribe
the Bani Shihoo, as indicated by the small axe he
holding. (P)
42
is
SlXKCTION AND TRAINING
The communication Sophisticated
base
in
field
skills in
the
SAS
are second to none.
radios send burst-coded
a matter of seconds. At
stations around the world that
messages back
to
one stage, the regiment had outwould transmit back
Hereford base. With the advent of satellites,
to the
SAS communications
are totally secure and operate direct on a global scale. Even
deepest jungle, amid
torrid
in
downpours, the signaller has to get
through. (P)
43
the
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
44
Selection and Training
Jungle patrolling techniques differ from those just the lead scout
needs
to
be
alert,
in
but so do the rest of the
an SAS lead scout on operation
patrol. This is
Europe. Here, not
in
South America.
(P)
Jungle training
comes
a shock. Life
in
Movement
slow,
is
at the
the jungle
is
and there
end of selection and
is
different, especially the is
no
talking.
something of
SAS way.
The jungle soldier
always soaking wet, either from sweat or from the tropical
The base camp, where
all
the instruction
is
carried out,
is
rain.
is
normally nothing more than a few basic huts that the directing staff
have thrown up. Everyone sleeps
basha.
There
in
a
hammock under
a
(P)
is
no need to starve
in
the jungle as
it
offers a bountiful
supply of food, fresh water, and the means to build a good shelter. will
However, most of the insects and animals
give you a nasty bite. This
Belize,
SAS
in
the jungle
soldier, while training in
has built his basha high off the ground. Even his
boots are raised out of harm's way.
45
(P)
mug and
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
46
Sklkc tion and training
The pictures on the operating
in
left,
(Soldier
Mag) and above
(P)
show
lead scouts
the jungles of South America. The soldier above
shotgun, often the preferred weapon of the lead scout.
47
is
using a
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
The
matted jungle hides the sheer gradients
thickly
and rugged
which SAS soldiers must
terrain in
sometimes operate. Amid
this tapestry of vibrant
sounds and smells the four-man a
patrol finds itself in
murderous game of hide and seek. This
about to cross a
river.
bergens, wrapped
in
patrol
is
Note that they are using their
an
air-tight sack,
as floatation
aids. (P)
Finding a landing zone for the helicopter
is
not
always possible. These SAS soldiers are just about to repel into the jungle by rope.
helicopter also to be
Due
makes
in
an emergency.
dense undergrowth and
to the
versatility of the
possible for injured soldiers
winched from the jungle
(P)
foliage, contact in
usually at short range. The ability to
the jungle
is
react with
speed and aggression during an enemy
ambush may an SAS
well save your
man being
shift range.
1988. (P)
life.
This picture
shows
put through his paces on a make-
The weapon
grenade launcher.
48
it
The
is
an M16 with a 203
This picture
40mm
was taken around
Selection and tkaininc
M.
y J&
49
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
50
Selection and Training
These three photos were taken exercise
in
Brunei
in
at the
end of
a Jungle Training
1986. The helicopter coming
tree-tops gives the waiting troops a real boost.
back
in civilisation
in
Soon
with real beds and dry clothes.
51
low over the they'll
be
CHAPTER THREE
Combat Survival The
SAS
lines.
It
enemy
regularly operate behind the
pared
whal they started out doing, and
is
what they do
best.
For
the
Evasion Training plays a large pari not only during selection, but also on an annual basis for bers of the regiment.
fronting the soldier fatigue,
boredom,
The psychological
when he
is
loneliness,
to
induce
fear.
SAS
mem-
their effects in the
dier's
work
His captors
h'om
the
may
pas> are to the
designed
of isolation
and abandonment.
of capture, the prisoner must be pre-
Four SAS men,
all
dressed
in
old
just a lew
S \S soldier.
that have long
comfortable houses
in
The importance
army overcoats, are prepared
at least
one
be on the run
own to
for
&
52
for
end of
E exercise every
about a week,
living off
the land whilst being pursued by a hunter force. Then they will face a forced interrogation. (P)
of a survival
and each SAS
enemy, and return safely
at the
a
com-
of the essential survival skills taught
survival
kit
have the means
E
will
in
will
The regiment runs
These soldiers
Combat
forces.
skills, skills
and the aid of escape money or
comes
year.
for all
reproduce these condi-
this,
the Escape and Evasion exercise which selection.
to
own
and finding your direction without
operation will have his
the sol-
seek revenge by giving him a beating.
moment
is
his
and responsible
stopping short of any physical injury
out matches
hope that
fill
by
out
carried
not be underestimated,
of his predicament will
mind with a sense
personified
eyes of his cap-
civilised towns. Living off (he land, lighting a fire with-
they will defeat them.
The very nature
enemy
been forgotten by those living
soldiers are taughl to recognise the
symptoms and understand
the
hostility. In the
Survival requires special
effects of cold. thirst,
is
deeds
tions,
factors con-
These symptoms, together with hunger and
encounter some
Survival Training
captured include pain,
and the
he
tors,
Escape and
this reason,
to
effect
to his
his
own
a
can-
kit
soldier on
even
7
with him. With
blood
escape, lines.
chit
evade
.
he tin 1
53
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
These essentials form part of an SAS escape
kit,
which
is
normally housed
in
a
tobacco
tin.
The items can include: a button compass which can be swallowed; a wire saw that
will cut
through the hardest metal; a condom
fire
The magnesium block, bottom
for collecting water,
left, will light
to the individual soldier to prepare his
operation and the environment.
In
own
around 2000
and fires,
a cloth escape
tampon wet or
for
dry.
survival pack, as contents will
use It
is
in
lighting.
normally
left
depend on the
(P)
addition to the basic survival items, specialist equipment
shows
a
map, printed on
silk,
tools are not issued for escape kits, but
is
also issued. The picture below
which was used during the Gulf War. Lock-picking
many SAS
soldiers have acquired their own.
The gold
sovereigns are issued as 'blood money' with which the soldier can purchase assistance or
equipment that
will aid his
gold or US dollars.
escape. Most SAS soldiers operating behind the lines receive either
(P)
'".
33°
54
Combat Survival
SERIAL
NO
PRO Ml S O RY NOTE ,
HM
BRITANNIC GOVERNMENT PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER OF THii NOTE THE SUM OF £5000 STERLING PROVIDING YOU DO NOT HARM THE PERSON ISSUING IT AND THAT YOU ASSIST HIM TO EITHER E|VAD£ CAPTURE OR RETURN HIM TO EITHER SAUDI ARABIAORTO NEUTRAL TERRITORY. TO CLAIM THE REWARD YOU SHOULD
TAKE THIS NOTE TO ANY BRITISH EMBASSY OR CONSULATE AND ASK TO SPEAK TO THE DEFENCE ATTACHE OR ONE OF HIS ASSISTANTS. HE WILL THEN GIVE YOU THE SUM OF E5OO0.
^ SjLiw Jl j^JI ^LUl
^
c'.tj
li*
^aLi J^k
^ij^, ^3
.
slilSUI iil JU.I
<u^L^
jyaj jl
^jVI
i^ jjJI vLLdc.
JjguuJl
aj13 •
.
show
to
any
civilian
who
has a unique number a soldier
<jl
5jtfla-»"<j^jl
JxJ JUJ
at the top
and any
British
Farsi. (P)
55
who has
chit'
aided
or Consulate to
was issued
and
and
civilian
Embassy
chit'
English, Arabic
*
that the escaping soldier will
claim his reward. This 'blood is in
^
-Jl jl
<Ui^ °
agrees to help him. Each 'blood
may approach any
i^^Jl
J
3-» jJfcSfaJl J^jlLj
jl j-^Vl (^jLL» :
<>*
document
iuj^^juJI
ji
Jl
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SUbUI J=J JaJ
chit' is a
JjuL_* JA'J Jl
.
J^laJ A^jJL UltUa^ jJl
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The 'blood
<>
^&L»jJl JjJII* liiJVI wJio > -CwLUjjj «uL^*ii
<JT*
M^-a
jl
for the Gulf
War
'
&ocLoa
<ji
«UJjJudl
• (Jjl
J^fcii
SAS:THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Living off the land
is
fast
Here the SAS 'survivor' trout.
is
becoming in
a forgotten
skill.
training learning to tickle a
Below the survivor has successfully caught a
rabbit, using a
simple snare trap. Survival training also
includes instruction on plant food recognition. (P)
56
Combat survival
^,.*-~
Different countries will offer different
soldier shot
and ate a baboon while operating
central Africa.
meat
game. This SAS
The whole patrol feasted
in
well, as the
very tasty. (P)
is
The wild turkey was trapped during a Jungle Training exercise.
meal.
It
was
full
of fleas, but provided a
good
(P)
57
say*
." 11
:
Ji
A^-wft
SAS: The Illustrated History
Lighting a learnt.
fire
without matches
When you
over an open
are wet, cold
fire will
lift
your
is
a skill
most SAS men have
and hungry, cooking your catch spirits
situation. (P)
58
during any survival
Combat Survival
Every
SAS
soldier
determines this in is
how
soon learns that the weight of the
fast
and
mind, a simple
extremely
support, the
light
how
condom can be used
is
will
he carries
long he can keep moving. With
when empty but by
condom
condom, however,
for
kit
placing
hold about two
not as easy as
59
it
for collecting water. in
it
litres
It
a sock for
of water. Filling the
looks. (P)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
u
A
different water technique
is
shown
receive Desert Survival Training. still'.
The
here, as pilot
RAF Tornado
pilots
has constructed a 'solar
This comprises of a polythene sheet stretched over a hole
the sand. The plastic sheet
is
weighted over a cup which collects
the moisture that has condensed on the underside of the sheet.
The
pilot
is
sucking the water from beneath the sheet using a
flexible tube. Fast jet pilots are
through the ILRRP school
in
in
normally instructed on survival
Southern Germany. (IWM)
60
Combat survival
Capture by the enemy can often seem very
real
during training.
The use of unusual or 'enemy' uniforms by the hunter force adds to this realism as
treated. film
Some
does the roughness with which the prisoner
of these pictures were taken during the
is
making of
on SAS Escape and Evasion, and are very authentic.
a
(P)
The captured SAS man can expect no sympathy from the enemy, so none
is
given during training. After a 24-hour period of
interrogation, the prisoner really starts to think that he
enemy hands. Capture and
interrogation by the
enemy
the most frightening experiences a soldier must face. Survival Training
day ever
is
is is
in
one of
SAS Combat
designed to prepare the individual, should that
arrive. (P)
61
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Torture during training
is
not
allowed, but controlled applications of fear-inducing
methods are used. White sound, and forcing the prisoner to wear a pillow
case soaked with water, gives
him the impression of slow drowning.
It
is
an experience
to
be avoided. The basic
is:
give your name, rank and
number
rule
only. Isolation will
take up most of the 24 hours allocated to interrogation.
During this time, the prisoner is
kept constantly hooded,
and normally housed cold,
damp room.
the prisoner
is
In
in
a
reality,
very
uncomfortable, but the constant playing of white
sound can cause hallucinations of
sunshine.
warmth and
(P)
i
1 9
t
62
Combat survival
These pictures, taken during
training, of an
a guard are very real. Note the
man.
SAS escapee
attacking
speed of movement of the SAS
(P)
After knocking the unfortunate guard unconscious, the
gone, leaving nothing more than a
photographs were taken
at
blur.
SAS man
(The above two
normal speed, without any special
effects.) (P)
63
is
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
The enemy soldier
is
will
not give up without a chase. Here the escaping
forced to
jump
He then has to swim the have learnt during
into the river, a
drop of some 40
river fully clothed,
his selection course. (P)
64
feet.
something he would
Combat Survival
Rescue
at last. This
escapee has
with friendly forces and
He has adopted the
is
about
finally
to
65
contact
the
poses no threat to them.
recently, during the
Survival film. (P)
make
away from
crucifix position, facing
was taken
to
be picked up by helicopter.
helicopter, so that they can see that he
This picture
managed
making of
a
Combat
CHAPTER FOUR
Troop Training The
SAS
made up
is
on a surf board. In recent years, members of the SBS
of four Sabre (fighting)
Squadrons. Each squadron
is
(Special Boat Service) have been stationed at Hereford
sub-divided into
and
four troops with a small headquarters section.
join with the
SAS
in cross-training. Several opera-
SBS for Falklands War
Each troop is designed to operate in a variety of terrains and environments, providing different methods
actual water insertion and dining the
of delivering soldiers to their drop-off points. These
they demonstrated how truly professional they are.
tions
Even SAS
mountaineering and Arctic
include vehicle mobility,
warfare, air insertion and boat entry methods. Each
member
troop
will
have an individual
from medical training nals.
to languages, demolition
These are the basic
length of service,
member
it
is
skills
not
troop will specialise in
its
is
skills.
practises IIAIIO (High Altitude
sig-
allows the
courses in
tactics.
German Alpine Guides squadrons cise in
will
cle*,
pink
attend is
II.
all
when an
was found
taking part
in
best
(hiring -
World War
the sand
had
Other vehicles used by Mobility
pink.
KTM
350 and Honda 250 motorbikes;
the
the
REME
learning basic mechanical fan
training in cross-country conditions.
diver has to be ready to operate the is
down
is
their vehicles
to paint
middle of the desert
in the
it
or Pinkie
Honda is preferred as it is very quiet. Courses for members of Mobility Troop cover several weeks with
winter exer-
These include diving and even sw -miming ashore
This soldier
SAS Pink Panther
old aircraft, shot
Troop include
water insertion meth-
An SAS
of which the
burnished
the
Norway.
Boat Troop concentrates on ods.
NATO
to a tar-
Troop also uses unusual entry meth-
known. The regiment decided
with no
course. Normally, one of the
be committed to the
some 30 kilometres on
ods including micro-lights and power-kites.
aspects of
Many SAS individuals Europe, among the best of which
and Arctic
to glide
Vir-Insertion
get.
previous experience will be taught the basic* of climbing
men
High Opening). This
Mobility Troop operates using a wide variety of vehi-
New members
mountaineering and skiing.
required to be parachute trained
and
skills. all
is
extends beyond these normal static-line procedures and
to find a troop
responsible for
soldier
using the
ranging
Additionally, each
own unique
jointly carried out
before he can enter a squadron. Air-Insertion Troop
and. depending on their
uncommon
with several different
Mountain Troop
skill,
have been
moment he
an anti-terrorist exercise
66
in
is
ashore.
1995. (P)
finding
and
67
SAS:THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Boat Troop deals with
all
water-borne entry methods.
These two men are paddling canoe
is
basically a canvas cover over a
frame, allowing It
V'
ni 68
a 'Klepper' canoe.
it
to
The
wooden
be dismantled and stowed away.
can be launched from a submarine.
(P)
TROOP TRAINING
Inside the pool at Stirling Lines
Hereford. This picture
water
facility
in
shows the indoor
which can simulate various
conditions for boat and diving work. The
pool
is
fitted
w'
with a wave-making
machine, generating rough sea conditions.
used by the SAS speed and manoeuvrability.
Fast patrol boats are their
for
69
I
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
70
Troop Training
i
8B|
''
^iUkS
When swimming
ashore, equipment can be kept dry inside
specially designed waterproof bags. (P)
A more dramatic
entry can be
made by dropping from
helicopter. This picture captures the
moment
a diver
launches himself into the water. Over the years, different entry
methods had been
a
many
tried, including firing
divers from the torpedo tube of a submarine. Not
something
I
?
â&#x20AC;˘'*,
.'
*
5
-1
I
â&#x20AC;˘\v:'
X
i
/ \\
71
for
those
who
suffer from claustrophobia. (P)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
members
All
of Mountain Troop
are required to undergo a basic
climbing course. These recruits are practising
of Llanberris Pass
During the
in
on the walls
North Wales.
summer months, can be great fun
climbing
like this
and very
satisfying. (P)
Members
of Mountain Troop
expand
their skills
by training
overseas. This picture
was taken
at the French Military
Climbing
School at Chamonix.
All
in
the pictures are
and
SAS
the
men
soldiers,
their climbing ability
to see. (P)
72
new
is
clear
Troop Training
The SAS produces men of outstanding talent. This picture is of Andy Baxter, climbing dining a training exercise in Southern Germany. Like Brummie Stokes and Bronco Lane before him. Andy went on to tackle Mount Everest. Unfortunately, he was badly injured during an avalanche, and died some months later. His skill and dedication to mountaineering were second to none. As a
young SAS
soldier.,
Andy
excelled at almost everything
he did. His love of climbing came after attending the
German Alpine Guides
course
in
Bavaria.
The regimen
I
annually selects two Mountain Troop soldiers to attend the year-long course. Six six
months
is
spent on skiing and
on mountaineering. In many ways, Andy Baxter
omised the daring to a challenge,
spirit of the
and meet
SAS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; always
first to rise
thai challenge with skill
daring.
73
epit-
and
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Mountain Troop also specialises
most of which
is
Basic skiing
a requirement for
soldiers,
is
carried out in Norway.
and during any training
Mountain Troop Basic skiing
is
in skiing,
to
all it
SAS falls
to
supply the expertise.
a very casual
be seen by the mixed dress
affair,
as can
in this
picture.
To improve the standards of skiing, a
weekly race
is
run.
The course distance
increases as the training continues. individuals
become
highly competitive,
and go on to compete other armies.
74
Many
in
races against
Troop Training
The SAS practise living in a
their military role in Norway. This normally
snow hole
for
weeks
at a
time and observing the
enemy. As with many SAS operations, intelligence gathering prime
role. This picture
was taken from an SAS snow
overlooking the 'enemy' encampment below.
75
means
(P)
is
a
hole, while
SAS: The Illustrated History
Many operations
are carried
out using vehicles, and Mobility Troop utilises a wide
range of vehicles, from Land
Rovers to motorbikes. The
SAS
'Pink Panther'
is
recognised world-wide, and
has become a trademark of the SAS. The current vehicle the
no
comes
Land Rover. This fitted
with a variety of
armaments, and suit
is
most
terrains.
the vehicle
need of
a
in this
little
adapted
is
to
However, picture
and
help,
being winched from the
by a sister vehicle.
(P)
Although they work
in
is in is
mud
groups,
most of the Land Rovers can operate independently. Understandably,
such as
skills
navigation are a basic
requirement. Here the crew are using a theodolite to
fix
their
position. Despite the use of
modern Global
Plotting
Systems (GPS), the more traditional skills are
practised. (P)
76
still
Troop Training
Mobility Troop operates
during a river crossing
in all terrains.
in
This picture
the African bush. Training
was taken in
cross-
country conditions can vary from the UAE (United Arab Emirates) to the deserts of America. (P)
77
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Mobility Troop also needs to be familiar with vehicles not normally
associated with the SAS. Training with other units of the British
Army allows them access
show
rigid raider.
example, the Scorpion tank.
between the various troops also takes
Joint training
pictures
to, for
place.
(P)
These
Mobility Troop negotiating a ride on a Boat Troop
The small vehicle
is
a
78
Honda 350 Quad.
(P)
Troop Training
*».
i
V*»*
.
«
.» IKJ^,,;
*«- S
1^3^
79
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Getting ready for a high-altitude jump, the
men
will
move
from the main oxygen control panel to their personal supply. (Photo Press)
There
is
an Air Insertion Troop with each squadron, normally
referred to as the 'Prima Donnas'. Their tasks are
more
individual, as they are normally only involved with the rest of
the squadron
in
the path-finding role, going
main force to secure and mark Every
the
SAS
soldier,
SAS parachute
when he has
a
in
ahead of the
drope zone or landing area.
finished selection, will attend
course. This involves four low-altitude
(200ft) static line jumps,
seven normal (800ft) jumps and two
water jumps. Here the SAS soldier
is fully
rigged out for a
high-altitude jump, complete with oxygen system. (Photo Press)
1
B
'"
-.
;
=-v
..
.
<
80
TROOP TRAINING
Exiting the aircraft
and going
into the
Note the rucksacks are
'delta' position.
secured, upside down, on the soldiers' backside.
When
the equipment
body on
the parachute has opened, is
lowered away from the
a rope.
After a hard day's training,
whether
jumping, swimming, driving, climbing or skiing, there's nothing like a nice cold
beer.
81
CHAPTER FIVE
Oman he
Oman War was
one the British public knew
as
about.
It
any third world nation.
A
lion in the region
when
the regime of
hope of change,
rebel-
north-
west of the town. Gunner Walid Khalfan of the
Oman
before a relief force
I
drove
a general amnesty,
many
won
moved
into the area,
\\
who resisted. the SAS were
where they remained
During
killed.
this
Trooper Tobin
action
air strike
Corporal
fatally injured
and seri-
ously wounded.
hard-line communists
Almost immediately, two squadrons of
and an accompanying
Trooper Takavesi and Gunner Walid Khalfan both
of the people over to the government, but there
were a great
action lasted nearly four hours
enemy.
the
off
Labalaba was
and
put into progress plans that would bring his people out of the dark ages. This pledge of social development
The
Service soldiers.
son Qaboos in a bloodless coup.
many
just outside the walls of the fort,
was already there. Before long the entire crew were wounded. The rebels continued to attack with great ferocity and made repeated attempts to take the gun, often from within grenade-throwing range, and despite the supporting fire from the other Special Air
rife.
The young Sultan declared
a 25-
Artillery
The situation was saved Said bin Taimur was deposed by lis was
nine-man Special
man
pounder gun
feudal state where the peo-
ple lived without progress or the
of a
Air Service Civil Action team, went to
was a war of counter- ins urgency against communist-backed rebels and a war that took the lives of many good SAS men. The country itself is rich in oil and its northern tip controls the Straits of Hormuz, through which half the world's oil passes. The country prior to 1970 was as backward little
members
trooper Takavesi, both
hen the war was won. the
civil
[hey drilled for water, and for the liquid
was
plentiful. Bulls \\r\v
aid teams
first
moved
in.
time this precious
imported and the local
herds were improved, bringing better food to the popu-
for several
Army Training many battles were
working with the
local people not just to fight off the
fought and of these the Battle of Mirbat must rank as
rebels, but also to
improve the basic standard of
years, officially
known
Team (BATT). During the greatest. At
the long war,
dawn on
rebel force, about
as the British
250
lation.
brought
of
Mirbat in the Dhofar Province of Southern Oman.
When
the battle started,
schools,
Corporal Labalaba and
The Jebel Massive
is
fully
involved with these efforts,
Oman
modern world, with good roads and hospitals, a far cry from the bad old the
into
days of the 60s.
a strange place to fight a war.
In
places
it
is
cut with
steep sided gorges that are reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. To the north, the vegetation fades out to nothing, only rock
east and west, buried
in
nest
in
In
and sand. To the
the gorges, small villages have developed
terraced fields. To the south, the Jebel Massive drops Indian Ocean.
living.
Today, the reforms instigated by Sultan Qaboos have
the 19th of July, 1972, a large strong, attacked the Port
The SAS were
the greener regions,
it
is
away sharply
to the
a place of great beauty. Birds
the trees and wild animals can be spotted on the slopes. (P)
82
83
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
HI^^KHH 84
OMAN
The of
local Jebelis
life,
had
which
were a proud people, existing on the very basics
many
in
way
lived this
for
Many
Middle East, some their minds.
On
in
little
surviving.
They
of the
the rock to catch water and breeding
in
young men
search of work,
returning to their
that they revolted.
travelled throughout the
some
just
wishing to expand
own miserable
having seen the way that people lived
wonder
more than
thousands of years, building houses of
stone, constructing cisterns cattle for food.
meant
cases,
in
living conditions,
other countries,
it
is
little
(P)
Opposite: Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. His father, Sultan Said bin Taimur,
kept the country
1970, Qaboos,
Academy
in
in a
who had been
backward, feudal manner. Then, trained at the British Military
Sandhurst, deposed his father
the Palace. Since that time he has
improve
his country
and help
in
in
employed
a bloodless all
his people. (Frank
85
coup
his energies to
Spooner)
at
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
One
of the
first
tasks that the
SAS had
to deal with
was
to inform
the local population about the palace coup and the intentions of their
new
leader,
tent that had
Qaboos. This picture was taken by the medical
been set up
at the start of a hearts
and minds
campaign. The men were given small portable radios, while the children were given T-shirts. (P)
86
Oman
These
Jebeli children are
Qaboos
is
their
new
holding leaflets announcing that Sultan
ruler.
The
Psychological Warfare Team.
leaflets
(P)
87
were provided by the SAS
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
In
the north of
villages
was by
Oman, the only way boat. The Trucial
to visit
Oman
some
of the coastal
Scouts crewed this Arab
dhow, which spent a month going around the isolated This picture
shows the dhow leaving
sea. Here the
SAS
villages.
a small cove, inland from the
party found several families which had been
banished under the old Sultan's
on brackish water and
fish
rule.
They had survived
from the sea.
88
(P)
for years
Oman
This picture
shows the town
of Taqa.
between
lies
It
the southern capital Salalah, and the town of Mirbat.
The old and
fort
directly
housed the
local Wali
opposite
the house used for
is
and
his soldiers,
many
years
by the SAS. The tree indicates the centre of the town
SAS
square. Just a few years before the
were
still
sold
under enemy Massive.
in this fire
Taqa was constantly
square.
prior to the
SAS assaulting the
Jebel
(P)
This Arab builder had fallen off a roof a
the
arrived, slaves
SAS dhow
arrived.
The hole
week before was
in his skull
plastered with a mixture of dates and
salt.
extent this treatment had worked, but
when
To
some
the
SAS
medic removed the makeshift poultice, a large square of skull full
came away with
it.
This hole, with the brain
view, caused a problem. Eventually, the medic
opened
a ration
pack and cut the
off a
lid
of processed cheese. He sterilised the
and secured stitching.
next
The
in
it
over the hole with
lid
some
metal can
by boiling
it,
decorative
The man was given antibiotics and on the
visit a
month
letters 'ese'
later,
on the
the
wound had almost
tin lid
could
still
healed.
be seen, but
with time that would heal over. (P)
89
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
The Adoo (Arabic
enemy) were mostly
for
conscripted from the local Jebelis. They were
could
fast,
live off
the land, and
every water hole was located. years,
it
was
difficult to
them and they were
come
free to
In
knew where the early
to grips with
roam the
Jebel
Massive, attacking the coastal towns at
will.
(P)
Things soon changed when the SAS led their Firqats (indigenous forces trained by the SAS,
many Adoo)
of
whom
had previously fought
into the fray.
for the
These three Adoo were
killed
during one of the
Jebel.
Normally the Adoo were well dressed,
fighting in green shorts their waists
a
and
contacts on the
shirts.
Around
were ammunition belts and The
Thoughts of Chairman in
first
handy pocket.
In
Mao was
always kept
fairness, they
were
brave adversary, fighting for a misguided cause. (P)
90
a
Oman
Not a pretty picture. After a major stand-off attack a patrol was sent out to see what
damage had been caused. A mortar bomb had landed amid
group of Adoo, asked
for a
killing
many
body count, the
of
them
patrol
instantly.
member
When
91
the mortar controller
reported, 'Four plus an
arm.' Nothing else of the guy could be found. (P)
a
odd
SAS:
The
British
major part
Army in
the
THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Training Team, or
Oman
BATT as they were known, played
War. Without their contribution, the war
have been won. This picture shows a typical group of SAS BATT.
92
may (P)
a
not
Oman
Once the running
battles
were
over, the
BATT
settled
down
into fire-bases.
These were easier to re-supply, and a build-up of stores was possible. The bases were
all
well defended, usually by building
sandbagged bunkers
around the perimeter fence that protected the heli-pad or
air-strip. (P)
Defending the locations against Adoo stand-off attacks was mainly down to the
GPMGs and
Omani
artillery
mortars. At times, to cover
would supply
a field
more long-range
gun and crew.
93
(P)
patrols, the
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Always ready, the SAS mortar
men would sleep
in
live, eat,
the mortar
a challenge for
out for the
being
fired,
rounds
in
and
pit.
them
It
was
to listen
Adoo mortars and then get
the
air
before the
enemy bombs had
landed.
The two SAS soldiers
(P)
in this
picture are posing in a
disused mortar
pit.
scored a bulls-eye
The Adoo
when one
of their mortar rounds landed right
on
target.
By a stroke of
sheer luck, the mortar was
unmanned
94
at the time. (P)
Oman
Author's Note: This
was
a day to
remember!
We
this fire-base only after a fierce battle with the
previous night. About an hour after
one of our
patrols,
under heavy
fire.
took
some 2000 metres was
I
I
I
was shot
from this location hit in
-
I
in
Adoo
the
this picture,
to the front,
came
part of a relief group sent out to
provide the retreating patrol with covering fire fight,
had won
fire.
During a
the leg no more than 300 metres
was
lucky, the
guy next to
me was
the heart. (P)
95
SAS: The Illustrated History
96
OMAN
Machine-gun positions were often constructed from old
ammunition boxes. The firepower and played a major part
in
Opposite: During the
came
in
and the
re-supply, as the action, as the
the
SAS
their
the
it
heads
Somme
in
monsoon season,
drizzle started,
this
GPMG
was home. The mist
and no one moved. There was no
choppers could not
fly.
There was very
little
not stand the wet and cold either. For
a matter of putting up with the a
the
the successful outcome of the conflict. (P)
Adoo could
was
reliability of
good book. This
picture
than the Middle East.
97
(P)
is
mud and
burying
more reminiscent of
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
From the patrols
firm fire-bases, the fighting patrols
would move
This picture
in
would go hunting. Some
the daytime, but night operations were preferred.
shows the SAS
in
rehearsal for a large
ambush on
the border
with Yemen. (P)
After being
choppered
in
close to the Yemeni border, the
SAS ambush
would sweat out the daylight hours using what cover they could. The heat during the day was unbearable, but at night, while waiting position,
-
i
it
was
freezing. (P)
-\^: ^*-
**
98
in
the
ambush
Oman
The Sultan of Oman's
Air-Force, (SOAF)
was, during the campaign, by European
manned mainly
They were
pilots.
exceptionally good, and would do
everything BATT.
in their
From the
(Hueys) were
needed
power
to assist the
the helicopters
start,
constant use; they were
in
to ferry troops,
evacuate the
wounded, and supply ammunition and water. (P)
As the serviceable hours of the helicopters ticked away, the air-strips
SAS were
forced to build
on which the Shorts Skyvan
could land.
It
could bring
in
made a
sense, as the Skyvan
much
larger load.
However, sometimes the SAS would have to fight for a location,
an
air-strip all in
fairness to the
the
same
Skyvan
land on anything the Equally, the
Skyvan
major asset
in
defend
it
and build
night. In
pilots,
they would
SAS constructed.
itself
proved to be a
winning the all-important
logistical war. (P)
99
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
The SOAF Strikemaster. These neat
models of the Gnat Strikemasters Mirbat,
had
it
made
trainer.
little
fighter aircraft
As the Adoo had
little
were combat
or no air support, the
a big difference to any battle. During the battle for
not been for the
SOAF
jets
coming
in at
low altitude and
stopping the Adoo on the wire perimeter, then the outcome would have
been very
different. (P)
100
Oman
As the war came to an end, the Adoo retreated to Shirshitti wadi.
combat
supplies.
It
was believed
that their capture to the
SAF
Regiment but, as always, the SAS and
afternoon they had
whereupon
a base
managed was
in
the
would help bring an
(Sultan's
Firqat
Armed
Forces)
were involved. By mid-
to reach a clearing called Point 985,
established. During the night the
very close range, killing four
many more.
complex
These caves were said to hold tons of weapons, food and
end to the war. The task was given Jebel
a cave
members
of the
(P)
101
Adoo attacked
at
SAF and severely wounding
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Next day the force advanced
down
into the Shirshitti. By mid-morning,
reached the Shirshitti wadi, but the At this stage
commander
realised that he
most of the SAS men had attached themselves
headquarters. With Red
Company was Lance
Red Company had
had moved too
to the various
Corporal Thomas. As the lead platoons broke
Within seconds most of the platoon were dead, cut
power. The
Company Commander,
better look at the situation. to the
soldiers that officers,
who
were
SAS still
down by
alive
dropped
tried desperately,
their
sometimes
clearly out of control.
weapons and
all
As
in all
such
own
in
show
sometimes from
the
just a
SAS men
wadi; the
at
few metres.
102
SAF
lives, to regain control.
made
their
way back
to
Adoo were confirming
To alleviate this gruesome sound, a full-blown mortar barrage was called
that night,
fire-
ran. This did not include the white
at the cost of their
coming from down
the battle area. These two pictures attack
Adoo
quickly grouped together for support. All around them, those
Point 985, shots could be heard kill.
the ferocious
The Adoo had been waiting, and they too were cut down. Even
Order was eventually restored at gun point. As the shaken troops
their
Adoo opened
together with several other men, rushed forward to get a
hardened SAS men, the situation was
circumstances, the
south.
command
cover (against the advice of Corporal Thomas) into an area clear of bush, the fire.
far
down on
dawn. They had been under
Oman
SAS
This cave.
The
patrol have located an inset picture
shows some
weapons captured, covered the
damp
Adoo had
Yemen.
103
in
a plentiful supply of in
of the heavy
rust from storage in
caves. Throughout the
which were transported
enemy weapons
Oman War
the
weapons, most of
from neighbouring
SASrTllL ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Once the main
battles were over,
teams were brought
in.
One
and the areas were
of their
first
tasks
was
stabilised, civil aid
to exploit the vast
underground sources of fresh water. This simple act played a major
role in
winning the hearts and minds campaign, as water had always been
in
short
supply previously. The top picture clearly shows the water gushing from the ground, and flooding the desert. A new cattle breeding farm was set up to
improve the large stock of cows on the Jebel Massive. Unfortunately, the Hereford bulls, imported from England, were too beasts, and
many would simply
fit
and heavy
for the native
collapse under the bulls' weight. Eventually a
metal frame was constructed to support the
bull,
the cows were backed
in
underneath the frame to be serviced. The SAS were
fully
the sites for the water-drilling teams and helping
the cattle round-up. (P)
104
in
involved
in
securing
Oman
Many good SAS men
died in the
Oman
War. and
many
wounded. This picture is of 'Gordie Barker who, having fought through most of the battles,
others were badly
was
killed in a
warms
parachuting accident. The smile that
his face in this
Gordies good humour.
photograph
On
Gordie would entertain the
a
is
typical
rest of
reminiscent of
day
in
Oman,
the group by shaving
them with a cut-throat razor. While doing this, endless jokes would abound, adding to the general comradeship.
105
CHAPTER SIX
NORTHERN IRELAND ^
Torthern Ireland and the S \S did
j^^
^^
I'irsl
^ when
J.
good combination. S \ s
ticularl)
deployed
the province in
In
they openly patrolled
make
no1
RUC
a par-
Uigusi
the
l
streets
)()
(
least.
on a more clan-
action,
swift
that
required to give the warning Stop or
berets were seldom seen on
ed three times. Inevitably,
soldiers adopting the colours of
whichever regiment was
gave away the
e(\^v. that ele-
was the SAS
Even when confronted by member of the [RA carrying a bomb or gun. they were
a
SAS
rules of contact
out soldiers in grave danger.
in.
the streets, with
by the SAS)
stock in trade. Indeed, the rules of engagement often
(
own
The
ment of surprise and
1
destine nature. Their
ere ford
Surveillance, both static
Il
their role took
1
and mobile, formed a large part of SAS life in Northern Ireland and the conditions under which they had to work were difficult to say the
and
il
Second time round,
1
tasks.
)
manned road blocks wearing ordinary uniform including their own sand-coloured berets. Their tour of duly was decided thai their was brought to an end when specialist skills could be put to better use in Oman. )?4. when the situation in Northern was not until Ireland had deteriorated considerably, that the SAS were sent back
in
developed the experience and aptitude to handle such
soldiers were (
Special Branch trained
in
SAS
political complexities,
I
shoot
-
repeat-
a situation fraught with
actions which led to shots
officially resident in the bor-
being fired and people being killed caused an uproar
der area. Eventually, they took on a completely cover!
with the IRA complaining of wholesale slaughter and
role, patrolling
ing out
the border
members
in
of the IRA.
supplied by their
own
South Armagh and seek-
Working from
surveillance operations, or by
gence agencies operating
in
as
intelli-
(an undercover surveillance
became Even this
team made up
gave their the
fray,
best.
From
IRA death
the
toll
moment
Northern Ireland was. and
of
still
rent to the terrorists.
by the SAS. They had been involved
Light Infantry.
Service Unit)
Some
in
an action by the IRA when a
a bus filled with
ten days
who had been
later,
members
members
of the
(Active
responsible, crossed back into the north
order to attack another target.
On 30 August 1988,
bomb
of the ist Battalion The
IRAASU
in
the intended target, a
policeman, was replaced by four SAS men. The SAS drove the intended target's Leyland truck to this site
appeared
in
a stolen car
and faked a breakdown. The IRA
and opened
fire
terrorists. (P)
106
-
the
SAS responded,
the
SAS
entered the
quickly rose. Their presence in
This cross marks the spot where Gerard Martin and Brian Mullan were shot
was detonated beneath
order to protect
war which the regiment neither sought nor needand working under strict political supervision, they
ed,
diminished somewhat, however, when units such
E4A
in
In a
the province, they
the strike force sent in to finish off the job.
up
sensitive operations.
intelligence
any one of the confusion of other competing'
role
the authorities trying to cover
killing
the
remains, a major deter-
107
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
108
NOKTIIIRN IRKIANI)
An amazing shot of four members of the IRA who have been
firing at
the security forces. Normally such incidents were
hit-and-run tactics, but
it
is
clear to see that the firing party
have cover from the man crouching behind the
109
just
wall.
(IWM)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
In
the early 1970s the
British army. This
SAS would normally
gave them an insight into the general situation and how
the other ground forces operated
Devon and Dorset Regiment Crossmaglen.
Bessbrook still
Forkhill
in
patrol
South Armagh. This picture of a
was taken
in
the market square of
(Photo Press)
Mill,
which has been
use today.
in
patrol with other units of the
It
is
in
use since the start of the troubles,
is
the main support base for troops working out of
and Crossmaglen. Every
patrol
must be inserted and re-supplied
by helicopter. This puts a great strain on the RAF and Army Air Corps. This picture
was taken
Two SAS men
home
of the
in
June 1996.
relaxing in the
SAS
in
SAS bar
in
Northern Ireland for
many
years. Taken around 1976,
note the long hair and scruffy appearance of the
SAS
men
often had to try to pass themselves off as local
110
Bessbrook was the
Bessbrook.
in this
photo. The
workmen.
NORTHERN
111
IRIXANI)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Captain Bob Nairac was in
May
live
killed
l>\
and work oni of the same lie
was from
IRA
member
1977. Although qo1 a
Armagh,
the
Northern Ireland
of the SAS. Nairac did
location in Bessbrook. South
known
a unit
in
14 Intelligence and
as
on which the
Security, a
coven
SAS could
then lake action. A highlx intelligent man. and cer-
tainly
unit used to gather information
enormously courageous. Boh Nairac decided
local pul) close to the
border with the
that Nairac inadvertently
attempted
to leave
was followed. A
fisl
drew
and make fight
his
Irish
Republic.
to visit It
was here
himself.
As he
attention
to
way hack
to the car park,
9mm
he
pursued (Bob Nairac was an excellent
boxer and could take care of himself) but during the tussle
Browning
a
pistol fell to the
ground.
I
lis
assailants
his
grabbed
and he was soon overpowered. Blindfolded and gagged. Nairac was taken bv car to a held on the border where IRA it
members took
He was
and tortured in the corner of a field, using a fence post with which they beat him repeatedly around the body and head. Despite what has been called a murderous beating bv the IRA themselves. Bob Nairac did not talk. In the end. the) shot him with his own pistol and his body was disposed of. never to be recovered. control.
interrogated
112
NOKTIIKKN IKILANI)
A farmer
cutting his ditches discovered the path of a
leading to a large IRA
bomb
placed
in
a culvert beneath the
The SAS did a reconnaissance and discovered the
bomb. The In
command
picture indicates the path of the
firing
command
wire
main road.
point and the
wire to the
bomb.
order to deactivate the bomb, the Ammunitions Technical Officer (ATO)
was taken
to the site by an
SAS
soldier
As the ATO did so, he stepped on trap.
He did not discover
this until
a
and allowed
home-made pressure
bits. Later,
it
little
took several drinks
was
heavier, he in
plate
booby
he had neutralised the bomb. Lucky
him, the pad between the pressure plates
weight. Had he been just a
to disarm the device.
thick
enough
113
to bear his
would have been blown
the bar to stop the
for
man from
to
shaking.
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Behind the picture of
SAS man
this
playing the
hunchback of Notre Dame, there
which
funny
a very
is
in itself
story,
depicts the
hardships that working
in
an
observation position can
Two men had been
bring.
sent out to observe and
photograph
a local barber's
shop. The barber was
suspected of being a
member
of the IRA, and
pictures
were required to
who was
establish
visiting
the premises. Eventually, the
two men found for their
OP
the town
in
hall.
a location
the ceiling of
Working
in
the space between the inner
ornate roof and that of the buildings outer roof, the two
men
set up
camp
in
the tiny
maintenance space behind the town hall clock.
At each
side of the clock, through
which was a sloping vent, clear pictures could be
taken of the barber's shop
Hot soup and sandwiches were delivered to the
across the street.
morning hours
via a small trap
door
men
the town hall ceiling. Messages, exposed film and
in
waste were lowered down, with fresh supplies being hauled up. A bin
gloom toilet.
at the
during the early
placed
liner
The weather was very sunny and
worked
toilet,
his
way along
shocked by something moving
man had
the
end of the catwalk which ran the length of the domed inner roof served as after
about
five days,
the heat which
ever seen.
Its
to
in
need of
the catwalk towards the bag. Halfway along, he stopped,
the gloom. There
body was two
SAS man panicked, daring not went by before he
in
a
became
trapped between the inner and outer roofs was unbearable. One of the soldiers, the
in
feet across,
move
in front
and
for fear that
realised that spiders that size
it
of him
was the biggest spider
large eyes glistened
in
its
head. The
would attack him. Several moments
do not
exist.
Then he saw what
it
was. The
black bin liner had been twisted and sealed up with an elastic band after use, to cut
down
on the smell. As the heat had increased, the gases had expanded, creating a look-alike giant spider lurking
in
the half-light. With
some
relief,
and fearing that the bag might explode
any moment, the SAS soldier committed a second
him
error;
he opened the sack. The smell
sledgehammer. He managed to crawl back to where
like a
watch, only to find him face up against the vent trying to suck
in
clean
demonstrates the daily hardships that SAS men encounter
this story
terrorism
his partner
-
they stayed
in
the location undetected for three weeks.
114
in
(P)
at hit
was keeping
air.
Although funny,
the war against
NORTHERN IRELAND
On the
afternoon of 2 May. 1980, two cars sped
Antrim Road deploying an SAS team pects from
number
to
down
the
round up sus-
69. Another car covered the rear of
die house.
Unknown to the SAS.
American
M60 machine gun
in
IRA had mounted an the upstairs window of
the
the adjoining house. Captain Richard Westmacott, the
commander
of the mission,
w as r
sitting in the
middle in
and was the last to leave the vehicle. He was shot dead by a burst from the M60. Knowing that their officer was dead, the SAS men con-
the rear of one of the cars,
turned the assault until a white flag signalled the terror1
The surrender was honoured. Captain Westmacott had joined the SAS from the Grenadier Guards and was an officer in G Squadron. He was the ists
first
surrender.
SAS
by the IRA. He did not perSAS officer - his fair, curly hair gave
soldier to be killed
sonify the typical
him the look of a schoolboy, and he had a love of
poetry.
But that was the surface. Inwardly, he w-as as tough as
awarded a posthumous Military Cross. His death ended the run of bad luck that had dogged the they come: he was
SAS
in
Northern Ireland, as three days
later the
stormed the Iranian Embassy in London. (P)
115
boys
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
When
the police station at Loughall
units of the IRA, they
when masked men that the van
was attacked by two
were met with the
would be used
in
down
Dungannon.
little
past
the road past the police station.
hooded IRA
terrorists.
was suspected
It
shortly returned from the in
the cab where
Declan Arthurs was driving, with Michael
Gormley and Gerald O'Callaghan riding shotgun. The bucket was with explosive contained
the station, the JCB riding
an
oil
the gate.
shotgun ignited the bomb. Back
ambush was
stage the
the devastating
SAS
was one
of the
who were that
left
of the two IRA
the direction of the
members
RUC
half the
RUC
hooded men
station.
of the IRA
At the height of the fire-fight, the
men
At this
fell,
hit
by
bomb
station. Without doubt, Loughall
most successful operations ever mounted against the
totally
was
it
One
at the van, several
activated. All eight
fire.
exploded, taking with
fire in
filled
drum. While the blue van charged past
slammed through
jumped out and opened
all
in
started
7pm, the blue Toyota van
direction of Portadown, this time followed by a JCB,
three
It
It
an attack. Surveillance by E4A had
identified the target as Loughall. At a
drove
force of the SAS.
full
stole a Toyota van from
active service
stunned by the loss of two complete active
IRA,
units. This is
of the van. The rods indicate bullet holes. (Photo Press)
116
NORTHERN IRELAND
An SAS in
patrol being inserted for an operation
in
South Armagh. Their use
the province has always been highly publicised. At the time this picture
was taken,
the
SAS would only
fly in
directly
specific task. (P)
117
from Hereford dealing with a
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
This picture
shows the basic equipment
Northern Ireland.
(P)
118
carried by the
SAS
in
NORTIIKKN IKKLANI)
SAS men
in
an Observation Position (OP) on the South Armagh border.
These two had to within a
two
women
just
heard shots
fired
from a
car,
and the car then drove up
few metres of their location. The four people - two men and - then started to have sex.
As the car rocked, the SAS men
pounced, opening the car doors to reveal some very surprised faces.
119
(P)
SAS:
1
UK ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Much
of the
reland
is
of the best attributes of the
hours. But living
in
the ground
photograph indicate the water this soldier
was
is
SAS
is
their ability to hide during daylight
extremely uncomfortable. The lines on this
levels of
day one and day two,
lying.
120
in
the
OP where
Northern
is
about to leave
and patrol on to
target. (P)
One
in
carried out at night.
This soldier his hide
work
his
NORTHERN IRELAND
Although most people would regard the IRA as the enemy
Army presence are
many
in
in
Northern Ireland, the SAS,
like
the rest of the British
the province, were essentially there to keep the peace and could not afford to take sides. There
instances
when
the
SAS mounted operations
against, for example, the Ulster Defence Association.
One
such incident involved Republican activist and former MP, Bernadette McAliskey (nee Devlin). Intelligence indicated that the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) planned to
kill
McAliskey together with her husband, Michael, at their
isolated farmhouse near Coalisland on 16 January 1981. The
they could conceal themselves
was some 200 metres from the
did so at speed, driving directly to the house.
the house, the
SAS put the house under observation but the nearest
UDA had smashed
the door
in
building.
When
the three
gunmen
arrived by car, they
The SAS team responded immediately, but by the time they reached
and shots were heard. The gunmen were arrested as they made
their
escape and on checking inside the house, the soldiers found Michael McAliskey bleeding from a severed artery and in
a grave condition. Bernadette, although shot several times,
alive until
was not so
an ambulance arrived. The McAliskeys survived and the three
fifteen years
and
life
imprisonment.
121
critical.
UDA
The SAS medic kept them both
assassins were sentenced to between
CHAPTER SEVEN
Anti-Terrorist Team uch has been written about the SAS and
who would
their role in the anti-terrorist war. This role
cause required a fresh approach right front the
is
modern SAS image
characteristic of the
and
is
grabs the most media coverage. Governments began to
new breed Munich Olympics
terrorism after the atrocity
1972. At the international
at
G7
heads of government made a
the
talks
Today, the
of in
their training
and
each other
anti-terrorist
skills
in
SAS was given the task of equipping the new force that was to become the team. The concept of combating people
House'. He is
is
dressed
in
in this
the
weapon
Browning
is
a
pistol
9mm
seen on his waist. (1990)
techniques and equipment have been
tested
in
operations in
ol
many
in
to
Hi-Power
(P)
122
1
)77 to the
countering the internal and international
'Killing
and body armour. His head
with a torch, and his back-up
pistol.
in
the
underline the huge role played by
wearing a respirator with night
is fitted
Mogadishu
(
other nations. The photographs used
standing outside the famous
is
from
ranging
siege in
rorist threat.
protected with a flash hood and he
MP5 machine
provides the best anti-terrorist team
chapter help
SAS
fire-retardant overalls
goggles. The
Its
Embassy
teams
ist
anti-terrorist soldier
start.
London in 1980. These special have been exported and used to trail) anti-terror-
Iranian
and operations.
The basic SAS
SAS
Lufthansa airliner hijack
In Britain, the
and training
and
tried
pact to build up
to co-operate with
the world.
in
dedicated domestic forces capable of dealing with any terrorist situation,
lives to further their
siasm.
which followed, the
secret
own
The equipment was new, the tactics were new and the SAS responded to the training with unmatched entlni-
certainly the area of operation that
look seriously at ways of combating the
gladly risk their
Two
stun grenades can be
ter-
123
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
COUNTER TERRORISM
The basic
anti-terrorist
operations this
will
team consists of about 30 men, although
vary depending on the situation. The
to the scene of the incident in
Range Rovers and
them the weaponry and equipment on
site.
to
for
men normally
drive
Transit vans, carrying with
go into action the moment they are
(1992) (P)
125
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
lhe
Killinii
building
louse
I
in the
is
the
name
grounds of the
buildings on the base thai
I
1<>
a llal-iooled block
lereford base.
in
is
given
It
is
constant use.
It
one of the few
was designed
with the express purpose of perfecting individual shooting
skills
and building clearance drills practised by the SAS. The internal layout allows for main different scenarios, from simple targel
have been
thai
and the
the millions of rounds
room combat. Despite
practice to
fired since the
realistic conditions
Killing
I
louse'
under which training
there has to thi^ day only been one fatality.
of the Signals
and
his
I
lis
my
died
members amusement
love/hate relationship with certain
untimely death came as a great shock to everyone. was
a bit of a loner, but he frequently
house, and spent several Christmases with
stern exterior beat a heart of gold
worthy
carried out.
real character in
Squadron was a constant source of
Author's Note: Ray at
is
The man who
was Ray Abbots (pictured above). Ray was a the regiment.
was constructed
and he was a
friend.
126
my
came
family.
to dinner
Beneath
first-class soldier
his
and
a
Counter Terrorism
Once
at the incident site, the
SAS may move
into a
nearby
holding area were they can be briefed and
make
Heavier and more specialised equipment
carried in a large
box-van. (1982)
(P)
127
is
preparations.
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Weapons
MP5K
will
depend on the
situation, but the
(short) together with the stun
used. The stun grenades
will
MP5 and
the
grenades are almost always
momentarily blind, deafen and
SAS
disorientate the targets, giving the
a precious few
seconds to
burst into the building. (1990) (P)
Opposite top and bottom: Training with basic involves
room combat, working
all
for the assault
in
two
teams
pairs of two,
starts
and
types of terrorist situation. Here the SAS can be seen
storming a building using a vehicle and helicopter. Those on the roof are preparing to descend by rope, while those on the vehicle are using fixed ladders to gain entry. All the assault vehicles are fitted
with special platforms enabling men, equipment and assault
ladders to be carried outside the vehicle should (1985) (P)
128
it
be necessary.
Counter terrorism
129
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
As most hijackings or kidnappings part
in
assault training. These
men
start off in offices, buildings play a large
can been seen getting into position
ready to assault on command. The second will fire
man
the Hatton round. The Hatton round
case which
will
remove the hinge and
is
is
carrying a shotgun which
a special 12-bore cartridge
a large section of a door. (P)
130
Counter Terrorism
k\
~&*M
m
12.
^m
^_H
^ Y
\
k
L
A^
"*
• *
^
i^ I
»
W*-' /*'" V a i
^H •
/
1
#-
"
:
When
the 'GO'
picture
is
given, the assault
team
shows the Hatton round about
team make
ready.
The man on the end
131
to is
will
be
make fired
their entry. This
while the rest of the
holding a Hooligan bar.
(P)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
The Hooligan bar being put through for the
the bar
its
paces.
It
was designed
in
America
express purpose of removing windows. Two or three blows with will
take out most of the window, then the hooks are used to pull
out the debris.
(P)
Planning an assault takes into consideration every possible method of entry.
Here two
men
are attempting to get
second man, covering, gas rounds, although
it
is is
in
through a skylight. The
using an Arwen (shown
capable of
firing
projectile. (P)
132
in detail inset)
to fire
several other different types of
COUNTER TERRORISM
133
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Repelling
down
a rope
and smashing through
dramatic, but sometimes
it
is
a
the only solution.
window may
look a
The rope feeds from
attached to the soldier's leg harness. This avoids any entanglement.
134
bit
a sack (P)
Counter tkrrorism
Once an entry has been grenades and,
if
deemed
effected, the
first
things to go
in
necessary, the gas rounds. This
shot taken during training just as the assault team
135
is
are the stun is
a wonderful
about to
enter. (P)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
136
COUNTEK TKKROMSM
The teams have to work through the
light
and sound of the stun
grenades, clearing rooms and stairwells as they go. instance, gas has been used. (P)
137
In
this
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
A dramatic shot
of two assault
men
caused by a stun grenade. This
one the SAS are able
is
firing,
set against a backdrop of
fire
a minor fault with the stun grenade, but
to put up with considering the spectacular effect
and advantages of the grenade.
(P)
138
COINTKKTIRROKISM
During any SAS terrorist operation, marksmen from the police
Dn
section
are always in evidence. They normally supply the outer cordon
surrounding the area of operations, and assist with the handling of the situation until the
SAS
Finlander .223 sniper
are on the scene. This
rifle.
man
The man behind him
139
is
is
using a Tikka
spotting. (P)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
This picture highlights the diversity and manoeuvrability of the SAS. Using a
Chinook
helicopter, they
descend and assault the hijacked bus. The men can
descend, complete with ladders and equipment, of speed and surprise play a major part
140
in
in
only seconds. The elements
any such operation. (1989)
(P)
COUNTER TERRORISM
141
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
142
Counter Terrorism
Trains can be attacked using the
smashed window
that no
same technique. You
expense
is
They gave
their
full
note by the
spared during training.
and the Unions were both consulted about the assault.
will
British Rail
first-ever practice train
cooperation; their only stipulation
the rolling stock be moveable at the end of the day. (1985)
143
(P)
was
that
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
SAS
divers can get aboard almost any vessel, even while at sea.
Specialised equipment allows them to climb up from the sea and board the vessel
up the
in silence.
flexi
ladders,
These pictures show the men getting from the water,
and on
to the deck. (1990) (P)
144
Counter Tkkrokism
145
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
146
COUNTKK TKRKOMSM
Hijackings are
still
an important weapon
in
the terrorist arsenal, but
new
techniques are constantly under development to keep the SAS ahead of the game. Assault teams can board any major airliner the
same
in
seconds, using
vehicle platforms that are used for a house assault. Note the
double ladders. This allows one man to open the door while the next man can immediately enter the
aircraft. (P)
While his partners are effecting an entry, the back-up
should any terrorists show themselves.
147
(P)
is
always ready,
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
An assault team member with ensures
it
is
his respirator slipped
over his elbow. This
instantly available. (P)
Opposite: Once inside the locating the terrorists
aircraft little will
stop the
SAS man from
quickly
and neutralising them. Protected by the best armour
money can buy and
highly trained
anti-terrorist soldier
is
a
mean
in
state-of-the-art weaponry, the
beast. (P)
148
SAS
COUNTKK TERRORISM
149
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
150
COIN IKK TKKROKISM
In
addition to his
skill
as a marksman, the
SAS sniper must be an
expert
in
camouflage and concealment. This SAS
sniper
is
fully
dressed
in
a
anti-terrorist
The picture was taken around
'Gilly' suit.
1976 and shows the sniper using a Tikka Finlander night sight. He
is
also wearing an
S6
team
rifle fitted
with
respirator. (P)
Opposite top: A close-up shot of an SAS sniper using a Tikka Finlander. Although respirators are not always necessary for the antiterrorist snipers,
they
still
practise just
Opposite bottom: SAS sniper training
men shown moving
in
is
case. (P)
to
Olympic standards. The
here are shooting from a range of
targets. Snipers are trained to
command, and
are expected to hit
all
151
300m
at
head-sized
shoot simultaneously, on the targets. (1978) (P)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
i
EJ j
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
i
-***^_
152
*
it
Counter Tkrrorism
Above: For shorter-range using the Heckler rest, is
Above
targets, the anti-terrorist
& Koch G3
dressed for the urban
right: This sniper
sniper
in
Britain
The
to
sniper, seen here taking a
role.
is fully
and
kitted out in his 'Gilly' suit
an Accuracy International PM. This
produced
rifle.
team have taken
is
a
7.62mm
is
carrying
bolt action sniper
and adopted by the army as L96
bipod, and carries a ten-round magazine. The sight
is
Ai.
It
is
fitted
rifle
with a
normally a Schmidt
and Bender. Accuracy International also produce a suppressed (silenced) version. (Photo Press)
Opposite top: This picture was taken
in
The soldier here
(P)
is
using an old L42.
the early days of sniper training.
Opposite bottom: SAS snipers are also expected to operate environment. This sniper
in
in
the urban
the doorway of a building will not be further
than 50 metres from his target.
(P)
153
CHAPTER EIGHT
COUNTER REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE anti-terrorist
The
establish
team grew from the need
Counter
a
Revolutionary
within
SAS.
the
bat the international terrorist
team would emerge, came into being in 70s literally overnight. A squad was sent
even thing
the early
which provides the
Rover
commandeering
factory,
ones).
It
and
militant
in the fight
comproblem. Knowledge is in a
against terrorism
anti-terrorist
bid to
and
it
is
CRW
team with information
about their eneim mid the best tactics
the nexl
four white Range Rovers from the production line (they
now use black
terrorist
our own as well as other governments
The
anti- terrorist
directly to the
about
groups and working with the intelligence agencies of
Warfare
Counter Revolutionary Wing (CRW) from which the
capability
information
collating
to
to use to get the
job done.
CRW
appears thai the Prime Minister
is.
therefore, heavily involved in the develop-
COR
himself had intervened to authorise the immediate pro-
ment of
curement of the vehicles and whatever other
covering the assault techniques used by the anti-terror-
equipment the new grew into a terrorist
full
team
While the domestic
unit
specialist
The team quickly
required.
Squadron commitment, with the
isl
anti-
\
team deals mainly with
incidents
within
Revolutionary Wing (CRW')
is
the
active
A stunning siege.
I
K. all
the
CRW
involved
is
visiting
trained
in
foreign
CRW
As well as
close protection
work
for
members of parliament dignitaries. All SAS soldiers are
procedures and many, on leaving the
regiment, find work as bodyguards for politicians and
Counter
heads
over the world.
in countries
throughout the world.
picture taken during the re-enactment of the Iranian
Embassy
The men are actually on the roof of the building next door
embassy.
in
skills.
IPs including the royal family,
and
well to the fore. anti-terrorist
team.
(Close Quarter Rattle)
(Mirror)
154
to the
155
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
This picture
shows the SAS during
bussing from their vehicle, assault by the
enemy
is
shielding him with your
firing
a
bodyguard course. They are de-
as they go. The prime directive
to protect the VIP. In
own
body. (P)
156
many cases
this
in
any
means
COUNTER REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE
In
the fight against terrorism, especially
when
protecting VIPs, a special range of
weapons has been developed. The main shows the Heckler & Koch MP5K
picture
being
fitted into a special briefcase.
weapon
is
loaded and
with the safety catch
made
off.
closed, safety and firing trigger
and safety catch
ready to
is
built into the
weapons being
automatic.
on
full
1
is
controlled by a
shows the
fired
fire
Once the case
handle. The bottom picture
H^m
157
The
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
158
COUNTER REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE
These pictures show a situation.
typical
The principle
leaving his hotel and
(VIP)
bodyguard is
just
comes under
fire
from an assassin. The reaction of his
bodyguards
and the
is
instant.
principle
is
Weapons
are out
already being
shielded and pushed to safety. Seconds later,
as the assassin
principle
is
is
dropped, the
gone and the bodyguards
back away. The pictures were taken during the making of a video about SAS techniques. The
men
are
all
ex-SAS hired
for the part.
This close-up of the Heckler
MP5K shows
& Koch
the special covert harness
used to conceal the weapon under the bodyguard's jacket. The weapon
is
attached to a swivel which allows
swing into immediate action.
159
it
to
SASrTHE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Protection of the royal family
wise to
let
is
another role undertaken by the SAS.
any VIPs know what could be
in
store for
them one
day,
should they ever have to be rescued. Understanding what might be required of
them
appropriately
in
when
a live situation will help the VIPs to react
the time comes. Here
rescue scenario.
160
we see
Princess
Anne
in
a
It
is
COUNTER REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE
These
rare pictures
Diana taking part
show both
in
the inset photograph
Prince Charles
and Princess
hostage training. The poor quality of is
due
to the
darkness and smoke
inside the 'Killing House'. While Prince Charles
enjoying the demonstration, Princess Diana
is
seems
to be
protecting
herself against the ordeal. All the targets around the royal
couple have have been royals
seem much more
anti-terrorist
hit
with several rounds. Both the
at
ease posing with some of the
team members
after the exercise. (P)
161
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Hostage rescue
is
designed to cover
all
situations.
These hostages are
about to be released, but not before they have been handcuffed and vetted. The
SAS
treat
everyone as a suspected
survivors have been positively identified. (P)
162
terrorist until all the
COUNTER REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE
!â&#x20AC;˘"
The outdoor range above was constructed desert
in
literally
overnight
in
the
Saudi Arabia where the SAS
were training
a Saudi anti-terrorist
team.
The SAS instructors can be seen preparing the students for range practice. (P)
All
shooting
skills require lots
of range
work. Learning to identify the terrorist
from the hostage
in
a split
second forms
part of this training. (P)
163
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
The SAS
instruct
in anti-terrorist
many
other nations
and bodyguard
techniques. This action against a hijacked bus
is
again
The picture on the author,
in
right
Saudi Arabia.
shows the
who had been promoted
for
the duration of the assignment to captain, with officers of the Saudi
team.
(P)
164
Coin ii
For security reasons,
is
it
h revolutionary
not possible to relate
many
of the operations
involved abroad, but one which can be mentioned happened the
Gambian President was
in
Britain attending the
warfare
in
wedding of
in
which the
The Gambia on 30 Prince Charles
CRW
has been
July 1981.
While
and Lady Diana
Spencer, rebels seized the capital, Banjul. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered the
SAS
to
send a small team to Gambia to check out the situation. The two-man SAS team not only rescued the President's wife and children, but they then led troops from neighbouring Senegal against the rebels. After four
picture
is
days the coup had collapsed and the two SAS men slipped back into
of Princess
Anne with President
This picture
was taken
March 1978.
All his
The
CRW
in
Jawara. (Frank Spooner)
minutes after the
bodyguards were
had a team
effort to locate the
just
Italy
killed
helping to
Britain. This
Italian
Prime Minister Aldo Moro was kidnapped on 16
and he was taken hostage by Red Brigade
try to track
down
the kidnappers but, despite the massive
Prime Minister, he was eventually found murdered on 9 May.
165
terrorists.
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
On
13 October 1977,
Mogadishu was the scene of
German GSG9 and SAS. The
SAS
to assist the
German
British
a dramatic aircraft assault by the
Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, had directed the
anti-terrorist
team
after an
appeal from the German
Chancellor. While assaulting the Lufthansa 737, three of the four Palestinian terrorists
a few
was
were
killed,
moments
led
but one, Souhaila Sayeh, survived. This picture was taken just
after the
away on
hostages had
a stretcher,
all
been successfully released. As Souhaila
she gave the 'Victory
166
V
sign.
COUNTER REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE
The picture
is
of the dead terrorist leader
Mahmud
Akache). He had knelt the German pilot Jurgen
(real
name
Schumann
in
the aircraft and shot him through the head. He believed that
Zohair
the aisle of
Schumann
had been passing information about the hijackers to the security
Mahmud was had been
Yemen,
in
an out-and-out
killer.
Just a
forces.
few months prior to the hijack he
London where he had assassinated the ex-premier of North
his wife,
and a Yemeni diplomat outside the Bayswater
167
Hotel.
SAS:TIIK ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
At 11.25am on the morning of
Gate,
in
London's Kensington
Wednesday 30 district, six
in
along the tree-lined avenue of Princes
armed gunmen took over No. 16
Armed D11 marksmen soon surrounded the operation. The anti-terrorist team
April 1980,
-
the Iranian Embassy.
building and the siege negotiating plans were put into
Hereford were at this time practising
in
the 'Killing House', but
things were soon to change. By 11.47 the Metropolitan Police were talking to the Officer in Hereford
and the
CRW
were assessing the situation. Six days
collapsed after the murder of the embassy press attache, the the assault team entering the front of the
embassy
just
had removed the complete window.
168
later,
when
SAS were ordered
seconds
Commanding negotiations
in.
after the explosive
This picture
is
frame charge
of
COUNTER REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE
This picture
on
fire
lined
was taken by one
of the
Dn
police snipers.
but the assault team presses on with
up by the back
wall.
its
The embassy
task. Note the
SAS men
These men received the hostages as they came
out of the building and took them to the small grass area just visible the bottom
left
is
corner. (P)
169
in
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
%*.
'
As the assault teams went abseiled
down
the front,
way
been
carefully set
up
in
advance (see
left)
but one of
had the bad luck to become
still
entangled
carrying the abseil line
now
smashed
through the back. The abseil lines had
the soldiers -
SAS men
the rear of the building and
their
in
in
helps to prevent this
-
in
a leg harness
and received severe
burns while suspended above a blazing window.
When he was
cut free, he
fell
to the balcony, picked
himself up and entered the building, promptly
shooting one of the terrorists dead.
(P)
170
V
Counter Revolutionary wareare
Opposite: The whole assault was dramatic to say the least. With the embassy on
fire,
automatic gunfire coming from every direction, the SAS were being hailed as heroes. the six terrorists were dead, and only one of the twenty hostages
was
lost, killed
then disappeared back to Hereford. This picture was taken inside the embassy
171
in
and the sound of
When
by the
it
was
terrorists.
over, five of
The SAS
the aftermath of the battle.
CHAPTER NINE
THE FALKLANDS When
the Argentines invaded the Falkland Islands on 2
By the beginning
of May,
SAS and SBS
reconnais-
April 1982, they thought they were in an unassailable
sance patrols were checking out
They reckoned without the resolve of a strong British Government. Despite the great distances involved and the small number of British subjects who
landing. Living in terrible conditions, they were con-
The
inhabited these isolated South Atlantic islands, Prime
damp and
position.
vowed
stantly
sites for
a large-scale
on the move, always hiding from the Argentines.
hides were mainly small caves or clusters of rock, wet, constantly battered by the island weath-
Falklands would not be abandoned and decided to
To avoid detection by the Argentines, the patrols were forced to hike many miles away from their OPs
retake the islands by force.
each night
Minister Thatcher
that
people
the
of
the
er.
Within a couple of weeks, plans were well advanced for the taking of
hands of the Argentines. of surveillance vital
the
SAS
now role
where
still
World War
II,
armada
was one
the regiment with eighteen
when
raid
cannot be underestimated.
involving Boat Troop and Mountain Troop of D Squadron.
helicopter.
six
Pucara
in
A reconnaissance
aircraft (including
photo), four Turbo-Mentors and a Shorts Skyvan, setting
ammunition and stores
classic operation
patrol
had
They were joined by 45 men who were inserted by
They attacked and destroyed
fire
to vast
the process. The raiding party withdrew
in
the one
amounts
in this
of
good order with
only one slight casualty. While they were waiting for the helicopter pick-up, a further
Pucara was shot
down
in
with a 'stinger' missile.
172
on
one incident
them from one ship to another. The bution made by the SAS in the retaking of the
to set sail
earlier.
lost
toll
a Sea King helicopter crashed into the sea while
on Pebble Island on the night of 14/15 May was a
landed by canoe three nights
men
transferring
could develop their invasion plans.
The SAS
their positions.
Falklands campaign, the conflict took a heavy
in the
intelligence gathering, supplying
at sea in the largest
away
Although they scored many successes during the
information from which the commanders, most of
whom since
and
Initially,
also
order to signal back to base without their
transmissions giving
South Georgia, a small group of islands
some 800 miles from the Falklands,
in
contri-
islands
173
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
One
of the
first
campaign was The
tasks undertaken by the
the Falklands
up observation posts on the island of South Georgia.
to set
attempt, on 22 April, finished as a disaster. The party was
first
dropped by helicopter on to stay there
would
SAS during
all
meant
to the Fortuna Glacier
certain death:
and quickly realised that
The weather was so bad that they
have died of exposure within hours and an immediate
recall
was
requested. The extraction cost two Wessex helicopters, both of which
crashed
in
the appalling weather.
A
piece of brilliant flying on the part of
chopper and
a third pilot, in a severely overladen
in
blind flying
conditions, led to the rescue of every single man. Undeterred, the
SAS
eventually landed on the island by boat. They observed the Argentine garrison at Grytviken, comprising of about 100 marines and the crew of
the submarine Santa Fe, which British force
after
made up
of SBS,
was
in
SAS and Royal Marines attacked
being landed by helicopter with
The garrison surrendered.
It
the harbour delivering supplies.
was
the
fire first
174
A
the base
support from the Royal Navy. victory of the Falklands War.
I
III
FALKLANDS
Elements of the SAS were inserted into the Falklands three weeks
advance of the main task force
to carry out
suitable areas for large-scale landings. The or sheltering
in
rocky outcrops. The cold
hypothermia was a very is
real
long lonely stint out
in
reconnaissance and identify
SAS
lived like hermits in
left
British forces arrive.
the open.
175
caves
was unbearable and death from
danger. The soldier on the
an SAS trooper being extracted as
in
of this picture
He has spent a
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
After the
main force had landed
Carlos, the next major objective
at
San
was Goose
Green. As 2 Parachute Regiment fought a
take Goose Green, 3 Para
brilliant battle to
and the Royal Marines moved on the northern end of East Falklands. Between
these two forces were the SAS on Mount Kent. They held the position to stop the
Argentines outflanking either of the two
main battle groups. Both of these pictures were taken during the battle
for
Goose
Green. The school can be seen burning
in
the background of the shot on the right
while the paratrooper above, to join the SAS,
as the bullets
is
fly.
who went on
keeping his head down (P)
176
Tiirc
This picture It
was taken as the Argentines
was found on the body
close to
Falklands
Mount
raised their flag on the Falklands.
of a dead Argentine soldier shot by the
Kent.
W
SAS
SAS: The Illustrated History
The sinking of
HMS
Sheffield by an Argentine Exocet missile
prompted Margaret Thatcher
to order
one of the most daring
raids of the Falklands War.
the raid
was
remove the Exocet threat Squadron attack on the southern
tip of
If
for
good. The
airfield
successful,
raid
was
it
would
to be a
full
of Rio Gallegos on the
the Argentine mainland. Intelligence reports
indicated that this
was where the remaining stocks
would be found. The SAS
of Exocet
were to
fly
the
from the British base on Ascension Island
in
Hercules C130
aircraft,
5000 miles
land on the Argentine airfield and destroy the Exocets
and as many enemy
mayhem, Chile
raiders
the
aircraft
SAS were then
some 50
miles away.
178
as possible. Having created utter to run for the border of neutral
THK FALKLANDS
Thirty-six
hours prior to the
arrival of the
Sea King helicopter had flown recce the airfield.
Due
to
in
with an
main raiding
party, a Royal
SAS advance
party
in
Navy
order to
bad weather, the three-man crew of the Sea King
landed the reconnaissance unit on the beach at Punta Arenas, 30 miles from the target. An SAS explosives expert
and destroyed
Embassy
it.
fitted a
The crew were told to make
in Chile, telling
bomb
their
way
to the helicopter to the British
the story that they had got lost
in
the bad
weather and crashed on the shore. The SAS disappeared. The whole mission was ultimately aborted.
179
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
In
such a small unit as the SAS, the loss
of a single soldier takes
eighteen are taken
in
its toll.
one go,
devastating. Choppers ferried
it
When is
men and
supplies from one ship to another
was
in
what
called 'cross-decking' (seen above).
A
Sea King with a crew of four and 26 passengers, mostly SAS, plunged into the
sea from a height of 300ft after a bird strike
on
its
engine. Miraculously, nine
men
survived.
Left:
While Hereford Cathedral opened
doors
for
its
people to mourn the loss of so
many men whose
lives
were inevitably
interwoven with the local community, a
second disaster struck the town.
HMS
Antelope, adopted by a local Hereford pub
and seen by many as a 'Hereford'
was
180
hit
ship,
and sunk by an Argentine bomb.
THE FALKLANDS
No
story of the
SAS
in the Falkland*
can conclude with-
out mentioning Captain John Hamilton.
SAS
in almost every
He was
involved
action of the campaign. As
tain troop officer, he led his
men on
to the
Glacier in the bid to take South Georgia.
He
moun-
Fortuna also took
part in the successful raid against the Argentine airfield
on Pebble Island. Sadlv, he was killed on 10 June when his patrol
was spotted during a
close-target reconnais-
sance. During the fire-fight, although
wounded, he held
the Argentines at bay while the rest of his their
escape.
I
le
men made
was awarded the Military Cross.
Unfortunately, no photographs are available of Captain
Hamilton.
181
CHAPTER TEN
The Gulf War August
2
On
1990,
Hussein ordered
his
Saddam
dictator
Iraqi
army
Then
into neighbouring
Kuwait. The small sheikdom of Kuwait was
largely
unprepared
defend
to
such an act of aggression and could not.
hope
withstand the might
to
Saddam
of
machine. Swiftly overrun. Kuwait appealed
s
with the backing of the
and
nited Nations
I
Saddam
military
One
of their
Scud
to the resl
led
Saddams
states,
almost half a million
sweated
men and women
their time until the order
came
was
and destroy the
to find
Saddam was launching was
intention
SAS
strength
Some would be main supply
thai
to
draw the
against
into the
Israelis
from the
into groups.
split
while others formed themselves
routes,
These columns consisted oi
Tomahawk
forces in order to neutralise the raiders.
amid At
air force
first
ried
were the SAS.
proposed that they might
was
that
was
Iraq
try to rescue the hostages
who
a
unclear.
was
to take
the
SAS
For the It
their role in this conflict
was enough
mayhem
cruise missile strikes. Sitting on the sidelines
this frenetic activity,
it
not as
ing the bitter cold.
be attacked by coalition
aircraft or missiles. This,
this
however, was thought to be a near-impossible task and.
Iraqis, lhe\
it
was
enemy
vehicle
inevitable that they
was approaching. Mistaking the SAS
the Russian-built Gaz 69 drove straight into the
SAS
hide.
In
useful information,
was sent back
is
not the vehicle
in
maps and
to Saudi by helicopter for interrogation.
together with the bodies, was destroyed by placing two bar mines under picture
question,
it
for Iraqi forces,
a short but vicious fire-fight
three of the four Iraqis were killed. The survivor, a Major carrying lots of
other
The Gaz 69,
it.
Although
this
does show the aftermath of a similar encounter.
182
It
was
wore fight-
Most of the photographs shown
should make contact with the enemy. While one column lay camouflaged during the day, the sentry signalled that an
deploy large
The desert terrain of
cases just a few miles from Baghdad.
into Iraq,
much
enemy were everywhere, and
were not fighting the
the)
to
about any-
chapter were taken deep behind the enemy
some
As the SAS fighting columns penetrated ever deeper
a hard war.
harsh cruel place, the
human ly to
would have
just
one normally imagines a desert.
when
being held prisoner in installations like-
on and destroy
Iraqis
was
had been seized and used by Saddam Hussein as shields,
10
motorbikes being used as outriders. The fire-power car-
to
thing they could find. The idea was to create so
For the
I
Strike Vehicles (LSVs). with
and the 17 January 1991 when Iraqi targets first started to come under attack from wave after wave of aircraft and Iraqis.
Israel.
inserted by helicopter to monitor the
Land Rovers and Light
move against the navy, the war began on
was
the Gulf
in
into fighting columns.
of the coalition
out under the scorching desert sun, biding
it
priorities
Arab nations.
Having captured Kuwait. Saddam was now threatenwas here
deep into
for the air force.
thus wrecking the coalitions support
war.
the
l>\
main
missiles
The
it
infiltrate
which were proving problematic
packing.
ing the borders of Saudi Arabia and
would
and carry out search and destroy misdisrupting communications and destroying tar-
sions,
United States, began building an army which would send
that they
gels
world for help and a coalition of Western
of the
was decided
case.
any
in
it
Iraqi territory
against
itself
most of the hostages were released anyway.
ultimately,
in
lines, in
183
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Last-minute training and preparations for the Gulf
took place
in
States, which
War
the Trucial
where
is
this
Squadron photo was taken. Land Rovers were the main vehicles used throughout the conflict
and they
carried
extensive and varied
firepower including the
Browning gun,
heavy machine
.5
GPMGs,
40mm
grenade
launchers and Milan anti-
tank missiles. Thermal
imaging sights were
some Land
fitted to
Rovers, giving
the operator the advantage of being able to see up to
8km even In
in total
darkness.
the picture you can also
see two LSV 'dune buggies'.
These lightweight vehicles were dispensed with they suffered
problems
in
after
reliability
the desert. More
of a success were the
Honda
250 motorbikes which acted as outriders to a fighting
column such as
this,
scouting ahead for signs of
danger and potential
targets.
(P)
184
THE GULF WAR
185
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Preparing to enter Iraq from Saudi Arabia.
When
they were
finally
given
the go-ahead on 20 January, 1991, they simply drove through the Iraqi
defence
lines.
Note the Union Jack spread out on the ground. This was
used to indicate to
allied aircraft that
they were friendly forces.
186
(P)
Till.
GULF WAR
The fighting column on the move. Note the bike which was used as an outrider.
(P)
187
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
To avoid detection, camouflage and concealment were of
vital
importance. From a distance the whole column would blend with the surrounding terrain. (P)
188
in
THE GULF WAR
This picture
was taken
after the previously
mentioned incident with the
enemy
Iraqi
Gaz 69. The
vehicle can be seen underneath the
camouflage soldiers
net.
were
The bodies of the three dead
still
in
Iraqi
the vehicle at this stage. (P)
189
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
As with
men throughout
British fighting
welcome.
It
kept them
long daylight hours.
warm and helped
(P)
190
this century, hot tea
to
keep them
alert
was always during the
Tl IK
GULF WAR
191
SAS:
THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Despite the padded clothing, sentry duty lasted no more than two
hours per man, then
it
was back
into the sleeping bag.
The sentries
have an M16 with 203 grenade launcher, a Minimus and a Milan tank missile.
(P)
192
anti-
THEGUL1 WAR
Both pictures demonstrate the vast amount of fire-power carried by the
column. Beside one of the sleeping sniper
rifle.
men
(P)
193
is
an Accuracy International
PM
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Even during a routine stop, sentry. In this picture
it
was always advisable
to post a look-out
he can be seen sitting on the ridge.
194
(P)
The Gulf War
The
no
Land Rovers carried the fire-power, armed with Browning
machine guns, GPMGs, American Mark Milan anti-tank missiles.
Some were
19,
fitted
which meant that they could be see up to darkness. (P)
195
40mm
.5
heavy
grenade launchers and
with thermal imaging sights.
8km
away, even
in total
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
196
The Gulf War
Keeping warm was a major
was spent
in
priority,
and much of the
soldiers' free time
the 'Green Maggot' (sleeping bag). These
men show
overcoats that were purchased locally and issued after the
The 'shimag' tops
off the native look. (P)
197
first
the Arab
re-supply.
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
198
WAK
TllLGlLI
The 'shimag' headdress was not
campaigns of World War
II,
just for
the soldiers
show. Just as in
in
the desert
the Gulf found that the native
gear was best for keeping out the dust and keeping off the sun.
In
the
flat,
open countryside of
Iraq,
the column
by motorbike out-riders. They would travel
in
(P)
was normally protected
front
and
to the flanks,
constantly searching for the enemy, either as a source of danger or a potential target. (P)
199
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
The machine gun and sights seen
in this
hidden by a protective cover when not desert which
was
a
in
picture
would normally be
use to keep out the dust of the
major cause of weapons' malfunctions.
200
(P)
the Gulf War
-v^
An SAS led
Corporal shot dead
in the
Gulf War. The motorcycle outriders of his fighting column spoi-
two Iraqi trucks laden wilh missiles heading
time to
set
up a proper ambush but pulled
it.
it
was
a
little like
trucks to stop but as the
were caught
in
main
the cross-fire.
towards them. The column did not have
off the road to prepare for a fight.
the two trucks rolled past and the Iraqis sped
described
straight
off.
The motorbike
riders
the Indians chasing the train in the Wild force of
One was
Land Rovers engaged
killed,
and the other
201
Thev were spotted
gave chase. A^ one trooper
Wot. The
bikes forced the
the enemy, two of the
seriously
as
wounded.
men on
bikes
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
This
LSV has broken down and
is
being fixed with parts carried by the
Unimog support
202
vehicle. (P)
Tin:
Serious battle
damage was
Gnu War
repaired
whenever possible beneath the
camouflage nets while the troops rested up during the daytime. During a vehicle re-supply a complete field all
the
SAS
workshop was
vehicles were serviced. (P)
203
set
up inside
Iraq
where
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
**.
u Re-supplying the columns was
done by Chinook and three tonne
204
helicopter,
trucks. (P)
THE GULF WAR
The choppers or trucks never hung around long. Once the re-supply was
dropped
off,
it
was up
to the
column
to sort out the mess. This re-supply
by truck shows the amount of supplies needed to keep a fighting column
on the move. These photographs were taken deep behind
205
Iraqi lines. (P)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
J-
*ar
p
206
k
>£yi
TllLGlLI
WAK
-'
All
enemy movement was logged and
encoding a message back to base
in
reported. Here the signaller
Saudi Arabia. Once the Scud war
started they were constantly on the look-out for the launchers.
major reasons the
Israelis
is
never entered the war was the
were informed that the SAS were already doing the
One
fact that
of the
they
job. (P)
Opposite: The chest harness worn here contains mainly ammunition. The
main weapon on the Land Rover be
fully
is
a .50 cal
machine gun. The men would
dressed while they were moving or while on sentry duty.
207
(P)
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
A
fighting
column could spread out over quite some distance while
travelling through the desert
and regular stops were made
vehicles together. (P)
208
to
keep
all
the
THE GULF WAR
.___
^v,-*wl.r --/...--
Final preparation before the attack
station
known as
SAS during the are getting
was
carried out by a
whole
largest single attack carried out by the
Gulf War. While
what
-".
on a microwave communications
Victor two. This attack
and was the
fighting column,
'-
some
are planning the attack others
rest they can. (P)
209
SAS: The Illustrated History
Deep behind the forces,
Iraqi lines,
it
is
essential to identify yourself as friendly
hence the Union Jack was always kept handy.
210
(P)
TIIKGULFWAK
>F
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u\<
\
The value of having the SAS operating behind the enemy
lines
known
SAS
until after
the war
was
over. Here
members
congratulated by General Norman Schwarzkopf.
211
(P)
of the
was not are being
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Specials and Surprises many
explanation as to
actions around the world and, just sometimes,
Main people more than highly
Over
the years the
SAS has
you can snap a picture ian
is
quite bizarre.
participated in
thai to the
have included
I
short
chapter pictures which
Some
are directly related to the SAS,
sidelines.
They
normal
feel
I
why each picture is special. perceive members of the SAS
civil-
this
in
is
should be shown.
and some touch
are not in any order, but there
is
photographs
the
an
will
for.
Some
and
them are unioue.
of
should
SAS it
soldiers were issued with gold sovereigns to aid their escape,
be necessary. Once the war was over, of course, not
sovereigns were returned.
Some were used
by soldiers
in
all
of the
trouble to buy
vehicles or help, while others were lost along with other (more valuable)
pieces of
During
kit.
my
In
the heat of battle, equipment often has to be ditched.
research for this book,
Winged Dagger.
It
was hand
I
learned of the existence of this Golden
crafted by a master jeweller
East from thirteen gold sovereigns issued to an
took two coins
in
payment and the remaining
soldier are pictured with the dagger.
SAS
believed the coins had been lost with part of his
turned up, the Golden Winged Dagger seemed
212
the Middle
in
soldier.
The jeweller
five coins carried
The soldier
in
by the
question genuinely
kit.
like a
When good
I
little
hope that these few
to a different side of the
of the pictures are sad,
This picture of a solid gold winged dagger hails from the Gulf War. Most
of the
But
open your eyes
regiment. all
be
trained killers and, as a tax payer, that
what you pay
basically
to
they later idea.
some
are funny,
213
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
During the late 60s there was
little for'
training filled the gap, while others
This picture
is
of a
the regiment to do. For many,
went
in
search of
new adventures.
power boat, manned by the SAS during
214
a race.
SPECIALS AND SURPKISKS
These pictures were taken during the
first
army course
on paragliding. One of the
armoured divisions stationed in
Germany
lent a hut to
house the course. NAAFI purchased the parachutes,
and the author organised the
whole event. Paragliding
now
a recognised
adventure
activity in the British
The main picture author
is
is
Army.
of the
flying.
215
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
As a footnote to the 1977 Mogadishu Souhaila Andraws (her married name), order to hear her side of the story, led
me
pilot,
Captain Schumann. Eventually,
would emerge.
In
went to
shows her
in
the
hope
I
visit her.
up
female
in
in
is
currently on
terrorist,
Norway.
What she
told
persuaded Monica Schumann
that
some
trial for
In
me
and the wife of the murdered to
peaceful understanding
December 1995, Souhaila Andraws was flown
Germany, where she picture
finally finished
to interview several of the hostages
meet Souhaila Andraws
right:
I
hijack, the surviving
her part
in
to
the hijack. This
a Norwegian hotel before her extradition.
From
left to
Monica Schumann, myself, Heidi Bache-Wug (Souhaila's lawyer) and
Souhaila Andraws.
216
specials and Surprises
Mrs Thatcher thanking boys
217
in
Northern Ireland.
SAS: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
A funny
picture of
funny? Well, you
When
a fixed
aircraft
wing
officers with
aircraft
was sent
landing gear.
its
some captured weapons. Why
note the officer on the right has a broken
will
damaged
damaged
two SAS
aircraft out.
became unstable and
As
this
A
in
evacuate this casualty, the
to
helicopter
was sent
to
sky-hook the
was happening the under-slung
a jet fighter
finger.
was dispatched
aircraft
check the
to
undercarriage of the helicopter. The oscillations of the aircraft were ripping the hell out of the helicopter bottom, so they decided to drop the aircraft
and write
if off.
As the
directly into the jet bill
jet
returned to the
engine and the
ran into millions. As far as
driven to hospital
in
I
pilot
airfield,
it
was forced
suffered a bird strike to eject.
In total,
the
can recollect, the officer was eventually
a Land Rover.
218
SPECIALS AND SURPRISKS
At times throughout this
SAS past and The top one
book
I
have referred to the
similarities
present. These two pictures were taken
is
the bottom one
of David Stirling
was taken on
in
the desert and
exercise
in Africa,
219
I
some 40
am
between the years apart.
led to believe that
around the 1980s.
CHAPTER TWELVE
ROLL OF HONOUR special stained-glass
This Church
in
window
in St Martin
numbers) the SAS
s
stands as tribute to
It
is.
It
is
safe
to
say that,
although the regiment continues to be topped up with
Hereford was produced in honour of
the Special Air Service.
really
new
all
SAS men who have died in the service of their country and now lie in the graveyard of the church. What many people will not be aware of is how small (in
has risen
those
1950 the death toll to more than half the regiment s combat The price of democracy, freedom and liberty
recruits passing selection, since
strength.
does not
come cheap.
SAS Casualties 1950 to 1995
MALA1A TPR Pte TPR SCT
TPR TPR
BROWN
1950
G. A. Fisher
1950
T. A.
J.
A.
CTLEARY
0. H. ERNST,
Rhodesian SAS
CPL
J.
B.
W02 CPL
BOY LAN W. F. GARRETT
F.
G.
V. E.
HOWELL
THOMAS New Zealand SAS TPR W R. J. MARSELLE LT A. G. H. DEAN CPL A. G. BUCHANAN New Zealand SAS TPR
1954
WEST MALAYSIA
1956
L Cpl
A. R.
R.
HlNDMARSI
R.
Greenwood
1967
1950 1957
MALAYSIA 1957 1968
1
TPRN.
P.
OI
l
is
1969
1951
1951 1951
Oman
(Jerel Akhdar)
SOUTH ARARIA
VISAGUE,
SAS Fergus
Rhodesian
Tpr A. Maj E. C. R. Barker, rem Tpr J. a. s. Morgan TPR E. DUCKWORTI LT P. B. S. CARTWRICHT TPR B. WATSON 2/Lt f m. Donnelly- Wood LT (QM) F S. TULK CPL K. BANCROFT TPR F WILKINS CPL P. G. R. EAKIN LT J. C. FOTHERINGHAN LT G. J. GOULDING L CPL C. W. BOND TPR B. POWELL
W
1951
DAV1ES,
Rhodesian SAS
TPR
1951
A. W.
1952
1952 1953
CPL D. SWINDELLS, M. M. TPR W. CARTER Tpr a. g. Bembrldge
CAP!
1959
TPR J. N. TPR J. HOLLINCSWORTI TPR M. R. LAMBERT TPR G. F F ILES L CPL A. G. BROWN
1959
1953
1953 1953
EDWARDS WARRURTON
1958
Borneo
R. C.
1964
1964 1964 1966 1967 1967
1953 1953
1953 1953
1953 1953
1953
1954 1954
MAJ H. A. I. THOMPSON Maj r. h. D. Norman, MBE, MC CPL M. P. MURPHY TPR A. CONDON SGT B. BEXTON TPR W. E. WHITE Pte G. PL Hartley
MC
1963
ETHIOPIA 1963 1963
CPL
I.
â&#x20AC;¢
220
MACLEOD
1968
1964 1964
1964
OMAN (MUSANDAM)
1964
L Cpl
1954
A.
p.
reddy
1970
221
SAS: The Illustrated History
OMAN (DHOFAR)
WO
Capt
1971
Cpl Tpr
1971
W02 J.
1971
Maj M.J. A. Kealy,
1972
Sgt
R.
Abbots
1972
Sgt
A.
Baxter
1972
1972
Drummond TprG. Worrall
1974
Cpl
E. Jones
I.
M. Moores
Sgt
J.
Tpr
C. Loin
S.
L Cpl D. R. Ramsden Tpr M. J. Martin CplT. Labalaba, BEM Tpr T P. A. Toppin L Cpl A. Kent APT S. Garthwaite Tpr C. Hennessy L Cpl K. Small Sgt A. E. Gallagher (
1974
:
T
E.
1
Nugent Ann
1908
Martin
1968
R. N. C.
S/Sgt
P.
E.
1968
Daubney
(wounded
in
DSO
1975
L.
P.
1973
Sgt
S. A.
1989
Sgt
J.
FRANCE
P.
I.
1978
Sgt
)8()
1986
L Cpl
J.
1982
1982
Cpl W.J. Begle^
Cpl
>82
1982
(.ins
Jones
P.
( l
( i
Newton
>82
1982
CplS. Sykes
1982
1982
1978
LCplP. Lioiitiooi CplM. McHugh Kit LtC. Hawkins Cpl D. McCormack
1980
CplR.
A. Burns
1982
Palmer,
1983
Cpl W.
C
1982
A.
1984
NORTHERN IRELAND
T
Naden
MM Slater, MM
MC
Hatton
1982 1982 (
1
)82
BELIZE
UK Cpl K. Norry Cpl
R.
Tpr Tpr
P.
C
J.
Hooker
L Cpl L Cpl
Richardson
J.
O'Toole R.
A. C.
Anderson
Lonney
1991
1962 1965 1965 1965 1967 1968
V.
Tpr
R. Consiglio,
Tpr
S.
Tpr
1).
Lane, Denbi
MM
MM in.
1991 ( l
MM
)
(
)l
1991
BOSNIA
1982
1082
M. Benson
1
1982
O'Connor
P.
F.
Westmacott,
Phillips
Sgt
1982
1982
Cpl
R.
1988
1982
Atkinson
\l.
Sot W.J. Hi
Capt H.
Hiii
IR\Q
ssm
S/SGT
J.
P.
1994
1982
1978
S/Sgt D.
1986
)()
Bunker Cpi.E. T. Walpole Tpr R. Armstrong 1972
Arnott Windon
OCM
P.
Pirie
(
BEM
L. Arthi
H. Johnson
Cpl
(
1982
Davidson
S.
S. J.
)
Dhofar 1975)
Ci rrass,
Sgt
Tpr
Cpl
1
MBE
Gallagher,
Sot
Cpl
P.
1986
SOITH ATLANTIC W02
Sgt G. Green
R.
FAR EAST
1975
E. Pickard
Tpr
Farragher
1975
BRUNEI
Maj R. M.
J.
1979 1985 1985 (
(Apr C.J. H win. ion
Sgt
S/Sgt K.
1974
J.
A. Flemmino.
BOTSWANA
L Sgt L. Cobb L Cpl M. D. Richards
1983
1992
MOUNT EVEREST 1984
Cpl A. Swier/.v
222
Cpl E M. Rennie
<) (
)4
SAS Operational History
1941
-
North Africa
14
December Agheila Enemy
21
December Agedabai Enemy
23 July- 10 September Operation Rupert Attacks on railway
communications
airfield raid
25 July Operation Gaff Assassination attempt
airfield raid
<>u
Rommel
27 July- 1 September Operation Hardy Raiding mission
1942
-
NORTH AFRICA
Dijon
Enemy airfield raid Bcrka Enemy airfield raid 25 March Benina Enemy airfield raid 13 June Benina Enemy airfield raid 13 June Berka Enemy airfield raid 7 July Bagoush Enemy Airfield raid El Daha Enemy airfield raid Euka Enemy airfield raid 12 July Euka Enemy airfield raid 26 July Sidi llaneish Enemy airfield raid
28 July-15 August Operation Chaucer Raiding mission
8 March Barce
1943
in
north west 31 July-15 August Operation Shakespeare Raiding mission in
north west 3-15 August Operation Bunyan Raiding mission in north wesl 3-24 August Operation Dunhill Intelligence mission
enemy near Brest August Operation Haggard Engaging enemy at River
5-18 August Operation Deny 10-23 I
10 August-27
Sicily
I
larrassing
j tire
September Operation Samson Raiding mission
south
in the
-
in
11-24 August Operation Marshall General attacks on
enemy
12 July Operation Chestnut Supporting; allied invasion of
12 August-9 October Operation Loyton Intelligence mission
Sicily
13-24 August Operation Snelgrove Supplying arms to resistance
1943
- ITALY
13 August- 19 September Operation Barker Supporting
3
September Operation Baytown Port of Bagnara captured
advance
7
September Operation Speedwell Raid
13 August-24 September Operation llarrod Attacking
in
north east Italy
2-6 October Operation Begonia Aiding British
POWs
troop
enemy
movements
27 October Operation Candytuft Attack on railway
13 August-26
communications
engagement
September Operation Kipling Major enemy
15 August-9 September Operation Jockworth Engaging
1944
- ITALY
7 January Operation
Maple Supporting; Anzio landings
16 August- 13
September Operation Noah Intelligence mission
19 August- 11
September Operation Newton Harassing enemy
19 August- 19 September Operation Wallace Major
1944
enemy
in south east
30 January Operation Baobab Supporting Anzio landings
-
US
France
enemy
engagement
6 June Operation Titanic Raiding mission in
Normandy
26 August-3 September Operation Wolsey Intelligence mission
6 June Operation Dingson Raiding mission in Brittany
28 August- 1 September Operation Benson Intelligence
6-9 June Operation Samwest Raiding mission in Brittany
mission
6-21 June Operation lloundsworth Attacks on railway
29 August- 14 September Operation Spenser Harrassing the
communications
enemy
6 June-3 July Operation Bullbasket Attacks
on railway
15 September-3 October Attacks on railway
communications
communications 6 June- 15 August Operation Gain Attacks
1944
on
communication, south of Paris 7
-
BELGIIM
2 September- 15
June Operation Cooney Attacks on railway
September Operation Brutus Intelligence
mission
communications
6-11 September Operation Caliban Attacks on
23 June- 18 July Operation Lost Raiding mission and arming
communications
Maquis
in Brittany
8 July- 11 August Operation Haft Itelligence
communications
in
1944-45
mission
16 July-7 October Operation Dickens Attacks
on railway
-
HOLLAND
16 September- 14 March Operation Fabian Intelligence
Nantes
19 July-23 August Operation Defoe in
enemy
mission 27 September-17 March Operation Cobbo Intelligence
Reconnaissance mission
Normandy
mission
223
SAS:
1944-1945
-
THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
1964-1967
FRANCE
24 December-25 January Operation Franklin Supporting
advance
in
ADEN
Operations against terrorist rebels prior to British
withdrawl
Ardennes
27 December- 15 January Operation Regent Engaging in
US
-
enemy
1969 ONWARDS
Ardennes
-
NORTHERN IRELAND
Operations begin against terrorists
1944-45
in
the province
- ITALY
27 December- 14 February Operation Galia Intelligence
1970-1976
mission
Operations against communist-backed rebels
4
-
OMAN
March-24 April Operation Tombola Engaging enemy
1972 1945
-
HOLLAND
3-18 April Operation Keystone Engaging
1945
-
19 July
enemy
6 April-6
May Operation Howard Engaging enemy
5
1945
-
SAS team
1981
NORWAY
-
leads local force in successful
UK
May Iranian Embassy
30 Julv-6
-
Mirbat
1980
March -May Operation Archway Suporting British advance
May Operation Larkswood Engaging enemy
Oman
defence against vastly superior rebel force
Germany
3 April-8
-
-
Siege.
London
- Tiie Gambia August SAS team puis down coup
against
President Jawara
May Operation Apostle Disarming German forces
1982 British
SAS regiments disbanded October 1945
-
Intelligence
SOUTH ATLANTIC and raiding operations during the halklands
campaign
1950-1960
-
MALAYA
1988
Malayan Scouts (SAS) formed Operations against communist-
backed
guerillas
(>
-
Gibraltar
March SAS team
kills
three terrorists during IK A
bomb
mission
1951
1989 ONWARDS
Formation of 22 SAS
-
CENTRAL AMERICA
Covert and international co-operative operations
1958-1959
-
OMAN
in
the
war
against drugs
November-January Jebel Akhdar Operations against
communist-backed
rebels
1963-1966
-
1991
-
IRAQ
Intelligence, raiding
BORNEO
the Gulf
Operations against rebels and Indonesian forces
224
War
and seek-and- destroy missions during
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