Bob Shepherd’s smocks, beret, belt and fighting knife.
My old unit 22 SAS Regiment is 82 years old today (DOB July 1941). However, I am only 69 years old later this year.
I served in the Regiment through the 1970s, 1980s and into the 1990s…a small part of the Regiment’s lifespan so far.
It has been disbanded once after WW2, it has been close to disbandment since, historically there has been periodic distain between the army’s senior officers and the SAS. Choppy waters along the way, and that’s without going on operations and facing the enemy.
However it’s always bounced back. And those ranks within have continued to dig out and get on, with the backing or not, with the kit, or not, with the numbers, or not.
1994 was the year that I walked out of the front gate of the old Stirling Lines (formally Bradbury Lines) and walked home with a para bag over my shoulders crying like a baby.
It was my choice to leave…I had approached my 40th birthday and done my 23 years service, and I was always keen to leave at that age and pass the baton to those younger that could take the Regiment forward. I thought that it may take a year or so to wean myself away…however, even today I still miss it like crazy!
I’ve been in positions to view the Regiment on the ground in theatres around the world as I’ve worked as a civilian after my service. I was proud to watch them, young lads doing what I did for almost 20 years.
I’ve always believed that the Trooper changes every 12-15 years…he’s a different breed, and moving forward with different kit and technology. And of course that can only be a good thing for the Regiment to continue to survive with so many seniors in the military against what they stand for.
Even with all of the media coverage over the years since the Iranian Embassy Siege of 1980, it is not the cap badge that makes the man…it’s the man that makes the cap badge, which is why it’s so extremely hard to carve out a full career in the SAS.
I AM THE SAS, I AM 82 YEARS OLD TODAY.
Well, here’s to another 82 years at least. No matter any future tech, past and present conflicts have always shown, you ALWAYS require the “Mark 1 eyeball” on the ground...never to be forgotten.
Bob Shepherd 
Bob, your words in this have so much feeling. The brave move to step away from your family in the Regt is something that was needed but not required.
You chose to join and you chose to leave.
You’ve inspired so many to be their best portrayal of themselves.
You remain a legend and focal point for so many new individuals who thrive to join the SAS.
Stay strong and be faster than those around you buddy.
You hit a cord there with me Bob,l worked MoD London and listened to The High Enders bicker among themselves in The back of The car and in Office,The minority hate anything beyond their control even 2 Squadron got a battering for all The wrong reasons and from none serving members,it seems The pen is mighty than The sword in The Office of cakes n coffee.