A SMALL TEAM FROM THE 30.000 WHO CLAIM TO HAVE ASSAULTED FROM THAT BALCONY
5th May 1980 was the day that the SAS came into the eyes of the globe. Not a good scenario for any of us serving that day for that simple reason. However, the operation was a first in anti terrorism on the UK mainland, and there were plenty of lessons to learn from it. The early days of a Tier 1 SF team, and for some time it would lead others from around the world to excel. Only a handful of years before this operation, the “Team” were changing over their main weapon system from the Ingram M10 to the H&K MP5.
There were two teams of assaulters…Red team and Blue team, both lead by Troop Commanders of Captain rank, closely followed by their respective Troop Staff Sergeants. Down from that, groupings were mainly 4 men (as seen on the balcony).
The operation was a huge success despite many things going wrong. However, when things don’t go to plan, you immediately adapt, and those in the best position to do so…step forward and keep it rolling.
I’ve blogged about the “Embassy” before, more than once.
I’m doing it today briefly, because as I used to quietly celebrate those who are no longer with us from the assault group all those years ago, the crosses on the Team/Squadron photograph of the time are fast becoming more and more.
Forty three years ago…MAY 5th BE WITH YOU!
Here’s a wee whiskey in my garden tonight for every man who stepped forward that day, but is no longer with us…it still seems like yesterday…until I see my reflection.
Just how many of us will be here for the 50th? Because we’re all ageing or gone, I’ll remember not in 5 year increments like I used to…but each year…the same for events in Dhofar, Northern Ireland Troubles, Falklands War, First Gulf War…and other events around the globe that we still don’t mention…for those no longer with us.
That’s a good few whiskeys in a calendar year!
Bob Shepherd 
A nice wee read Bob, and educational thank you, indeed time is powering on, hopefully Tak and others will still be around for the 50th, I blame Tak for the tiger – bread and I keep on buying it, Wife hates the smell, however it’s well embedded within my home weekly.
P/s I wasn’t on the Balcony.
Stay – Safe Bob,
KR,
Andre Steele ( H )
I remember that “event” very well. I was still in basic training and watched the situation develop. It was something that stuck in my mind during my first posting and when a recruiting campaign toured in Germany (for Royal Corps of Signals) I decided to give it a go on the Signals “probation” to support the Regiment. I told my father, who just finished his 22 years of military service and he mocked my efforts before I even arrived. Having passed the course I was attached to B Sqn (only as a Scaley Back) and soon realised that it was a mixed bunch. I had good times and bad times but working someone like Bob was definitely a highlight of my career
My old man the signaller came home smelling of gas just in time for his birthday 6th May.
Don Pawlow, no longer here,
Koudos to you all
Gill Pawlow
Gill, thank you. I got on with Don very well, a terrific individual. No signallers, no operations!