A B Squadron trooper from 22 SAS banging out a message on his Morse key. Mid 70s Dhofar.
When I joined 22 SAS selection back in the mid 1970s having spent 3 years in the RAF Regiment, I was so keen to pass, that my spare moments were filled with learning Morse Code…the comms of the day for an SAS patrol.
A friend who had been a student on selection when I was an instructor just recently obtained an old patrol prc316 radio as photographed above.
When I found out, my mind went into overdrive. Firstly of what a terrific radio it was. In my view nothing came close in the battle for technology for the rest of my service career, and this wee radio came out way back in the 60s. Morse code or voice, it worked well, very well.
With the thoughts of the radio followed the thoughts of the events of my earlier SAS career.
Back then, we had troopers and corporals who had been in the Regiment for years….soldier, yes…but take promotion, no.
They were terrific lads to learn from. Grounded, fit, great skills set, great soldiers, and that’s all they wanted to be.
The SAS then had a change of direction. It became all about achieving promotion through the ranks at certain time frames. It wasn’t for everyone, and sadly those who joined the SAS purely to soldier decided to leave. Some of those who didn’t make the time frames were asked to leave.
Many went back to Dhofar and worked with the Omanis, others joined the security circuit which at the time was small and niche.
We all move (or stay) with the times, that’s the way those running the Regiment wanted it to progress. I stayed and moved with those times…today I have no regrets, my time in the Regiment was an absolute blast. Even if I think many of those lads who left not wanting promotion were hard done by.
When I decided to leave the Regiment at 40, there was a long discussion between the CO, RSM and myself to remain until I was 55. I was in Brunei at the time, working at the jungle warfare school as the SMI, an SAS tied post back then. That would have meant RSM, followed by a commission mainly behind a desk. Perhaps like a few mates, getting to Lt Col, or at least Major.
As honoured and humbled as I was to be given the option ( because I know full well that over the years I could be a real pain in the arse for the Regiment’s head shed, purely fighting for what I believed at the time to be right), I chose to do what I had always promised myself…to leave the military as a 40 year old and move on.
I’ve always believed that the SAS trooper changes every 12-15 years. I’m sure it’s the same in any industry. People change with the times, therefore it was time for me to give the younger element in the Regiment the chance to make changes, and for me to take on a new career.
Even so, after saying my goodbye’s and handing in my kit and ID card, I walked out of the gate towards home in Hereford, and I cried like a baby.
I thought after a week that in real terms it may well take a year or so to wean myself away from the Regiment, and move on with my new life as a civilian.
Well, I’m sitting here in my 70th year, having left 30 years ago this year (94)…and I still really miss the life that I had way back then!
I do understand though, that the SAS today is not the one I left. Like the one I left wasn’t the one that I joined. Remember the every 12-15yrs trooper.
So, if by magic the SAS would allow a 70yr old back in, and if by magic I could have the body and mindset of what I had in my mid 30s, I have no doubt that I wouldn’t fit in with today’s lads anyway.
But that still doesn’t stop me from craving what I left such a long time ago.
Here’s to those young laddies serving in the SAS and the SBS today…enjoy every moment, because one day some of you may well be sitting like me.
Bob Shepherd 
Sadly Bob, we wish we could return to what we were, but in reality as you said, it wouldn’t be the same if we did and that’s the hard bit.
With me, now approaching 65 my military adventures are now faded pictures in a book or a item in a box or draw.
But what stories they tell and yes Bob, you and the heroes from Hereford, we owe you so much.
Thank you.
Rey Ex EOD
I agree I left at 30 only a Cpl joined at 141/2 but all them years I never sat in an office or had a stores job promotion would mean I left the job I loved .Teaching and training so left to start a new life . I have no regrets I got my head down and led in my eyes a successful 2nd life and will go to my grave happy .
thank you for Your Service Sir
Thanks Bob I attended your first LRPC in Brunei (IIRC) and was lucky enough to learn so much in that relatively short period of time.. mainly down to your teachings (Patrol Routine stands out/no aids/props just immense experience and knowledge) That ‘lesson’ was the best I attended in 22 years service and had a deep impact on me.
I was lucky enough to be surrounded by great soldiers for most of my career and all had an influence on me but some were just a little bit more special.
Take the best of care of yourself and keep on keeping on..
Best
Malcolm ‘Molly’ Young
Big thank you for this Molly, that’s really kind of you.
Great story! All the best mate.
Bob Reyes
ah Bob as a member Of B troop (Royal Signals) from 84 to 89 I am Aware of the radio you mention. A robust and reliable radio. Even though I was just signals I to have the most fondest memories of my time with B Squadron.