Myself behind Tak. I’m his bodyguard here in the photo ha ha. Actually a cut down of a squadron photo in 22 SAS Regt back in the late 1970s.
Tak in his prime driving a “pinkie” Landrover in the Middle East circa late 60s/early 70s.
Sekonaia ‘Tak’ Takavesi DCM, named passionately by all who know him as Tak.
Back in the 60s, young Fijians were given the chance to leave their beautiful Pacific islands and join the British military. They would be the first batch of many, as young Fijians from a new generation are still serving today.
Whether they recognize it or not, when the going on operations gets tough, the Fijians naturally get going.
Tak was one of the first 6 Fijians to join 22 SAS Regiment back in the 60s and early 70s. 5 would join B Squadron, and 1 would join D Squadron.
As a young 17yr old in the RAF Regiment back in 1972, I became aware of Tak, his good mate Laba Laba and others while serving in Dhofar Province, Oman, during the “secret war” of the early 1960s to mid 70s.
Until fairly recently, as books have been written and documentaries made of the battle, MIRBAT was almost unknown to the British public.
It was the Rorke’s Drift of early 1970s Dhofar Province. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mirbat
Tak would go on to be involved in SAS operations all over the world…notably he also took part in the Iranian Embassy Siege in London in 1980. He was still getting himself into shootouts as a civilian working in hostile environments as a security adviser after his military service.
Fijians are strong, extremely tough, not bad rugby players, and extremely humble individuals. That combination is like a magnet to their mates. You just know that if you are in trouble and there’s a Fijian next to you, all of you stand a chance.
I remember in the 70s being in an OP (observation post) in a hedgerow lying between 2 Fijians, Fred and Tom. As we were running low on food on day 4, they reminded me of how they were still cannibals back in Fiji into the late 1920s and early 30s. I offered them my last piece of food, a Penguin biscuit…and survived!
Tak and Hoss (Hoss was in D Sqn) at the unveiling of Laba’s statue in Fiji. Tak was also presented with Fiji’s highest bravery medal…the first to be given.
Catching up with Tak and Snapper for a brew.
So, the scene is set.
Today, Tak is accommodated in a care home in Hereford. Funding for Tak has become a problem.
Everyone who knows him, soldier and civilian is of the same opinion…disgusting. Given what that humble man has gone through for his adopted country.
No financial help from the Government, MOD or Regimental Association.
Come in Matt Hellyer and his team of Pilgrim Bandits. An organization that raises funds for ex military requiring help…for their mental, physical or/and accommodation needs.
In my view there should be no military charities at all.
If you put on a uniform and represent your country in its time of need, to instigate foreign policy, you should be looked after by the very same government that sent you to go and fight on their behalf.
Secondly for the “corporate wars” of the last 20 odd years, the Government should hold those large corporates responsible for providing monies from their vast profits, made from those wars to go to ex military individuals in their time of need.
However, as that’s not the case, Matt and his great organization is raising funds for this modest giant of men, to ensure that he remains content and safe in his latter years.
If anyone would like to help this great man, Matt has a page here:
JustGiving: SAS Legend Sekonaia ‘Tak” Takavesi DCM Care home costs
(please cut and paste onto JustGiving as this means can’t share directly, thank you.)
Over the years I’ve been shocked and stunned at just how some of my mates have been left to their own broken thought process.
Yes, we are ALL breakable no matter the cap badge (as I’ve mentioned many times in past posts). Even when seeking help from doctors, many have been misdiagnosed.
Most also won’t ask for help, many will simply just push on…or jump off!
None of this needs to happen today. Today, when our PM is offering up our own troops to fight in Ukraine. While at the very same time, allowing ex soldiers to become victims in court for just doing their jobs from conflicts decades ago. And obviously the scenario of Tak and those others from more recent conflicts crying out “silently” for help.
Both our Government (no matter the party in power) and the MOD need to look in the mirror at themselves. Our Generals have been political Generals, wearing their political hats, and not their military ones for way too long now, which is why we haven’t won a conflict in the last 25 years while fighting alongside the USA as the coalition of the willing!
“If soldiers and ex-soldiers get the backing today, then others will join the military today and tomorrow. If they don’t, then others won’t join at all.”
Pretty simple isn’t it!
Bob Shepherd 
It’s a great and true blog; Tak is a legend and deserves the best. The regt Assoc helps with everything (medical, welfare, etc.) apart from care home costs, not because they don’t want to but because of their charity charter/ Remit. As the CEO of a military/ blue light charity, I insist we have a flexible remit that doesn’t preclude us from helping where the needs exist. Hence, our successful fundraising has helped this fantastic gentleman. There are still many people in need, and we will always try our best to help wherever we can to support not only the military but also the Blue Light, NHS, and unfortunate members of our communities. As the saying goes……
Always a Little Further