Moving into position on the roof.
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. Still the very early days of a Tier 1 SF anti terrorism 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, with a 9mm Browning as backup.
There were two teams of assaulters: the Red team and the Blue team. Both were led by Troop Commanders of Captain rank, who collaborated with their respective Troop Staff Sergeants, who had the skills and experience. Below that, groupings were mainly four men (as seen on the front balcony).
The operation from 30th April to 5th May (6 days) 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 in order to keep it rolling.
I’ve blogged about “The Embassy” before, more than once.
Today is day 3 of the event 25 years ago, a good day to drop this short remembrance blog post.
Since 1980, films, documentaries, books and interviews have covered the now famous actions many many times, by individuals who were there, and by individuals who weren’t.
The latest book to come out is The Siege by Ben Macintyre. Claimed as the definitive version and will be held in the Imperial War Museum as part of military history.
I was honoured to receive a personalised copy from Ben. Having read it, it was a terrific read, however, there were some errors. Those errors, I was told, will be corrected for the paperback version, which comes out soon, around the 8th May 25.
A much appreciated and nice touch from Ben Macintyre…author of The Siege.
I’m writing this 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 five years ago…MAY 5th BE WITH YOU!
There will be yet another wee whiskey in my garden on the evening of the 5th for every man who stepped forward that day, but is sadly no longer with us…it still seems like yesterday…until I see my reflection each morning in the mirror.
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 all of those who are no longer with us.
That’s a good few whiskeys in a calendar year!
Here’s to all who made the operation a success, from B Sqn 22 SAS and their attachments to the Met Police and all other actors involved. To my mates from the assault teams, both Blue and Red who are ageing today, may those of us still left today all make it to the 50th!
There has never been a full get-together for this operation’s anniversary, just maybe the 50th will be that event, and as for the venue…perhaps a phone box in Hereford?
If I look at 45 years before the siege, it was 1935, the SAS wasn’t even thought of!
Bob Shepherd 