Steve Callan | WO2 Squadron Sergeant-Major |
Gavin John Hamilton | Captain |
Talaiasi Labalaba | Sergeant |
Michael Lane | Major |
Don Large | WO2 Squadron Sergeant-Major |
Pete Loveday | Staff Sergeant |
Paddy Mayne | Lieutenant-Colonel |
Len Owens | Sergeant |
Tommy Palmer | Sergeant |
John Partridge | Staff Sergeant |
Vince Phillips | Sergeant |
Bob Podesta | Staff Sergeant |
Sekonaia Takavesi | Staff Sergeant |
Alfie Tasker | WO2 Squadron Sergeant-Major |
Reg Tayler | WO1 Regimental Sergeant-Major |
Iain Thomson | Sergeant |
Tommy Tobin | Trooper |
Mick Tyler | Sergeant |
Kevin Walsh | WO2 Squadron Sergeant-Major |
Pete Winner | Staff Sergeant |
Mountain Troop is responsible for all aspects of mountaineering and skiing. New members with no previous experience will be taught the basics of climbing and Arctic tactics. Many SAS individuals attend courses in Europe, among the best of which is the German Alpine Guides course in Bavaria. The Regiment annually selects two Mountain Troop soldiers to attend the year-long course. Six months is spent on skiing and six on mountaineering.
Normally one of the squadrons will be committed to the NATO winter exercise in Norway.
Previously known as ‘Free-fall Troop.’ Every SAS soldier is required to be parachute-trained before he can enter a squadron. Air Troop extends beyond these normal static-line procedures and practises HAHO (High-Altitude High-Opening) jumps. This allows the men to glide some 30km on to a target. Air Troop also uses unusual entry methods, including micro-lights and power-kites.
There is an Air Troop with each squadron, normally referred to as the ‘Prima Donnas’. Their tasks are more individual, as they are normally only involved with the rest of the squadron in the path-finding role, going in ahead of the main force to secure and mark a drop zone or landing area.
Often previously referred to as ‘Land Rover Troop’, Mobility Troop operates using a variety of vehicles, of which the SAS ‘Pink Panther’ or ‘Pinkie’ is best known. The Regiment decided to paint their vehicles a dusky pink when an old aircraft, shot down during World War II, was found in the middle of the desert – the sand had burnished it pink.
Other vehicles used by Mobility Troop include KTM 350 and Honda 250 motorbikes; the Honda is preferred as it is very quiet.
Courses for members of Mobility Troop cover several weeks with the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers), learning basic mechanical fault-finding and training in cross-country conditions.
Previously known as ‘Boat Troop’, Amphibious Troop concentrates on all water insertion methods. These include diving and even swimming ashore on a surf-board. In recent years, members of the SBS (Special Boat Service) have been stationed at Hereford and joined with the SAS in cross-training. Several operations have been jointly carried out using the SBS for actual water insertion and during the Falklands War they demonstrated how truly professional they are.
World War II | 1939–1945 |
The Korean War | 1950–53 |
The Malayan Campaign | 1950–57 |
Suez Crisis | 1956 |
The Jebel Akhdar – Northern Oman | 1958–59 |
Borneo Campaign | 1962–66 |
South Yemen (Aden) | 1964–68 |
Southern Oman (Dhofar) | 1971–76 |
Battle of Mirbat | 19 July 1972 |
Northern Ireland | 1969 onwards |
Iranian Embassy Siege | 1980 |
The Falklands War | 1982 |
First Gulf War | 1991 |