A Brief Overview of the Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol

Introduction A long-range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP), is a small, well-armed reconnaissance team that patrols deep in enemy-held territory. The concept of scouts dates back to the origins of warfare itself. However, in modern times these specialised units evolved from examples such as Rogers’ Rangers in colonial British America, the Lovat Scouts in World War One,… Read More

Who was Anders Lassen?

Introduction Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau Lassen, VC, MC & Two Bars (22 September 1920 to 09 April 1945) was a highly decorated Danish soldier, who was the only non-Commonwealth recipient of the British Victoria Cross in the Second World War. He was posthumously awarded the United Kingdom’s highest gallantry award for his actions during… Read More

What was Operation Barras (2000)?

Introduction Operation Barras was a British Army operation that took place in Sierra Leone on 10 September 2000, during the late stages of the nation’s civil war. The operation aimed to release five British soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment and their Sierra Leone Army (SLA) liaison officer, who were being held by a militia… Read More

Who was John McAleese?

Introduction John Thomas “Mac” McAleese, MM (25 April 1949 to 26 August 2011) was a Scottish soldier who took part in several late 20th century conflicts with the British Army’s Royal Engineers and the Special Air Service Regiment, including the storming of the Iranian Embassy in London during a hostage taking siege incident in May… Read More

What was the Iranian Embassy Siege (1980)?

Introduction The Iranian Embassy siege took place from 30 April to 05 May 1980, after a group of six armed men stormed the Iranian embassy on Prince’s Gate in South Kensington, London. The gunmen, Iranian Arabs campaigning for sovereignty of Khuzestan Province, took 26 people hostage, including embassy staff, several visitors, and a police officer… Read More

SAS: Who Dares Wins, Episode 2 Tonight

Don’t forget that episode 2 (day 3/4) of SAS: Who Dares Wins (which mimics the UK Special Forces Selection process) is on Channel 4 @ 21:00 (9pm). Only 20 of the original 30 contestants are still in, and I’m looking forward to Sam the Trainee Stuntman (who is ‘fitter’ than everyone else and going to… Read More

New Special Forces-based TV Series Starting 2Nite

For those of you who found the Channel 4 TV show ‘Special Forces – Ultimate Hell Week’ to be over to quickly, then it’s your lucky day! Starting tonight on the BBC is the 5-part series ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins.’ It aims to recreate the SAS Selection process (which is really a joint SAS/SBS process).… Read More