John Thompson, SAS vet of Iran Embassy takedown, dead
John Thompson was 82 when he passed Saturday.
Mr Thompson, originally from Liverpool, began his decorated military career in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.
He later served with the 16 Parachute Brigade and was also a member of the SAS squadron that stormed the Iranian embassy in Operation Nimrod in 1980.
The SAS-led operation sought to rescue 26 hostages captured by six terrorists in the embassy.
Mr Thompson and his team abseiled from the rooftop of the London building during the operation. They fired gas canisters into the embassy and killed five of the gunmen.
You probably have no idea how many times you have seen that film of them roping down to the balcony and storming in… it is iconic , not to mention a great ‘how to do this right’ example. Good time to rest on his laurels, that? Nope.
The following year, Mr Thompson joined Boat Troop G Squadron and assisted troops involved in the Falklands War of 1982.
He was dropped on the islands three weeks before the Argentine invasion and gathered intelligence to feed back to the UK. Throughout the rest of the conflict, he helped target enemy troop patrols.
Mr Thompson retired from military service after the Falklands War and worked as a bodyguard in the Middle East.
Throughout his retirement years he also trekked to Everest Base Camp, participated in marathons and achieved a black belt in martial arts.
Most people get a black belt about 50 years earlier than that. Tells you something about the gentleman.
Category: International Affairs, UK
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Detailed bio here….. with many photos.
RIP WO JT
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13802163/sas-iranian-embassy-siege-falklands-war-raids-dies.html
Hardcore! Foreign enemies couldn’t take this Warrior out, but I bet it killed him to see his country over run with foreigners.
Rest In Peace, Good Sir. Slow Salute.
I’ll never forget those black clad bad asses rappelling down the building! I was 12 YO, and already had plans of being a Soldier. That scene made the dream that much bigger.
🙏🇬🇧
That is the SAS regimental crest. I was presented with the cloth embroidered beret flash version of it by a Major of the 22nd SAS after successful completion of its Close Quarter Battle Course at Hereford, UK. The 22nd SAS is the active duty SAS regiment of the British Army. The raiders of the London Iranian Embassy were 22 SAS. It was the first time I experienced a shoot house.
Even God can hear him walking through the Pearly Gates.
KLANK KLANK.
RIP, good sir
(slow salute)
Nah, God tossed him the keys but he preferred to climb over
the gates instead.
Reminds me of something in my morning Bible study:
Each of us has a purpose, appointed by God, whereby we are to serve our generation. When we have served God in that way, we may join our forefathers in their rest.
Mr. John Thompson served the purpose of God in his generation. May he now rest in peace.
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Sad that his children were not interested in his medals as reported back in 2012. At least his obituary updated that he had set up a fund for his granddaughter.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2194703/SAS-veteran-took-Iranian-Embassy-siege-Falklands-War-auctions-haul-medals.html
The same can’t be said for Warrant ‘Chalky’ White and Sergeant Curry who had to sell their medals for cash because the UK veterans system seems to be as messed up as ours.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5296933/Homeless-SAS-hero-says-terrorist-prison.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5103505/SAS-hero-selling-medals-fund-retirement.html