John McAleese.

[Von Smallhausen]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14697819

John McAleese has died at the age of 62.

He was the senior NCO at the scene of the 1980 siege at the Iranian Embassy and after days of negotiation, shots fired and a press attaché killed and his body dumped, then then Home Secretary authorised the SAS to resolve the matter which they did in 15 minutes, sergeant McAleese leading the squad. Youtube has numerous links to the footage taken at the scene.

He has been on the TV a few times and with that gruff Scottish accent, Zapata tash and missing teeth, I always thought he looked harder than a coffin nail.

His son was killed in Afghanistan and if press reports are to be believed, he never really got over that.

Nobody can really argue that he didn't do his bit and I sincerely hope that he has found peace.

 

[Richie]

He always did sound a bit mental when you saw him on TV.... Not the sort of guy I would want tackling me after busting through a window

 

[Tk7]

I love how he talks about the embassy siege, like he was just doing a normal job.

The S.A.S really set the standard during that operation, and I find it fascinating reading about it.

Anyhow, rest in peace, real shame and I feel for him losing his son.

 

[This Side Up]

RIP.

The guy was nails.

 

[redeye_uk]

The real John McClane. A true bad ass.

RIP

 

[Danthus]

Bloody hell, his grandson has lost his father and grandfather in no time at all, what a shame.

 

[grumpybeard]

Sad story, iconic imagery, terrible for parents to see their sons go before them, saluting you sir, RIP.

 

[StoutMeister]

RIP John McAleese.

 

[sigma]

Love his insights on the documentaries that I've seen.

RIP

 

[Cosimo]

The guy was the business.

RIP

 

[Castiel]

My Dad knew him, I unfortunately never had the pleasure.

RIP. We salute you.

 

[[TW]Sponge]

Gutted, I live near the guy.
True legend, R.I.P

 

[Justintime]

Damn he went young.. Sad story R.I.P.

 

[Evoss]

Saw this guy on Discovery Channel a few times.

RIP

 

[Edrof]

The real deal. RIP.

 

[Rameses]

RIP.

 

[arc@css]

I really liked listening to this guy, much respect for his / their mental and physical discipline. I'll spare a few thoughts for his friends and family. RIP John.

 

[setter]

Watched a lot of the documentaries and shows that he appeared in, seemed hard as nails but very down to earth as well, unlike some other countries gung ho spec ops guys.

Rip.

 

[Robbo]

Legend. RIP.

 

[EdGey]

RIP, a very strong man.