Special Air Service

Scroll down for John Hamilton, Battle of Mirbat, Paddy Brady (RAMC), Bill Stoker (SOAF), Steve Moores, John Arthy, Gilbert Iles, Robert Consiglio, Norrie King, Iain Thomson, Leonard Maine, Vince Phillips, Bravo Two Zero, William Hughes, John Heron and Phillip Currass.

SAS Falklands Casualties

The Special Air Service Memorial Gardens

Captain John Hamilton MC

Captain John Hamilton was the only SAS soldier killed in action during the Falklands Conflict 1982. This memorial is set in front of a Mulberry Tree kindly donated by Jimmy (ex SAS).
  • Memorial Text
  • Captain John Hamilton MC
  • 25th April 1982 – South Georgia.
  • 14th May 1982 – Pebble Island.
  • 21st May 1982 – Darwin.
  • 29th May 1982 – Mount Kent.
  • 10th June 1982 – Many Branch Point Port Howard.
  • After being commissioned into the Green Howards, John Hamilton served in Northern Ireland, Belize and Cyprus before joining 19 Troop D Squadron 22 SAS in 1981. He was soon called into action when the Falkland Islands were invaded in April 1982. Between the 25th April and 10th June his Troop and the Squadron took part in many missions.
  • His final action was on the 10th June on Many Branch Point which he used as an observation point to report on enemy troop movements in Port Howard on West Falkland. During this operation an enemy patrol attacked them and they were forced to fight. Captain Hamilton covered the withdrawal of his signaller by attacking the enemy. Sadly he lost his life during this fire fight and was posthumously awarded the Military Cross for this unselfish act of bravery.
  • The Epic Pebble Island Raid.
  • This operation in which John took part echoed back to the origins of the SAS during World War Two in which enemy airfields were targeted. The reconnaissance of the airfield prior to the raid had identified that only about 30 minutes of offensive action would be possible due to prevailing wind conditions for helicopter operations from HMS Hermes. Within that very tight time frame ten aircraft were destroyed and the support fire from HMS Broadsword and Glamorgan helped eliminate the fuel and ammunition dumps whilst protecting the SAS withdrawal.
  • Freedom from the Sea came to the British Falkland Islanders.
  • John, a much beloved husband, son, brother and faithful friend and outstanding leader to those he served with and a true professional to the end. “Greater love have no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friend.” John 15:13.

The Battle of Mirbat Memorial

This is the very first memorial commemorating the SAS solders who fought during the Battle of Mirbat. The original memorial plaque gifted by Lord Michael Ashcroft and established in 2008 has now been replaced and added to the Sun Room ceiling panels. This memorial was dedicated in July 2009 with many of the original SAS who fought at Mirbat attending. The original (2008) and this memorial plaque (2019) were designed by Mike Colton.
  • Memorial Text
  • Code named Operation Storm. Between 1970 and 1975 a war was fought for the hearts and minds of theJebali (mountain people) of the Province of Dhofar in Southern Oman. Soldiers from 22 Special Air Service Regiment were deployed under the guise of a British Army Training Team, commonly known as BATT men. The SAS objective was to help the armed forces of Oman win the battle on the Jebel and deliver the Province from armed communists operating from bases in the Yemen.
  • At dawn on the 19th July a nine man BATT team was “stood to” in their gun positions at the ancient capital port of Dhofar called MIRBAT.
  • They came under attack by over 250 communist fighters. As the battle intensified Talaiasi Labalaba a Fijian was firing the 25 pounder field gun directly at the enemy forces who were only yards away from the gun pit. Whalid Khamis of the Omani gun team and Sekonaia Takavesi another Fijian had been seriously wounded.
  • Tommy Tobin the medic was tending to them when he was shot in the jaw, a wound that was to prove fatal. The defense of the gun pit was taken over by Mike Kealy and Takavesi until about two hours later when a relief force of fighter planes and helicopter borne soldiers from 22 SAS arrived and routed the enemy. Labalaba sadly died in the gun pit along with a Dhofar Gendarmerie soldier.

Commemorating soldiers of 22 SAS

This battle turned the tide of war to victory. This memorial was dedicated on the 19th July 2009.

Mirbat Casualties Remembered

Talaiasi Labalaba joined 22 SAS from the Royal Irish Rangers. His supreme bravery at Mirbat is legendary. This picture was donated by the Allied Special Forces Association and now sits beside the original 25 Pounder Gun at the Royal Artillery Museum.

Captain Paddy Brady BEM

The Twisted or Corkscrew Hazel tree beside thismemorial symbolises the RAMC Cap badge depicting the Rod of Asclepius,

Bill Stoker RAF & Sultan of Oman’s Air Force

Steve Moores

John ‘Lofty’ Arthy

Gilbert “Taff” Iles

Robert Consiglio MM

Norrie King

We understand that Norrie spent quite a while of his SAS service in the Jungles of Malaya and Borneo. He joined 22 SAS from the Parachute Regiment.

Iain “Jock” Thomson

Iain was a fervent supporter of our association and great fun to have a beer with in Hereford.He joined 22 SAS from the Parachute Regiment.

Leonard “Sailor” Maine

Sailor was a colourful figure in Hereford as he was often on parade as a Chelsea Pensioner in his scarlet dress coat uniform.
  • Memorial Text
  • Leonard “Sailor” Maine 1924-2001
  • “Sailor” earned his nickname after service with the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy during WW2. He then went on to serve with the Parachute Regiment and Special Air Service Regiment.
  • In later years he made himself very much at home in the Royal Hospital Chelsea, but spent many happy days back in Hereford enjoying a few pints with fellow veterans of the SAS.
  • Silver Birch Tree planted in 2003.
  • Further Information
  • Royal Hospital Chelsea
  • Leonard Maine

Vince Phillips

The Vince Phillips tree seat memorial. Vince was one of only a few soldiers who completed SAS, Para and Commando selection processes. He joined the SAS eventually from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
  • Memorial Text
  • Vince Phillips – 16 Para RAOC 1972-76 – Royal Marine Commando Ordnance 1976-83 & 22 SAS 1983-91.
  • We are the Pilgrims Master, We shall go Always a little further.
  • This tree seat is dedicated to the memory of Vince Phillips a member of the Bravo Two Zero patrol who tragically lost his life whist serving with 22 SAS Regiment behind enemy lines during the first Gulf War.
  • His courage and that of all others who fought, helped free the people of Kuwait from abject slavery.
  • Much loved son and bright light of Jim and Veronica Phillips. Loving brother to Sue, Jeffrey and Steven. Husband of Dee and father of Sharon and Lucy.
  • ‘A light has gone out of this world’
  • Memorial established 2006. (Note the original NMA logo!)

Robert Consiglio, Steven Lane, Vincent Phillips and David Denbury

The SAS soldiers lost during the 1st Iraq War 1991. Robert Consiglio – Steven Lane – Vincent Phillips and David Denbury. Also discover the beautiful stained glass window to David Denbury.
  • Memorial Text
  • Commemorating the Bravo Two Zero patrol behind enemy lines.
  • Robert Consiglio, Steven Lane & Vince Phillips
  • And in a separate action behind enemy lines David Denbury.
  • In January 1991 during the first Iraq war an eight man patrol from 22 SAS Regiment were airlifted by helicopter behind enemy lines to locate and destroy enemy communication cables and Scud missile launchers. Scud missiles were used against Israel in an attempt to get them to attack Iraq, possibly with Nuclear missiles. From the outset the mission was compromised by enemy troops and civilians in the landing zone.
  • During the ensuing gun battles the patrol attempted to escape from the war zone. Four SAS soldiers were captured and subsequently tortured. One escaped on foot and evaded capture by walking over 120 km to safety. He eventually crossed the border into Syria. Three lost their lives, one in combat and two from hypothermia during the attempted escape and evasion.
  • In February 1991 another SAS soldier lost his life in a separate combat operation behind enemy lines. The four who died are commemorated above. The captured soldiers all returned to normal duties when the war officially ended in April 1991.
  • Three survivors went on to write somewhat controversial books about the patrol. Whatever the real truth is, all the men from 22 SAS Regiment served with distinction and helped give freedom to the people of Kuwait.
  • Memorial Established 2008. (Note the new NMA logo)

The “Taff” Hughes Seat

The tram seat made for Taff Hughes can be adjusted to look towards the River Tame or the quarry lake. It is made from American white oak and carved by Mike Colton with the underlying metalwork by a previous Association member.
Taff lost his life during the tragic helicopter crash on the 19th May 1982 whilst SAS soldiers were being transferred from ship to ship prior to carrying out a diversionary raid in the Falkland Islands during the Conflict.
  • Memorial Text
  • William John “Taff” Hughes
  • SQMS G Squadron 22 SAS Regiment and Welsh Guards
  • 1947-1982 Age 34
  • Lost in the Sea King helicopter crash 19th May 1982
  • Rest in Peace on this Seat and remember those that helped bring “Freedom from the Sea” for the people of the Falkland Islands.
  • “Taff” is not forgotten by his family, Michael, Kathryn and Kevin.
  • 23rd August 2015.
  • Falklands Memorial Way
  • Further Information
  • Taff Hughes 1
  • Taff Hughes 2

John Heron

John Heron joined the Royal Green Jackets and then served with 23 SAS Regiment before moving onto private security abroad.
  • Memorial Text
  • John Heron – Royal Green Jackets and 23 SAS Regiment
  • 7th November 1958-19th October 2015
  • “Jack” or “Geordie” Heron as he was known to his colleagues joined the 2nd Battalion Royal Green Jackets in 1975 and saw service in Gibraltar, Germany, Northern Ireland and UK and he also joined 23 SAS Regiment (V) where his work was highly secret.
  • On leaving the army in 1992 Jack continued his service to humanity by working as a security advisor and close protection operative where his work took him to Kurdistan. Sadly he passed away whilst on duty there on the 19th October 2015 and his body was repatriated to the UK and interred in Hill Road Cemetery, Penwortham, Preston.
  • Jack is remembered in these peaceful gardens by Joanne, John, Andrew and all the family.
  • “Life is a voyage that is homeward bound.”
  • Garden 4-Special Air Service-Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove.

The Phil Currass Memorial Sundial on Old Radnor Stone

The Sundial memorial honouring Phil Currass SAS who lost his life in the tragic helicopter crash during the Falklands Conflict 1982. The Sundial is set on a piece of stone from Old Radnor Quarry.
  • Memorial Text
  • Staff Sergeant Phillip Preston Currass QGM. 1947-1982
  • Phil joined D Squadron 22 SAS in 1972 from the Royal Army Medical Corps. He completed operational tours in Dhofar, Oman and in Northern Ireland. In 1979 he was awarded the Queens Gallantry Medal. During the Falklands War he helped liberate South Georgia and raided Pebble Island to destroy enemy aircraft.
  • Phil lost his life during a ship to ship transfer prior to carrying out a diversionary raid near Goose Green.
  • Husband, Father, Brother, Son and Soldier. Dearly loved and missed by his family.
  • “There are moments when I wish I could roll back the clock and take all the sadness away, but I have the feeling that if I did, then the joy would be gone as well.” Nicholas Sparkes.
  • Lost in the South Atlantic 19th May 1982
A wonderful tribute from the family with this rock from Old Radnor Quarry close to where Phil lived in Herefordshire.
The memorial has four bushes at its corners, which consist of laurel and a forsythia growing in harmony together.

Page Updated 18th March 2024

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A place for Remembrance, Commemoration, Education and Quiet Contemplation in Harmony with Nature. 2003-2023. This Grove has been created since 20th March 2003 by Mike Colton. The Grove is funded independently of the National Memorial Arboretum and all gardening and maintenance work is carried out by unpaid volunteers. If you would like to donate please contact Mike Colton on 07929-118598 or by e-mail: – mikecolton@hotmail.com. Alternatively we accept kind donations via our Go Fund Me site: – https://gofund.me/56dccf6d. All help is welcome. Regards, Mike Colton, Founder Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove 2003.