EeHH.CO.UK

An SAS hero who took part in the Iranian embassy siege and helped in raids during the Falklands War has died aged 82.

John Thompson, warrant officer, died on Saturday evening after a period of ill health.

His death was announced in a post shared by the chief executive of a charity that provides career advice to military veterans and their family members.

Neil Houlihan, chief executive of Project Recce, said: “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of John Thompson last night. John was an extraordinary individual whose impact on those around him will not be forgotten.

“He spent his later years in beautiful Anglesey, North Wales, where I had the privilege of getting to know him and his wonderful family.”

Mr Thompson, originally from Liverpool, began his decorated military career in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.

 

 

Mr Thompson and his team abseiled from the roof during the Iranian embassy operation - PA

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.

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. 

Reference: The telegraphStory by Jenny Medlicott