The breaking of a terrorist siege in the heart of London in 1980 catapulted the normally secretive SAS onto the world stage. The audacious daylight assault, carried out in the full glare of media scrutiny, made the Regiment and it's motto, 'Who Dares Wins' an indelible part of UK culture. The techniques used in the operation were quickly studied and copied by other special forces and counter-terrorism units around the world.
The SAS Regiment's reputation increased dramatically after the action during the Iranian Embassy Siege and the Regiment received an enormous amount of applications by people who were impressed by the action with the codename Operation Nimrod. The SAS Regiment's service thereafter also became increasingly sought after by foreign governments.
Rusty Firmin led an assault team from the back at ground level. As they crept into position, he realised he had forgotten his gloves and can be identified by his bare hands in the now famous photograph of the rescue.
Prior to the events of that day few of that generation would have been aware of the existence of the Special Air Service - by the following day everyone had heard of them and they were the envy of the world.
There are so many who claim to have been there that day - Rusty is the real deal
This was a significant event not only in UK history, but for the SAS as well. Yes, there are literally thousands of people who now claim to have taken part that day, probably wishing they had
op nimrod changed the sas forever. no longer in the shawdows and probably making it harder to do the job. heroes to me
incredible operation and makes me proud. Can't wait for 6 Days next year, loved jamie bell in billy elliott, looks like a winner