SAS's Rorke's Drift: The Battle of Mirbat | July 1972
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2021
- In July 1972, two years into their deployment to Oman, elements of the S.A.S. alongside an Omani detachment were forced into a battle for their lives as a numerically superior insurgent force launched an offensive on their small garrison at the coastal town of Mirbat. In what is commonly referred to as 'The SAS's Rorke's Drift', the small garrison held against the onslaught until crucial air support and ground reinforcements arrived on the scene.
This video is dedicated to the Memory of Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba and Trooper Thomas Tobin.
Be sure to check out Britain's Small Wars: britains-smallwars.com/
Thumbnail Painting: David Pentland (www.davidpentland.com/)
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Music licensed from Artlist.io
- Revelations by Tristan Barton
- Reflection by Oliver Michael
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NO PART OF THIS VIDEO MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM (REACTIONS OR RE-UPLOADED) WITHOUT THE PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE CREATOR
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One of my best mates is the Nephew of Laba laba, his family are incredibly proud of what he did that day
He should have received a VC.
We are all proud of him what a warrior thank them for he’s sacrifice....
Rightfully so
Mention in dispatches is a bit of an understatement
Did u spell his name correctly??
We were in Fiji and at the airport when the statue was unveiled. I will never forget the sounds of the Police choir as they sang during and after the ceremony. A very moving day indeed.
Many in the SAS were highly pissed off that Labalaba did not get a VC. Mentioned in Dispatches my arse.
I was about to type the same thing. Thankyou for pointing that out. To operate a 25lb er on his own, is truly amazing.
He definitely deserves a higher honour. How do we go about getting it sorted?
@@didgerb72 - He was firing it through open sights. Just looked down the barrel, shoved the round in and bang. Astonishing.
@@andy0744 its very hard , specially for special forces 😔
I honestly thought he had actually received a VC for his actions, I know numerous people with mentions in dispatches. Shit, Even I have higher award then a mention in dispatches I didn’t do anything close to what he did.
So glad to see this one. So many Fijians still serve in the British armed forces. A happy, friendly people, but a nation of warriors. Like the Gurkhas, they deserve better treatment from the British Government.
the british goverment only cares to protects terrorists and rapists of a certain religion and not about other civilized constructive people
@@vatanak8146 Untrue
You are all wrong the British government doesn’t even care for the British people they care about corporations and the top 1% of Britain what makes any of yous think they would care for people from other countries. Unfortunately that’s the way it is when politics is dominated by privately educated self serving tools.
@@LWQ15881 That has always been the way. I doubt it will change much in the future.
@Wallace Carney The U.S. is the same way. Military personnel are disposable income to the scumbags in government office.
Sgt. Labalaba, what a legend of a man.
Labalaba was a Royal Iriah Ranger before joining 22. The man is litterally a legend in both regiments.
@@Seany-boy Yet for all his gallantry, his reward was: *"Mentioned in dispatches"?!?!?*
@@rudycarrera791 Disgusting. I think there was a petition for him to be made a VC recipient a few years ago but to no avail. As I said, disgusting.
I was the duty RAF Policeman that checked them in when they arrived at Masirah on their way out there. Someone had made a cock up on the manifest and spelled his name wrongly, and I had difficulty pronouncing it. His colleagues found it funny as did he, until one of them said 'just call him Laba'. I remember he was quite an imposing guy. It wasn't until some years later that I heard what had happened. RIP 😢
Anyone that knows this story clearly knows he should be awarded the VC.
Sekonaia Takavesi is a legend. I met Tak when he was head of security for a US oil company in Islamabad, Pakistan in the late 90s. He was in his 50s and totally smoked my high school friend and I up the Margalla hills. I find out that a couple years later he was a PMC in Iraq in 2003/4 and was in a situation where he killed 3 insurgents, including 1 with his bare hands, to prevent his dignitaries from being kidnapped. Dude was 60 and still dropping corpses.
Gonna call bullshit
@@MightyTiki nope
It's the same with another of his comrades Fred Marafano smoking insurgents in Sierra Leone in his sixties Tak was the same you spot on mate
Anyone calling bullshit on this story, this is actually true.
Bet you wouldn't cross the man though would you
Been looking forward to this one. Not a Secret War anymore, About time that these Warriors were properly acknowledged and Medals up to VC's Awarded.
Long overdue.
In 1969 the 7th Armoered Brigade installed Khadafi under instructions of the MOD no medals awarded and 1000.s of secrecy declaration forms to be signed by all servicemen on leaving the Army service
Sgt Labalaba deserved far greater recognition than an MiD. Even at this distance of time, this serious omission should be rectified. May his soul Rest In Peace and his family and countrymen know that he was among the Bravest of the Brave - a Hero.
Agreed. His single handed operation of the field gun bought valuable time before air support arrived.
First of all thank you sir from most of us who had asked you to do this video. As a Fijian I'm proud of our contribution to the British Armed forces over the years. Sgt Talaiasi Labalaba and Sekonaia Takavesi two Brave sons of Fiji. R.I.P Sgt Labalaba. 🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯.
We're just glad that you're on our side. We're proud to be able to say that. I pity any enemy that meet the SAS, I pity them even more if the SAS have Fijians among them.
You sir, and your countrymen, are the proud sons of a magnificent people.
We have alot of respect for the fijian soldiers that serve our country, and all the other colonial servicemen!
He deserves the VC mate it's long overdue.
Labalaba deserved a VC for that.
@Brooke B had he been white, a V.C. would have been awarded....and rightly so..so speaks a Caucasian
100% agree, he was pivotal in the success of this battle
It shame's me to think that, although whilst it was a brave act in and of itself and not taken lightly, Kealy was awarded the DSO for doing for a relatively shorter time and with reinforcements, something that Labalaba had been doing single handedly for a lot longer until reinforced by his Countryman and who ultimately made the greatest sacrifice.......................yet was only mentioned in dispatches. In the body count did anyone consider how many of that total of hundreds was purely down to Labelaba's single handed efforts with that field gun ? in ANY other situation - massively outnumbered and at the same time seriously injured, remaining at your post and holding off the enemy single handedly until reinforced would be an almost AUTOMATIC VC .....especially posthumously. Thank you for your service Sergeant Labelaba rest in peace soldier.
Totally agree
@@johnhendry6636 Thats just not true many men of all races have been given the VC. in world war 2 alone 30 where given out to the indian army But think what you want. Im just telling you what you said was really racist.
labalaba should get a vc , incredible bravery
There are numerous cases were the Victoria Cross has been awarded posthumously, this surely has to be a case in point. Lest we forget 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Lest we forget 🇬🇧🤝🇦🇺
Most v.c's are
It's universally agreed that Labalaba should be awarded the VC you'd think the MOD would get it by now.
👍🏻
Moi Mai Rā e te Tuakana Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba (Sleep peacefully brother) Lest we forget 🇳🇿 🇫🇯
I am from Fiji and I am always teary-eyed to here of Labalaba. Thank you for the video ❤
Much respect. The guy sounds like he was the best of the best and a fearless warrior.
Respect to our Fijian brothers. Labalaba was a lion.
Had the pleasure of speaking to Taks wife a few years back....the role of the Fijians and Omanis are usually understated, well done LFE 😁👍
This is one of those obscure cold war conflicts not many people know of, I love it.
Sarengeri Afghanistan mate look it up. Know that's a fight. To the end. No last man standing. Sikhs are the warriors race. Even till now. Just ask the British they will tell you. Look it up if want.
@@pavitashergill8308
Any man who's daily accoutrements include a Kirpan is a legend in my book!
Sikhism is so well respected in the UK that they are allowed to possess the Kirpan in public despite the country having some of the toughest offensive weapon laws in the world.
Courage knows but one home , the heart ..... these men had great hearts.
I actually don't understand why someone has disliked this? It's great history of brave men who deserve to have their story told! Great video man keep it up!
He was clearly one of the insurgents
I sometimes notice that I've accidentally downvoted something. It happens maybe once or twice a month when watching with my phone.
@@Harry-xu2yn 🤣😂
People legit down vote because of little stuff like a wrong date or the wrong sort of weapon mentioned etc. It's pathetic really.
It takes all sorts to make a world. Some of the people in our midst are as evil as can be. That is why we must resist evil if we want life.
Excellent as always. Labalaba is rightly seen as a legend. Man handling an old 25 pounder is no joke. Thanks again💪
you had old men strong as ox only weilding bolt action rifles front line trenches from the 2 nd world war .where is there mention on here.
@@andydudley1775 because this video is specific to this battle? What you on about
Talking to an old boy a few years ago Ron Griffiths I asked if he fought in the Second World War he was a northern chap who lived near me on the Isle of Wight ,he said he joined the Royal Marines 18 years old and did cliff training on culver cliffs at Sandown on the island prior to D Day, the stories he told me had me glued to every word ,this and all these stories are so important to told to the younger generations.Ron loved the island so much he after the war spent the rest of his life here .
What l always find good for a chuckle is whenever a vid like this comes out is how many commenters have a mate who was on the balcony or know someone connected to the SAS or any SF for that matter.
Hahah so true!
True
🤫
I didn't see them stood on the balcony next to me 😁
lol the annual “balcony reunion “is up to around 5000 people now 😊
The Fijians I have had the pleasure of meeting on and off the rugby pitch have been wonderful men. Fearsome competitors on the pitch and after the match warm and friendly, and genuinely concerned for the damage they may have caused you! Seems a great disservice to Sgt. Labalaba that he was not awarded a much greater reward for his determination and valour.
Absolutely......if he hadn't manned, singly, the 25 pounder it would have meant the defenders would have been over run. A VC (For Valour) would have been appropriate. Racialism at work
Well said sir
The 25-pounder artillery piece used at the battle of Mirbat is now on display at the Tower of London. The insurgents got so close to the gun pit manned by the Omani and SAS men that they were able to throw grenades into the pit. Laba Laba deserves more than a mention in dispatches in my opinion. He manned an artillery piece, training, loading, aiming and firing over open sights single handed and all while under fire from the enemy until eventually unable to fight no longer. He should have had a much higher decoration, maybe even a Victoria Cross and there is considerable support for this within military circles. Reasons this is not the case vary from possible racism due to Laba Laba being Fijian or more likely at the time because of the secrecy of SAS involvement in another country's internal affairs.
Definitely racism by Britain
@@geoffreyphilip I would sadly agree had his captain did what he did. More than likely he would have been awarded the Victoria Cross or the second highest honor.
@@geoffreyphilip Bollocks.
I'd say that was VC worthy. The fact he held them back single handily no doubt changing the course of the battle. They would have over run BATT house.
I think he should of been awarded the VC as for you geffo your obviously a little snow flake. The world's against you and all that.. loves to make excuses why he can't do this or can't do that.. it's not fair that isn't.. maybe I'm completely wrong about you..
Sgt. Labalaba Huge respect from The Philippines.
From an Englishman I agree. May God still bless him.
Huge respect from England!
The men in these units through the world are of a different breed. They live for this stuff. The wouldn't want to be anywhere else than in the thick of it. Thanks for making these videos. God bless them all.
It's never too late to award a couple of VC's for the brave troopers that fought and died at mirbat, who dares wins rings so true in this battle.
Incredible bravery in the face of such overwhelming odds.
I'm glad you mentioned the Omani gunner. I was never aware of his name until now.
Your sombre tone and the background music are perfect for showing respect for these brave men.
Talaiasi Labalaba moved into our house in Hereford when we immigrated to Australia in 1971 (my Dad's ex 22 D Sqn)
Is that you Pete?
Finally the story about British SAS 🇬🇧 and the Country (I am currently staying) armed forces Oman 🇴🇲 I think I can say on behalf of People of Oman and residents staying here,Thank you for covering this beautiful battle/Operation
🇮🇳❤️🇴🇲🇬🇧⚔️⚔️ I knew eventually you will cover this battle.
Buy a copy of "The Feathermen" by Ranulph Fiennes, one of the best books I've ever read.
@@oldmanwillyboy2786 yeah I heard about it,watched the movie with same adaptation called Killer Elite. nice movie but I want to read the book as well.
@@sailor_guy9841 Oh, I didn't realise that film came from that book! I'll be checking that out!
@@oldmanwillyboy2786 And me!
Not the first time Fiji proved its men are worth their weight in gold.
Some of them.
@@snowflakemelter1172 more than you eh boy
Ye man Fiji is a valued member of the commonwealth and you know semi radradra had done his bit for bristol
Got a Fijian brother in the marines. Hardcore and always cracking a smile whatever the shit we were in.
Well said
I knew that there had been some fighting in, and around Mirbat as I had seen all the bullet marks in house walls of the town. I was based in Salalah for four years in the late 1980s and so was able to explore the whole district. As someone has already stated in these postings, I too found the Omanis respectful, friendly and most hospitable. A beautiful country. Thanks for the video!
Mirbat was probably the first battles I ever heard about the SAS participating in. For me solidified their place as the best soldiers in the world. I can remember hearing that at least one of the pilots of the Strikemaster's used to fly with the RAF and moments after their arrival G Sqd came over the hill to reinforce the SAS and Omani positions.
One day in the not to distant future I hope that the plaque that sits beneath Laba's statue is amended to include the words VC.
Most of the Strikemasters and Skyvan's were ex-RAF (or actual RAF who were on a 'leave of absence'). Some of the UH-1's were piloted by them as well, though some were piloted by Iranian's from the Shah's forces that were deployed.
Are you familiar with the entirety of ww2, where like 6 man sas teams just started to go sneaking around blowing up axis planes. Like a third of all planes in North Africa where destroyed by the SAS.
my friend sas mentioned plenty you just need to go back to its formation during the 2 nd world war the like of david nivien and christopher lee was part of.both spoken openly about there involvment .
The artillery gun used by Laba is at the Firepower museum of the Royal Artillery and you can still see it riddled with bullet holes.
Watching this video made the book SAS: Secret War come to life in my mind. I read the book several years ago and Imam glad to see that the mission was declassified and they were awarded and given the honors they earned. A salute to the SAS and Omani forces that were in battle and thank you for an excellent video.
Nice to see local forces given proper recognition. Excellent video as always.
If you can find it, Peter Scholey's book 'The Joker' gives an in depth account of the SAS involvement in Oman, including the battle of Mirbat. The tragedy of the loss of those brave lads notwithstanding, it's a typical squaddie's account, filled with hardship and humour and well worth a read if it's still available
That was a great report from that Battle !! Sgt, Semper Fi
How the hell is this not a movie, this is to perfect, a pre written screenplay.
I think there is something in the works
The killer elite
Go on Facebook, type "SAS heroes last stand in oman" on the search bar, you can watch a 50 minute long drama documentary about it and it's incredible!!
With out doubt, this is one of the the most important TH-cam channels as it has so much military historical detail and matter of fact tributes to incredible heroism. And without glorifying war and killing, yet at the same time saying that it had to be done, to do the right thing. I love this channel as it educates and pays tribute to the fallen who gave their lives, so we can speak and live freely 👍🇬🇧
A strong and concise video, great use of imagery and info, perfect length and respectfully produced. I thank you for it.
I am British. That a Fijian was fighting with the British and showed so much courage and determination to be Mentioned in Despatches is an insult to him and his proud nation. At least a Victoria Cross for his heroism.
Has the UK run out of brass from that captured canon?
The whole of the UK salutes Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba. MoD, please award him a posthumous VC.
no the tory party only sell medals these days to the highest bidder.
Not one Cannon for VC production, theres a number of them.
I learnt to surf in Fiji at Namotu - what a great people - how the fuck - (like the Gurkhas until recently, thank you Johanna Lumley for righting that wrong) we don't give them automatic citizenship when they fight with us is a tragedy for us. Bula & Vinaka Fiji.
They should.
They give citizenship to people who do nothing but take benefits, and hate our country, yet people like Sgt Labalaba are denied something they risked their lives for us for. It stinks. They should automatically get citizenship and the right to live here permanently if they wish it. Laba deserved a VC
Joanna Lumley, in the interest of righting a wrong.
the King and his clan are very good at using their colonies people as canon fodder
@@jimmyhaley727 Good words.
Just starting to work my way through your videos. Really appreciate the way they are presented. Keep up the good work. Stu NZ
Excellent report. I always enjoy the step by step briefings along with individual efforts and maps and photos of key figures in the battle. Outstanding
I had the privilege of meeting tak at my mates wedding who was a sergeant major of d squadron 22 Sas, what a humble man. Very quiet and unassuming person. People could learn a lot from him. I was proud to be in his company.
Thanks for all your work.
Believe it or not I've been there, we passed through Mirbat on the way to 4 days R&R on a beach while on a 4 week exercise in Oman in April 94, I was reading Soldier 'I' - SAS while there and saw the fort from the road as we passed through, Soldier 'I' - SAS is written by one of the guys who was there !
Great series of books
I worked for the Sultan's army in the late eighties. During a weekend off me and a mate took a trip out to Mirbat from.Salalah. it was interesting to see this vid as I remember the fort and surrounding country very well and could easily imagine the fight put up by these brave SAS soldiers. My time in Oman was one of the happiest times of my life. I loved it and the Omani people.
@@wasp6594 I also worked in Oman as a contractor for the Royal Omani Police in 1989. I actually worked in Muscat and lived in Qurum. Like you, I also made it a point to visit Mirbat to see the battle site. I think Oman is a great country that is due, in no small part, to the effort and sacrifice of the SAS and Omani troops.
@@LittaDNB hmmmm, i'm wondering if your mixing Soldier 'I' up with some other SAS books with letter's in the name that were fiction, Soldier I is a true account written by Pete Winner about his time in the army and SAS covering the Embassy and all sorts of other missions :o)
@@ketkiddy yeah I was thinking of the fictional series not Pete’s book.
Fiji's biggest export is people.They have a proud military tradition & serve in disproportionate numbers in UN forces because it provides foreign exchange . They also pop up in secondments to other Commonwealth countries.Some very tough men.
I served in Oman in the eighties and the heroism of the troops at the battle of Mirbat was legendary.
Did you spend any time in Sarfait or Thumrait?
@@445fhnI visited Thumrait but was in Sarfait for three months were the scuba diving was great.
@@yonniboy1 My father was civilian contractor in the Omani MOD. With his colleague, his base was up in the mountains of Sarfait. Do the names Bud and ChaCha ring a bell?
@@445fhn I knew a Bud but a he was a Royal Green Jackets sergeant.
It's cool the Britain's Small Wars got a mention at 4:30. Awesome website for articles.
There is a very good description of this action in the book 'The Feather Men' by Ranulph Feinnes. This also has an interesting take on the death of Mike Kealy (by then a Major) during a SAS candidate selection exercise in the Brecon Beacons.
The reason Sgt. Labalaba received a Mention in Dispatches is because, I believe, at the time this was the only honour (apart from the V.C.) that could be conferred posthumously. I honestly think he should have received the latter, but since he didn't a Mention in Dispatches was the only thing he could be given.
Since then he has been commemorated with statues both in Hereford and Fiji.
And at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire
I was just two and in the pushchair at the time of Mirbat, only finding out about the battle by reading a history of the SAS. Mike Kealy was a Captain commanding the operation and apparently General Peter de la Billiere, writing his memoirs, said that Kealy's conduct merited a VC. His demise was such a waste coming as it did in the Brecon Beacons in 1979 during the SAS selection exercise - he didn't have to participate. By the time, I was nearly halfway through junior school!
Finally someone talks about this
A great story of bravery all round.
My mate from Bangor (NI), Davey Pentland, painted the action picture shown, but has a huge portfolio of wartime paintings showing excellent snapshots of various situations.
Many thanks fof the video.
This is a battle that I never heard of thanks to bring it to my attention
I always look forward to your videos! I always learn about operations I've never even heard of. Keep up the great work Evermore👍
Another brilliant video mate, fascinating story and well put together. Well done!!
NEver mess with the British SAS. Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba and Trooper Thomas Tobin both live up to the motto: Who Dares Wins!
Respect for tough men who would never give up the fight
The SAS changed the meaning of “numeric superiority”....
this format and narrations feels old school. and i love it. theres no extra unnecessary flag waving but true accounts of history and of valor. new subscriber here. keep up the good work.
They may look different to one another, bit they're brothers in arms, in life and in death, both heroes Sgt Labalaba and Trooper Robin, 22 SAS, Need we say more. 🇬🇧🏴🇫🇯
Just finished the book about this yesterday, The Storm, Cole and Belfield,. Today this pops up on TH-cam.. . A brilliant read, really detailed, and very descriptive of each of the guys.. Worth picking up,
Never heard about this conflict.
Thank you for sharing.
Laba laba, you will be remembered forever, liveth forever more
My mother is a cleaner in the Lake District in my hometown. She cleans the home of and Ex 2 Para/22 SAS Officer. He’s nails and a top bloke. He’s now 65 but still smashes runs and the gym. It makes me so proud to be British knowing hard Individuals like him served for us.
Getting that field gun up and running on one’s own is a military accomplishments of the first order, as seen here, literally.
And only mentioned in dispatches. A farce
@@chips989 At the time, mentioned in dispatches was the highest honour that could be awarded posthumously, short of the VC.
And yes, I'd agree that he deserved the VC. But given the secrecy around the conflict, I kind of understand the government not wanting the publicity that a VC would bring. I don't like it, but I understand it.
It's amazing the thought process he would have had. There's a 25 pounder, it's unmanned, we need supporting fire. It's impossible to operate without a crew, but I'm going to do it anyway. Absolute dedication and bravery.
@@davidcox3076 Probably more like "we need that 25 pounder working and I'm able to do it". He wasn't thinking "it's impossible", he knew exactly what he needed to do and that he could do it by himself. Which is no less impressive.
Outstanding content as usual LfE.
A lot of hard hitting warriors have come out of Fiji.
one of the best channel out there in YT
Compare the Oman today with the Yemen.
The Oman accepted British advice and protection. Yemen told the British to get out.
Sacrifices like this saved the Oman from a dreadful future.
So Oman would be invaded by a coalition of Absolute Arab Monarchies if it had not been invaded by the British who supported a local coup?
@@legatvsdecimvs3406 He has a point. Former British colonies rank some of the highest countries in terms of prosperity. Oman asked for help and British forces along side Omani forces kicked some ass. Yemen didn't want our help and are now in a brutal civil war.
@@Sadboy-zf7cp Being rather selective there, *some* former British colonies are prosperous but many aren't. In a lot of cases the British colonised these places for trade or resources so it stands to reason they could be prosperous after.
In regards to Oman v Yemen: Britain backed a local strongman who became dictator in the former whereas attempts at democracy in Yemen were thwarted by a combination of ethnic tensions and foreign influence. Personally I think it's extremely churlish to turn one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters into a story about how bloody great Britain is - afterall, Britain bear partial responsibility for said humanitarian disaster!
The British did many awful things, but they also somehow ended up leaving more places in good order when they got out than most other colonial countries.
There are exceptions, maybe it was luck. 🤷♂️
@@Sadboy-zf7cp Agreed. Every former colony was left with a viable economy, a democratic constitution, a functioning civil service, a free press, abundant good advice and a line of credit. Every former colony which adopted the British model has prospered. Every former colony which reverted to its own indigenous values is a sh*t hole. Let's blame Whitey. Yay.
The Oman was never a British colony, but the British-educated crown prince knew where to get the fairness, assistance and protection his country needed. Everybody benefits. Let's blame British colonialism. Yay.
Sgt Labalaba and Trooper Takavesi should of both been awarded the VC,
The Fijians in that Fight were truly Gods Amongst Men!
Operating that Gun SOLO for, what, an hour or two, under heavy Fire, injured!! IN-FECKING-CREDIBLE!!!
Think the ONLY reason no VC's were awarded had to have been due to 1970's Secrecy!!
Those 9 Men should ALL have received the DSO, MINIMUM!!
I been waiting for a reaction on this forever!! I seen the video on Facebook and it's an astonishing battle and story!
The documentary I seen was different to this....
I never knew the other sas was airlifted in, In documentary G squadron SAS trekked throughout the day over 70 miles and ambushed them on the mountin ridge, also the jets done a strafe run and the first time was useless they done another it was abit successful, then they left because of low fuel and no ammo. That's when they counter attacked🤷♂️. Also when they went to laba with the big gun, the enemy was that close they was throwing granades into the pit but because they was soviet grenades and not properly maintained the fuses didn't work. Their main target was the gun to turn onto the town. They only had about 6 weeks left of their deployment when this happened.
Sgt. Labalaba must not have been able to run very fast with those two huge brass balls! Thank you for the video!
Excellent video, thank you.
What gets me every time is the numbers.... 9 men here 2 men there 22 men coming up to reinforce. Wow hard fightin bastards every one of them.
Apparently it was a complete coincidence that there were two SAS squadrons in Dhofar at the time, one had just completed build-up training to take over from the squadron in situ at the time, so they were lucky to have extra assets in the area to act as a QRF.
I bet the SAS and SBS boys would say that’s it’s unfair to have too many of them together. At a ratio of 10:1 I would say 22 SAS reinforcements is about right against a few hundred. Have you seen the video at the Kenyan shopping mall where some guerrillas stormed it and took hostages, a single SAS guy was on holiday and took over the police operation, he went into the mall alone and brought out lines of hostages, then back in again and killed some of the guerrillas. You see him filmed in/out of the mall, the guerrillas never stood a chance.
he gained something superior to the vc, the respect from the sas and his country and all the former soldiers that are here giving their opinions.
Very interesting video. Feels different then what you usually do
Thank you for this. A VC if ever I saw one.
Excellent presentation.
You mentioned Omani pilots. I am of the belief, that they were actually British pilots. The type of close air support described tells of years of training. I recall a book describing this event in detail.
I remember the same, I think they were either EX RAF flying for the Omani air force or they were exchange pilots. I'm pretty sure there might be a book on their exploits.
One way the Sultan expressed his thanks to the Brits for the courageous action described here and other support and advice was to give generously to the founding of the National Army Museum.
Roger Cole and Richard Belfield wrote a book called Desert Storm which is still available to buy, My original copy had proper photos. The story had me laughing holding my breath as to what happend next, fingers and toes crossed, despair hop and outright anger at the was the S.A.S were treated as well as Walid Kamis (sp). All should have got at least a CGM with several VC's possibly. It not only broke the insurgents but stopped the Oil that was found later and the control of the Straits of Hormuz from being communist owned. Thank you so much for sharing this. I don't know why the video and showed the battle was ever taken down. It was described as one of the most defining battles and most heroic stands ever undertaken by the SAS..
Very often, on jobs like this, the guys don't get medals because sometimes 'government' doesn't really want the public knowing what goes on. Sometimes, the guys are technically 'civilians'. Years ago, a chap gave a lesson on some equipment to a gang of us, and quietly said that a good operator can tell the difference between a camel and two men walking one behind the other. Later (beer may have been involved) I asked him about where he had used the kit 'for real'. He had been on a training team, but had been granted 'leave' from his outfit, and was on the payroll of the weapon supplier. The folk he was supposed to train were useless, and our 'civilians' did the war fighting for them. He was given a medal by the local Sheikh, but was not allowed to wear it.
Labalaba , mentioned in dispatches !? He should have got the V.C.
Even the small battles have major effects.
Yes, it was not really realised at the time, but the battle of Mirbat was the beginning of the end for the insurgents. It was the battle that quietly broke them. They never attacked again in anything like the strength they used that day. They never again mounted such a determined offensive. Eighteen months to two years later it was all over, their armed insurection fizzled out and peace was restored.
In Australia, in 1942, we had 18 year old Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean, onboard the HMAS Armidale when it was attacked and sunk by Japanese aircraft. The captain gave the order to abandon ship, and even though wounded, Teddy assisted others into life rafts, then tied himself to one of the anti aircraft guns and started firing. He managed to shoot down a Japanese plane and saved the lives of many of his mates in the water. He was still onboard, still tied to the gun and still firing when the ship slipped beneath the waves. He died and was only awarded a posthumous Mention In Dispatches. But that started a battle to get him the recognition he deserved. Then in 2020 after several inquiries, including one that said he should not be awarded a VC, then one that said he should but the government said no, Edward Teddy Sheean was finally awarded a Victoria Cross, the first to a Royal Australian Navy crew member.
I hope someone in Fiji reads this and begins the process to have Sergeant Labalaba recognised for his outstanding gallantry, devotion to duty and self sacrifice, and have his MID upgraded to the Victoria Cross. You will likely need Fijian politicians, and then UK politicians onboard to assist, and it will be a long long road ahead. Good luck and Godspeed, Sergeant Labalaba deserves to be recognised.
I would GLADLY support that Campaign.
It annoys me that labalaba only got Mentioned in Dispatches. I honestly think he should have a higher award considering that for a good majority of the fighting he was operating a 25lb gun all by himself while wounded. At least he got nice statue of himself in his home country.
Amazing story, great graphics, shocking injustice.
Frederick Forsyths fictional short story 'The Veteran' is well worth a read. It's a detective story where the victim is a veteran of this battle. Won't give the story away!
There is an excellent book about this battle titled "SAS Operation Storm".
It was co authored by Roger Cole, one of the 9 SAS soldiers and is fairly recent so it has information which was previously classified.
It is a bloody great read and gives not only the battle in full detail but also the surrounding history and politics.
I agree, I have also read this book. So much more to this campaign than this short documentary.
Captain Mike Kealys father also received the Distinguished Service Order during the second World War. Nice piece of symmetry.
This channel is mad underrated.
If anyone wants to learn more about this battle I’d recommend the book Operation Storm. It’s a really good read and gives an amazing story
Wow! A tough situation and some tough and brave men.
Great job. Thanks bro
Brave men. Thanks for the great video.
Ranulph Fiennes' book "Where Soldiers Fear To Tread" is an excellent memoir of this conflict in the late 60's.
Brave men who have fought hard and they didn't return should be remembered in the highest way available,, they gave the ultimate sacrifice,, from Northern Ireland greatly appreciated thank you for the video ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️