SAS Heroes by Pete Scholey

Author:Pete Scholey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sas Heroes: Remarkable Soldiers, Extraordinary Men
ISBN: 9781780962238
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Published: 2011-11-09T16:00:00+00:00

WO1 REGIMENTAL SERGEANT-MAJOR REG TAYLER

The spinning blades of the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force (SOAF) Huey kicked up storms of dust that swirled around the helicopter landing pad, the rhythmic chopping of its 48ft (15m) rotor adding to the howl of the Lycoming engine. Waiting ready to board, the soldiers of the SAS patrol turned their heads away from the noise, shielding their faces from the dust and grit that sandblasted their kit. A nod from the pilot signalled that he was happy for them to embark and the patrol moved forward in line, crouched with heads bowed low to keep them well clear of the blades. The SAS is renowned for remaining cool under pressure, but there’s more than one way to lose your head!

Moments later, the engine note gathered to a screaming frenzy and the two huge blades adopted their characteristic chattering, the Huey lifting and turning to head out across the parched landscape towards the mountains. The men of A Squadron were used to the noise inside the machine and grateful for the stream of cool air that rushed in through the open doors, a welcome temporary respite from the baking heat of the Omani sun. To any independent observer, they would have looked quite relaxed, taking in the scenery or closing their eyes fully to savour the cold breeze. Another chopper ride to another LZ. They’d had their final briefing; they knew what they were doing; it was all pretty much routine. There was one, however, who did not appear to have quite the same air of casual confidence displayed by his mates. He wasn’t panicking, or showing any signs of losing his nerve, but he was definitely the only one who turned to the man next to him and yelled above the Huey’s din.

‘Bob!’ shouted Reg. ‘When we get there – when we land – what do I do?’

Reg Tayler could not have chosen a better man to ask. He was sitting next to Bob Podesta. Bob didn’t laugh or even crack a smile. He was calm and serious, giving Reg a look that restored his confidence and banished any nervousness.

‘Make sure your weapon is cocked and ready to fire,’ said Bob. ‘Get down on the ground as fast as you can. Keep your head down until we know it’s safe to move.’

Reg’s shoulders settled almost imperceptibly. That was all he had to do. Do what the others did. Do what Bob told him and he would be fine. A few minutes later, the nose of the Huey tilted into the air, robbing the aircraft of its forward velocity, and it sank to the ground, its skids barely touching the rocky desert surface before the patrol spilled out, raced clear of the chopper and hit the deck. Reg did as the others did, took up his position and backed up his mates.

While Reg’s group secured the LZ, hunkering down behind whatever cover they could find, scanning the surrounding rocks and thorny bushes for any signs

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.