- SURNAME
Callan
- FORENAME
Steven James
- UNIT
A Squadron and Op.Research
- RANK
Sergeant
- NUMBER
23546836
- AWARD
British Empire Medal
- PLACE
1977
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 1941
Royal Corps of Signals
22 SAS 1959
A Squadron
attached D Squadron for Aden 1966
Operations Research
left Army 1983 (Warrant Officer Second Class)
died 1983 age 42
CITATION:
British Empire Medal : Sergeant Callan is the Non Commissioned Officer in charge of the Operation Research Cell for the SAS Group, responsible for developing equipment and techniques for the three SAS regiments. He is a man who combines practical and common sense with a thorough understanding of electrical and mechanical theory and above all an enquiring mind. His field is vast and his list of developments range from specially designed hammocks which become stretchers when required, through complicated remotely controlled explosive devices to quartz halogen ambush lights. He carries out his own research and has taught himself nuclear theory to GCE A level equivalent so that he may develop techniques to counter radioactive poisoning.
The scope of his work is as great as his output. Many of his developments are peculiar to the SAS but many too are in service throughout the Army generally, for example the mini flare and the Shrike exploder. Several of his inventions are being sold to other armies with consequent benefits to our balance of payments.
Sergeant Callan has refused promotion outside the SAS and has rejected more than one approach from industry offering him and extremely attractive income in order to remain at the post where he believes his talents enable him to be of greatest service to the Nation and to the Army in particular. This NCI is, in his way, brilliant: his contribution is out of all proportion to his rank; and his dedication to duty deserves official recognition.
Place : Hereford
Date of Action : Whilst serving with 22 SAS Regt
How Employed : NCO IC Operation Research Cell
The scope of his work is as great as his output. Many of his developments are peculiar to the SAS but many too are in service throughout the Army generally, for example the mini flare and the Shrike exploder. Several of his inventions are being sold to other armies with consequent benefits to our balance of payments.
Sergeant Callan has refused promotion outside the SAS and has rejected more than one approach from industry offering him and extremely attractive income in order to remain at the post where he believes his talents enable him to be of greatest service to the Nation and to the Army in particular. This NCI is, in his way, brilliant: his contribution is out of all proportion to his rank; and his dedication to duty deserves official recognition.
Place : Hereford
Date of Action : Whilst serving with 22 SAS Regt
How Employed : NCO IC Operation Research Cell
WEB LINKS:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7633367
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