22 SAS Pirie, Richard Mitchell (The Duke)

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Pirie
  • FORENAME
Richard Mitchell (The Duke)
  • UNIT
HQ (Second-in-Command)
  • RANK
Major
  • NUMBER
450939
  • DATE OF DEATH
2nd December 1972
  • AGE
35
  • GRAVESITE
Guildford Crematorium, Surrey
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Parachute Regiment
born 24.3.1937
awarded Mention in Despatches (Dhofar 1971-1972) originally recommended MC
killed in road traffic accident while on exercise, France
 

DATE OF DEATH:

02-Dec-1972

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/pirie-richard-mitchell.58582/

CITATION:

Mention in Despatches : On 2nd October, 1971 Major PIRIE was deployed on operations in DHOFAR in command of B Squadron 22 SAS and also 'West' group of the Sultan of Oman's army. This combined force was composed of Omani, Baluch and British soldiers and included over 100 irregular Dhofari tribesmen; the whole force coming to more than 200 fighting men. His mission was to establish a base in the middle of a rebel held mountainous area and conduct offensive operations against a numerous, brave and well armed enemy who had geography on his side; a difficult tactical task and with formidable logistic and command problems inherent in such a polyglot force.

During the next three months PIRIE achieved an astonishing series of successes; in over 70 contacts with the enemy he inflicted 80 odd casualties with minimal loss to his own force, constructed two airstrips, established secure areas for civilian resettlement, nursed volatile tribesmen through the rigours of Ramadan and inspired the deepest respect and affection from his multi-national force. His personal conduct under heavy fire on frequent occasions was exemplary and his calmness and phlegm in crises became legendary.

The success of pacification operations in Eastern Dhofar are due in considerable part to the professionalism, physical and moral courage and splendid personality of PIRIE who welded a diverse force into a highly effective operational unit, and who shouldered with equanimity responsibilities significantly more complex and challenging than his rank warranted.

PLACE : DHOFAR
Date of Action : 1 October 1971 - 5 January 1972
How Employed : Squadron Commander, 22 SAS Regiment

WEB LINKS:

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7488097
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7631408
Last edited by a moderator:
  • SURNAME
Pirie
  • FORENAME
Richard Mitchell (The Duke)
  • UNIT
HQ (Second-in-Command)
  • RANK
Major
  • NUMBER
450939
  • DATE OF DEATH
2nd December 1972
  • AGE
35
  • GRAVESITE
Guildford Crematorium,Surrey
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Parachute Regiment
born 24.3.1937
killed in road traffic accident while on exercise,France
Originally recommended for a Military Cross by CO SAS for operations in Oman (Dhofar), strongly supported by Brig. Comm., Div. Comm and Army Comm. However, unfairly reduced to Mention in Dispatches (MiD) by MoD, published in the London Gazette on 27 Nov 1973.
 
Originally recommended for a Military Cross by CO SAS for operations in Oman (Dhofar), strongly supported by Brig. Comm., Div. Comm and Army Comm. However, unfairly reduced to Mention in Dispatches (MiD) by MoD, published in the London Gazette on 27 Nov 1973.
Thanks, have added the award entry and citation to the site.
Best regards, Craig
 
Top