22 SAS Pirie, Richard Mitchell

Craig Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Pirie
  • FORENAME
Richard Mitchell
  • UNIT
22 SAS
  • RANK
Squadron Commander
  • NUMBER
450939
  • AWARD
Mention In Despatches
  • PLACE
Dhofar, 1971-1972
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Died due road traffic accident - See Roll of Honour
 

ROLL OF HONOUR:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/pirie-richard-mitchell-the-duke.4954

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
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