SAS hero Mel Parry, who stormed Iranian Embassy, dies after 'very long illness'
Tributes have been paid after an SAS hero who stormed the Iranian Embassy in 1980 died following a "very long illness".
Mel Parry QGM was described as one of the last surviving troopers to take part in the daring mission to end the six-day siege more than four decades ago.
Paying tribute on his website, former colleague and friend Bob Shepherd said Mel was "one of the finest men to have served in 22 SAS Regiment".
SAS veteran Bob, who served nearly two decades in the world-famous military unit, added: "I write this as he died from a very long illness today in Hereford.
"My heart goes out to Mel's family and close friends."
Former SAS member Chris Ryan posted a tribute to Twitter saying: "Mal, you were a gentleman and an incredible soldier.
"We first met when I joined B Squadron in the early 80s and you were the guiding light of the CT [Counter-Terrorism] world that we recognise today.
"God Speed and don't spare the HE [High-Explosive]."
Chris Ryan was part of the ill-fated eight-man Bravo Two Zero SAS patrol in Iraq.
It was on 30 April 1980 when six gunmen took over the Iranian embassy in Kensington and killed a member of its staff.
Mel was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for his role in ending the siege – dubbed 'Operation Nimrod' – said to have been the day the SAS became famous.
The SAS veteran is also famed for designing 'The Parry Blade' – a 9-inch long, razor-sharp combat survival knife.
Mel Parry's military service spanned 32 years, of which 27 were spent with the Special Forces.
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