Major Roger Woodiwiss, who has died aged 92, was the Operations Officer for 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS) from 1973 to 1976. Reporting in turn to two future Directors of Special Forces, Lieutenant Colonel (later General Sir) Peter de la Billière and Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) Tony Jeapes, he was responsible for the military preparation and political direction of SAS squadrons in operations across the world. On several occasions, he was responsible for the control of two squadrons on active service and the operations of three teams, all at the same time, all in different countries and often in different continents. The effect of a mistake on his part, particularly in the execution of diplomatic tasks, could have had serious international repercussions. At home, he was often deeply involved in classified operations requiring close liaison with the Home Office and police forces throughout the country. He was appointed MBE (Military) at the completion of a … [Read more...] about Major Roger Woodiwiss, SAS officer who braved leech-infested swamps, dense jungle and bamboo forests in Malaya – obituary
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SAS: Who Dares Wins: Two recruits pass selection after first ever all female final four
The seventh series of SAS: Who Dares Wins came to a dramatic end tonight with two recruits passing the selection course after an all female final four, which saw the recruits facing the intense interrogation stage. After weeks of brutal tasks and mental and physical challenges in the intense Jordan environment, Chief Instructor Rudy Reyes announced that Shylla Duhaney (recruit 18) and Paige Zima (recruit 8) passed. They had been joined by recruits Claire Aves and Cat Turnbull in the final stage during the hang tough challenge, after four other recruits hadn’t made it through the interrogation stage. During interrogation, the eight recruits were forced to stay in arduous positions, made to listen to difficult sounds, and deprived of food and rest. However, the four women made it through and were put against each other in a final challenge that saw two pass the selection course . Heading the Directing Staff, Rudy said: ‘What you need to pass this course – the … [Read more...] about SAS: Who Dares Wins: Two recruits pass selection after first ever all female final four
Ebanie Bridges says “I love that s***” when asked about SAS Who Dares Wins pepper spray
A high percentage of the world’s population would likely react negatively to a face full of pepper spray, but IBF women’s bantamweight champion Ebanie Bridges is certainly not most people. As most boxing champions do, ‘the Blonde Bomber’ has a significant pain barrier which helps spur her onto historic victories such as her recent triumph against Maria Cecilia Roman. Bridges has certainly found herself in plenty of jaw dropping states, once claiming her eyes were “bigger than her boobs” after a fierce bout against Shannon Courtenay However, the Australian is not indestructible, as she admitted having serious self-doubt a during her testing time on Ant Middleton’s infamous test of physical and mental endurance, SAS Who Dares Wins. Fortunately, a hefty load of pepper spray was able to cheer her up and click her back into action. “I am definitely a results person, so for me to start believing, in myself I do need to see the results,” Bridges said to the BreakPoint … [Read more...] about Ebanie Bridges says “I love that s***” when asked about SAS Who Dares Wins pepper spray
If Matovič insists on raising taxes, SaS ready to withdraw from coalition agreement
The picture of a happy family reads "two hundred euro a month per child". Ruling party OĽaNO and its leader Igor Matovič are promoting help to families on social networks as if it was a done deal. Skryť Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryť Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Even though Finance Minister Matovič took another week to persuade coalition partner SaS to support his social package before it is submitted to the cabinet session on Wednesday, the conflict has only peaked. Matovič did not rule out proposing a tax hike for about a hundred companies that should cover the costs for part of his package, despite an SaS veto. He said he was still going to talk to other coalition partners, which violates the coalition agreement; every coalition member can veto the proposals of others so that there is no further discussion regarding the proposal. He is also planning a special tax for … [Read more...] about If Matovič insists on raising taxes, SaS ready to withdraw from coalition agreement
More than 200 migrants cross Channel in single day despite Rwanda policy
More than 200 migrants crossed the Channel on Sunday after eleven days of no arrivals. At least seven small boats made the 20-mile voyage as fairer weather returned after a period of high winds and rough seas. The last migrants to arrive were a total of 263 on April 19. It comes after Andrew Bridgen, the Tory MP, last week hailed the lack of arrivals as proof that the Home Secretary's Rwanda policy was paying dividends . Priti Patel signed the agreement on April 14 which will see asylum seekers sent 4,000 miles to claim refugee status from the African country. A new strategy for the military to take charge of the Channel was also announced. The Government has come under huge pressure to cut the number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, which has already hit a record 6,500 this year. It is hoped the Rwanda deal and the increased military presence will deter people smuggling gangs who operate in the north of France . Mr Bridgen said on Thursday that … [Read more...] about More than 200 migrants cross Channel in single day despite Rwanda policy
UK weather: Britons to soak under mini heat-wave as weather gets ‘warmer’ with 25C
BBC Weather: Warm temperatures forecast across UK Sign up for our news briefing, including a daily special Russia-Ukraine edition SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info According to weather experts, the mercury will begin rising from Saturday as many areas enjoy sunny and dry conditions. This will eventually give way to a warm spell, with parts of the south expected to bask in 22C heat by mid-week and up to 24C by the next weekend. Related articles Dr Shola sparks tells Tory voters to 'get their heads examined' RAF flypast route map: Voyager and Typhoon fighter jets to fly TODAY According to BBC Weather, temperatures could top the mercury at 25C in the south heading into the following working week. … [Read more...] about UK weather: Britons to soak under mini heat-wave as weather gets ‘warmer’ with 25C
The Games fans all saying the same thing as Wes Nelson wins sporting competition
THOSE who tuned into tonight finale of The Games on ITV watched as Wes Nelson took the trophy for the ultimate champion. The talented 24-year-old's friends, family and other half Lucciana Beynon watched on as he climbed and ran his way to the top of the podium. Wes shared the top spot with singer Chelsee Grimes, who won the women's games, but the reality TV star-turned-musician won the best overall score. Fans of the show were happy to see the Staffordshire-born star win the series after a flawless performance night after night. However, viewers were all saying the same thing about Wes. Taking to Twitter to discuss the win, one wrote: "We knew Wes would win since night 1". Another wrote: "Wes is great at everything he ever does like is there nothing this man cant do #thegames " The comments continued: "Is there anything Wes Nelson can’t do? #TheGames " "Might aswell call it the Wes & Chelcee Games. They are winning everything #TheGames " The … [Read more...] about The Games fans all saying the same thing as Wes Nelson wins sporting competition
Missing captain rescued after spending nearly three days adrift in freezing sea
A captain who disappeared mid-voyage was rescued after spending nearly three days adrift at sea when he fell from his ship . Erhan Seckal, 39, was guiding the vessel Quorn earlier this month after it departed from an Australian port towards Vietnam. He suddenly vanished and his stunned crew couldn't find him anywhere, hunting high and low for hours with the ship off the coast of Bali, Indonesia. The Turkish seaman had fallen overboard while in rough waters and a huge rescue mission was launched on May 2. Indonesian service teams searched the area 30 miles north of Bali, but found no sign of the captain so the bulk carrier was forced to resume its trip without him. He had fallen overboard - but had no memory of how he ended up in the ocean ( Image: ViralPress) However, 66 hours later, local fisherman Gede Budiasa spotted the skipper and he was miraculously alive, frantically waving for help while floating on a buoy near Kubutambahan village in the Buleleng … [Read more...] about Missing captain rescued after spending nearly three days adrift in freezing sea
United Arab Emirates profile – Leaders
Published 24 February 2015 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing President, ruler of Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Sheikh Khalifa was named as president by the UAE Federal Council shortly after the death of his father, Sheikh Zayed Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan, in November 2004. The former president, who was 86, had been in poor health. Sheikh Khalifa, who had been crown prince of Abu Dhabi since 1969, is said to be a pro-Western moderniser. He has promised to widen the participation of UAE citizens in "public affairs". Often referred to as the father of the nation, Sheikh Zayed succeeded his brother as ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and, because of his strong leadership and commitment to forming the federation, he was elected as the first president of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Re-elected every five years since 1971, Sheikh Zayed to some degree promoted the values of religious … [Read more...] about United Arab Emirates profile – Leaders
Lofty Carr, brilliant navigator who had a string of adventures with the celebrated Long Range Desert Group – obituary
Mike “Lofty” Carr, who has died aged 101, was one of the top navigators in the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG); he worked with the SAS on navigation and took part in many raids in North Africa deep behind enemy lines. On the night of September 15 1942 Carr, equipped with a Vickers K machine gun, navigated a mixed force of LRDG and a detachment of the Sudan Defence Force (SDF) towards the Italian-held fort at Jalo. Jalo was a desert oasis about 250 miles south of the Mediterranean port of Benghazi on the Libyan coast. In the build-up to General Montgomery’s major offensive at El Alamein, capture of the fort would provide the SAS with a strategic base from which to launch hit-and-run raids on the enemy lines of communication. Four miles from the village, the force dismounted from their vehicles and formed three columns. Carr led them forward for more than an hour in pitch darkness. They had just skirted a minefield when they were challenged by an Italian sentry. Carr grabbed his … [Read more...] about Lofty Carr, brilliant navigator who had a string of adventures with the celebrated Long Range Desert Group – obituary