The delay saved his life, for while the men disagreed a senior Iraqi policeman appeared and Maclachlan was told to put his clothes on. in History from Edinburgh University and an M.Litt in Rate this book. As his commander, I felt bad that hed gone through that and that Id lost a lot of regimental kit. Something went wrong. Deployed to Basra on a rescue mission, Colin soon found himself to be the one that needed rescuing after he was taken hostage. DC Thomson Co Ltd 2023. His captors wanted to execute him. He also claimed that he was in a team of SAS soliers who killed dying Iraqis after they struck a convoy of vehicles, with an anti-tank rocket near al-Qaim in western Iraq in March 2003, but in reality he was in the area and did not approach the wreckage. The Special Forces stars of Channel 4s hit reality show, SAS: Who Dares Wins, were last night facing the prospect of being classified as persona non grata (PNG) by their former colleagues for discussing secret operations. Last night, former members of the SAS called for the Ministry of Defence to change its policy regarding the Special Forces and issue a rebuttal of the claims made by Mr Maclachlan. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There are more important things than the lives of the soldiers.. In the SAS, we're not used to television. The last thing I can remember is the sounds of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) being fired as we were driven out of there.. His book SAS Who Dares Wins, Leadership Secrets From The Special Forces tells how three Iraqis who were left disembowelled or had lost limbs in an ambush were killed by a US-led Special Forces team he was part of. Couple find note in chimney that reveals their 290,000 house was 100 times cheaper 50 years ago. "I suppose being here today is a different environment for myself too, so I just immersed myself in it. If you prefer, you can also send an email directly to our head office. But Mr Maclachlansaid on Sunday: I certainly didnt walk up and execute three people. We couldnt cope with the amount of people. Chris Pleasance explains how Belarus minister said he feared Putin would annex his country after Ukraine shortly before his sudden death Russian-born doctor 'died four days before she was unveiled as the medic who delivered Putin's secret Boris Johnson appears tense in first public appearance since the leak of 100,000 WhatsApp messages sent at Britain's first child Covid death, 13, may have been contributed to by doctors as senior medic admits 'Appalled and sickened but not surprised at all': Fury of Covid families as WhatsApps 'show Matt Hancock Sunak bustled like a wide-eyed labrador, his tail waggier than a windscreen wiper in a downpour: HENRY Do not sell or share my personal information. Copyright 1999-2023 Speakers Associates Ltd | All rights reserved. Want to Read. Unfortunately, Colin has not always been on the successful side of missions. Palm Springs residents sue to remove 25-foot Marilyn Monroe statue depicting her iconic Ukrainian soldier takes out five Russian tanks and three armoured vehicles in ONE DAY using US-supplied Ukraine 'hits major Russian air base in fresh strike' a day after kamikaze drone crashed down just 68 miles How did Russia lose HALF of its 45,000 elite paratroopers in just seven months? Shocking video shows machete fight in broad daylight, Huge urgent police search for missing baby of Constance Marten, Pupils take to TikTok as they stage protest at Shenfield High School, Putin spy plane before being 'destroyed by pro-Ukraine Belarus group', Gabor Mat: No Jewish state without oppressing local population, Amplified jet stream could lead to 'disruptive snow in places', King Charles hosts von der Leyen at Windsor Castle, Dashcam captures moment two cars collide on a roundabout, Putin orders intelligence service to find 'scum' who oppose him, Moment supermarket cashier is attacked at work in New York, Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten's missing baby, Moment pastor FOILS armed robbery after praying for gunmen. Sparking a four-day stand-off, it was the most prolonged standing hostage siege in the UK. Mr Maclachlan, 44, from South Queensferry near Edinburgh, who joined the Royal Scots when he was aged 15 and completed 18 years' service, including seven in the SAS, said: "Me and Cammy were. We dont do enough, Colin insisted. Colin MacLachlan joined the army in 1989 and after 9 years in the Royal Scots passed selection first time aged 23 into 22 SAS. I told him wed done the best in a difficult situation and that nothing was his fault. He told The Mail on Sunday: 'Our motives were entirely humane. Published: 22:03, 24 October 2015 | Updated: 19:19, 25 October 2015. Ollie also said the instructors threatened to quit when they discovered himself and Jay Morton were not being kept on. Elizabeth Raum (Goodreads Author), Colin Maclachlan (Consultant_editor) 4.08 avg rating 36 ratings published 2011 5 editions. He didnt get one. To book I found that remarkable. One of the most extraordinary chapters of the British Armys involvement in Iraq culminated in the horrific moment a soldier threw himself from his armoured vehicle with his uniform in flames an image that has become a defining moment of Britains occupation of the south of the country. The former soldier is no stranger to controversy. He is known for appearing on all five series of SAS: Who Dares Wins and formed part of the intimidating team of Directing Staff alongside chief DS Ant Middleton, Jason Foxy Fox and Mark Billy Billingham. Across events, coaching, workshops & organisational development programmes, we bring together thought leaders and enterprises to create change, representing the worlds foremost entrepreneurs, business thinkers, pioneers & authors. Mr Maclachlan attended Veterans First Point, the which has centres across Scotland and was set up with money gathered from UK banks in Libor fines for rigging benchmark interest rates. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Several RPGs exploded but no British troops were wounded. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Colin Maclachlan is aformer SAS soldier with over 25 years of security and risk related experience, best known for appearing in Channel 4s SAS: Who Dares Wins and Channel 5s Secrets of the SAS. var onloadSibCallbackInvisible = function () { OLLIE Ollerton risked his life when he signed up as a director on Channel 4's for SAS: Who Dares Wins. A former SAS Soldier, Colin MacLachlan has spent over 25 years continually dealing with scenarios of security and high-risk. Colin starred in Channel 4s SAS: Who Dares Wins and Channel 5s Secrets of the SAS. "Now when Im back from Nepal Im happy to have you challenge my word. Then as we drove through a chicane a 4x4 vehicle pushed up behind us and a van drove across our path wed been fronted and tailed. Meanwhile, the SAS commander put his career on the line telling PJHQ top brass he would launch a rescue mission regardless of their concerns. Well put the handcuffs back on you now, put you back in the police car and drive you back.. They have beds and canteens. When they reached an Iraqi police checkpoint near Basra, Maclachlan was alarmed to see 20 uniformed officers there twice as many as he was used to. Wading through the swamps of Sierra Leone on the hunt for the West Side Boys, Colin was aiming to rescue British soldiers who were being held hostage by the guerilla gang. Colin starred in Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins and Channel 5's Secrets of the SAS. He is known for appearing on all five series of SAS: Who Dares Wins and formed part of the intimidating team of Directing Staff alongside chief DS Ant . And for potentially putting another soldiers life at risk? Maclachlan said: I started swinging punches and dishing out head-butts as they were ripping at my shirt, trousers and boots. 2022 Covered Speakers Bureau | Website by ehawebdesign.com. I cannot recommend highly enough for Colins services and professionalism. I enjoyed what came from it. He also worked to provide security for several high-profile clients such as A-level celebrities and the Saudi Royal Family. But why would I get a medal for getting captured and losing kit? I hope hes OK because it wasnt a great situation for him. Colin MacLachlan left the SAS shortly after doing an exchange programme with both Delta Force and Seal Team 6 and after doing security consultancy for the Saudi Royal Family, A-List Celebrities and US Media Networks, Colin decided to fund himself through university where he attained a First Class MA (Hons.) This affected him afterwards but he was not aware of what was going on until he returned to civilian life. The Government writes a cheque when we go to war, they should cash it in when we return and do something for veterans.. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. He also founded Who Dares Cares, a charity with a passion to support veterans who are coping with stress. Thats taking it a bridge too far.. The SAS men fought back and fired warning shots in a bid to persuade them to back off. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Two years ago his comments about mercy killings of Iraqis caused a storm among fellow SAS veterans, as did his recollection of being taken hostage in Basra and put through a mock execution before being rescued. They are career politicians, Special report: Deluge of tiny plastic pellets pollutes Scots coast, Care warning: New FM must keep Sturgeons promise people in care grow up loved, safe and respected, Kate Forbes: People deserve honesty and I did not want to weasel out, Long driven to keep growing Alliance after six years in charge, Long challenges governments on responsibilities to make Stormont workable, Tottenham suffer cup disappointment again with defeat at Sheffield United, Arsenal march on at Premier League summit by thrashing Everton, Manchester United produce late fightback to beat West Ham in the FA Cup. Few people have taken part in hostage negotiations, hostage rescue operations and also been taken hostage Colin is one of them. All rights reserved. If you need help finding the right speaker for your event, ask us to provide personalised recommendations. I was taking a lot of blows too but butt stroke after butt stroke, I fought on. Somehow Maclachlan prevented the police pushing him into the car and he was marched back to the station. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. if ((jQuery(el).attr('id') == "invisible")) { jQuery('.invi-recaptcha').each(function (index, el) { When Mr Maclachlan claimed that he was held by Iraqi police in September 2005, he in fact had been captured in a less dramatic incident in 2004. }); Your email address is only used to send you The Source newsletter and information about the activities of Speakers Associates. Colin is experienced in digital motion capture for video games including: Red Dead Redemption - Arthur Morgan, Grand Theft Auto, Max Payne and L.A Noire. The Mail on Sunday understands that a Warrior vehicle was then used to crash through a wall of the compound. Colin left the SAS shortly after doing an exchange programme with both Delta Force and Seal Team 6 and after doing security consultancy for the Saudi Royal Family, A-List Celebrities and US Media Networks decided to fund himself through university where he attained a First Class MA (Hons.) Few people have taken part in hostage negotiations, hostage rescue operations and also been taken hostage - Colin is one of them. Six Iraqi officers eventually handcuffed Maclachlan and pushed him against a wall. I would like to see each leaver being given a three or six-month work experience period with a firm. Colin MacLachlan, pictured during his visit to North Lindsey College in Scunthorpe, Colin MacLachlan with North Lindsey College student activity co-ordinator Stacey Blackwell. We pay for your stories! Mr Maclachlan's book is due for release on November 17. Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Something went wrong - please try again later. With an estimated 240,000 veterans in Scotland, the need for that crucial support for ex-military personnel is only going to become greater. They would get a bed, a meal, the security and an environment they are used to it almost seems too easy. A huge crowd was gathered outside the compound surrounding the police station and youths were pelting British Warrior vehicles deployed to rescue the SAS men with petrol bombs. Meanwhile, at SAS HQ in Basra concern was growing for the missing men and a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was assembling, including infantry soldiers and Warrior armoured vehicles, while intelligence officers frantically scanned satellite photos in a bid to establish Maclachlan and Als whereabouts. But today The Mail on Sunday can reveal how Sergeant Colin Maclachlan, 41, was one of two soldiers whose capture in Iraq brought SAS officers to the brink of mutiny over the Ministry of Defences refusal to sanction a rescue attempt. Published: 01:37 GMT, 21 October 2016 | Updated: 07:37 GMT, 21 October 2016, Colin Maclachlan, 42, is alleged to have misled readers when he recounted a hostage situation and rescue in Iraq in 2003. Four years later, Colin was on the other side of a rescue mission when terrorists held him hostage in Basra. Healthy mother-of-two, 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class. Colin Maclachlan in his military days The former soldier is no stranger to controversy. Flash point: A British soldier escapes his Warrior armoured vehicle after it was petrol-bombed in Iraq in 2005, Colin Maclachlan gained fame on the Channel 4 show Who Dares Wins last year. Senior officers take a bit of a softer approach to guys doing media stuff these days, but it is still against the rules. Please check your email for further instructions. A FORMER SAS soldier who said his comrades carried out "mercy killings" during the Iraq war has been accused of lying about and exaggerating his own heroics. But we have literally hundreds of veteran suicides every year and that doesnt get in the news.. 'This is the most ridiculous thing I've seen!' He said it was later, after he left the SAS that his partner, Amanda, was the one who recognised what the issue was. Mr MacLachlan has not responded fully to the claims but has insisted he was part of the team in a text to the The Times. Top brass at the PJHQ told him a raid would compromise British-Iraqi relations and undermine the UK Governments claim that Britain was successfully handing over power to the Iraqis. Hed only just joined the SAS and this was his first operation. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, At the time I thought, "Oh well, thats me gone then", Usually I could flash my British Army identification card and get out of trouble. So I cut a deal with myself; for every time they hit me on the head with the rifle butt Id drop a layer of clothing, but only one.. Then there was a lot of commotion and the police officers who had been beating me up dispersed. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Ollie Ollerton is known for SAS: Who Dares Wins, Ollie is a military veteran who served on the Special Boat Service, Ollie worked alongside DS Ant Middleton, Jason 'Foxy' Fox and Mark 'Billy' Billingham, SAS Who Dares Wins star Olly Ollerton tells how show saved his life as he was drinking too much, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). by. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Chris Pleasance explains how Belarus minister said he feared Putin would annex his country after Ukraine shortly before his sudden death Russian-born doctor 'died four days before she was unveiled as the medic who delivered Putin's secret Boris Johnson appears tense in first public appearance since the leak of 100,000 WhatsApp messages sent at Britain's first child Covid death, 13, may have been contributed to by doctors as senior medic admits 'Appalled and sickened but not surprised at all': Fury of Covid families as WhatsApps 'show Matt Hancock Sunak bustled like a wide-eyed labrador, his tail waggier than a windscreen wiper in a downpour: HENRY Do not sell or share my personal information. While Colin is fully supportive of the work Erskine and other organisations of its type do, he feels more can still be done to assist veterans. According to former comrades he had left the SAS in May 2005, several months before the alleged incident that took place in Basra. Applied Materials Conference. The shock absorbers are positioned along the axis of the motorcycle, tucked under the . The details of my ordeal would be too much to bear.. But it wasnt until later in the day that the Army rescued us. Colin is also well educated, receiving an M.Litt in Terrorism from St. Andrews University and a First Class MA in History from Edinburgh University. The team were reportedly stripped and subjected to mock executions, but former colleagues said Mr MacLachlan left the SAS in May 2015 - before the Basra incident. The main differences between them are the minimum length of time they take to complete, how challenging they are and the minimum age you can start. in History and an M.Litt in Terrorism. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. There are too many veterans have taken their own lives for it not to be related to PTSD and veterans whove seen traumatic service. Such killings are outlawed under the Geneva Convention and Mr Maclachlan faces a police probe triggered by comments in his new book. By 2005, fears were growing that terrorist militias, intent on killing British troops, had infiltrated Iraqi police. Speak to a member of the Motivational Speakers Team about booking the perfect speaker. A source told the Times, That bloke is a Walter Mitty, in a reference to a person who creates a fictional life that is more glamorous than reality. When he was finally convinced who I was, he told me that there was a huge, angry crowd outside and that Al and I would have to climb into his Land Rover and keep our heads down to prevent anyone recognising us. Colin was fortunate enough to have been involved in some of the more high profile and daring missions of the recent period. I wanted to go to university and thought this would go hand in hand, having access to books while I worked. Colins years in uniform taught him countless invaluable skills that would have been adaptable to various forms of employment but his search for a new career stalled. The comments below have not been moderated. In this first year he was involved in major operations including a hijacking at Stansted airport in London and a jungle rescue in Sierra Leone in West Africa. These cookies do not store any personal information. The 'hard-up' Labour council that blew 100,000 changing the name of Black Boy Lane even though its own survey found not a single objection from a black person And provoked a spectacular backlash! Palm Springs residents sue to remove 25-foot Marilyn Monroe statue depicting her iconic Ukrainian soldier takes out five Russian tanks and three armoured vehicles in ONE DAY using US-supplied Ukraine 'hits major Russian air base in fresh strike' a day after kamikaze drone crashed down just 68 miles How did Russia lose HALF of its 45,000 elite paratroopers in just seven months? Colin left 22 SAS shortly after completing an exchange programme with Delta Force and Seal Team 6. We were taken to a police station. Ex-SAS personnel have branded special forces veteran Colin Maclachlan a military fantasist after details of his soon-to-be published book about his service in Iraq came under scrutiny. Eventually handcuffed Maclachlan and pushed him against a wall of the recent period have! That needed rescuing after he was not aware of what was going until. Of the compound sparking a four-day stand-off, it was the most prolonged standing hostage siege in Royal... 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