SAS siege hero dies in Greece

Former SAS hero John McAleese, who was involved in the dramatic raid that ended the 1980 siege at the Iranian Embassy in London, has died, the Foreign Office confirmed yesterday.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Aug 2011, 07:00 BST

Mr McAleese, who was in his early 60s and divorced, died on Friday in Thessaloniki in Greece, it said, with reports suggesting he suffered a suspected heart attack.

The serviceman’s son, Serjeant Paul McAleese, 29, was killed by a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan two years ago as he went to help a fatally injured comrade.

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A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We can confirm the death of Mr McAleese in Greece on August 26 and are providing assistance to his next of kin at this difficult time.”

Daughter Hayley, 28, led tributes to the former SAS sergeant, saying he never got over the death of his son.

She told reporters: “I am sure the grief and stress he had suffered had a bearing on what has happened.

“He is now reunited with his son. Two great heroes taking their place in heaven.”

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Tributes were also paid to Mr McAleese on his internet Facebook page.

Around 1,000 mourners packed Hereford Cathedral for the funeral of Mr McAleese’s son, who was a member of 2nd Battalion The Rifles.

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