Funeral for Iranian Embassy SAS hero

The funeral of SAS hero John McAleese, who was involved in the dramatic raid that ended the 1980 siege at the Iranian Embassy in London, is to take place today.

Mr McAleese died aged 62 in Thessaloniki, Greece, on August 26, with reports suggesting he suffered a suspected heart attack.

Up to 1,000 mourners are expected to join family, friends and members of Mr McAleese's regiment at Hereford Cathedral. Afterwards, family and close friends will attend a private service at a crematorium, whose location has not been revealed.

Leading the tributes at the service at Hereford Cathedral will be best friend and former SAS operative Rusty Firmin, who also helped lead the attack on the Iranian Embassy.

He is expected to speak about some of the operations they were involved in during his eulogy. Mr McAleese's death comes after that of his son, Paul, in Afghanistan in 2009.

Serjeant Paul McAleese, 29, was killed by a roadside bomb while serving with 2nd Battalion The Rifles as he went to help a fatally injured comrade. His funeral also took place at Hereford Cathedral.

Speaking after her father died, daughter Hayley, 28, said he never got over the death of Paul.
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."