All to know about Herefordshire Steven John “Legs” Lane

Here's all you need to know about Steven "Legs" Lane.

Steven John “Legs” Lane

Steven John “Legs” Lane was born in Herefordshire in July 1963.

He began his military career with the Parachute Regiment before serving with 9 Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers. He became known as “Legs” because of his exceptional endurance and fitness.

Lane later passed the demanding SAS selection process and joined B Squadron, 22 Special Air Service as a trooper.

Operation Granby

During Operation Granby, Britain’s contribution to the 1991 Gulf War, Lane was selected for the Bravo Two Zero patrol.

The eight-man SAS team was inserted deep behind Iraqi lines in January 1991. Its orders were to gather intelligence and monitor Iraqi Scud missile launchers threatening coalition forces and Israel.

Bravo Two Zero

After the patrol was compromised by Iraqi forces, its members were forced to evade capture while trying to reach safety.

Bravo Two Zero later became the subject of bestselling books, including Bravo Two Zero, The One That Got Away and The Real Bravo Two Zero, as well as television adaptations.

Lane’s death

As the patrol attempted to evade Iraqi troops in harsh winter conditions, Lane suffered severe exposure and hypothermia.

He died during the operation on 26-27 January 1991, aged 27, while the patrol was trying to avoid capture.

Military Medal

Lane was posthumously awarded the Military Medal in recognition of his courage and conduct during the operation.

The decoration was formally announced in 1996 and honoured his bravery during the Bravo Two Zero mission.

Legacy

Steven “Legs” Lane remains associated with one of the SAS’s most famous wartime patrols.

He is commemorated in Hereford, the home of the SAS, and remembered for his service, sacrifice and determination under extreme conditions.

His story continues to form part of the history of the SAS and the Gulf War.