Pete Winner’s SAS career included landmark operations across Oman, London, the Falklands and beyond.
Here is all you need to know about SAS soldier Pete Winner.
Pete Winner
Pete Winner, often known simply by the codename “Soldier I”, served in the British Army before joining the elite 22 Special Air Service (SAS).
He spent 18 years in the regiment, taking part in significant operations during the late 20th century.
Battle of Mirbat, Oman
Winner is best known for his role in the Battle of Mirbat on July 19, 1972, during the Dhofar War.
A small group of SAS soldiers and local allies held off hundreds of insurgents. Winner fought alongside Fijian SAS soldier Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba, who was killed during the battle and later became one of the regiment’s celebrated heroes.
Iranian Embassy siege, London
In May 1980, Winner took part in Operation Nimrod, the SAS assault that ended the six-day Iranian Embassy siege in London.
During the rescue mission, he led soldiers through the smoke-filled embassy as the regiment freed hostages and brought the siege to an end.
The operation was broadcast live around the world and remains one of the SAS’s defining moments.
Falklands War
Winner also served during the 1982 Falklands War.
According to his memoir, he parachuted into the South Atlantic theatre during the conflict as part of SAS operations supporting British forces.
Close protection and overseas operations
Winner was involved in specialist assignments beyond combat deployments.
These included close-protection duties, operating in post-Cold War Moscow and escorting humanitarian aid convoys into conflict-ravaged Bosnia.
Soldier ‘I’ memoir
In 2010, Winner published his autobiography, Soldier ‘I’: The Story of an SAS Hero.
The book was written with Michael Paul Kennedy and included a foreword by former SAS soldier and author Andy McNab.
It covered Winner’s experiences at Mirbat, the Iranian Embassy siege, the Falklands and later operations, as well as the psychological effects of military service.
Controversy and legacy
Winner revealed he was later banned from the SAS regimental association following articles he wrote for a national newspaper.
He said one of his greatest regrets was being unable to visit the regiment’s Credenhill headquarters to pay his respects to former comrade Talaiasi Labalaba.
What is the SAS?
The Special Air Service (SAS) is the British Army's elite special forces regiment, renowned for conducting some of the world's most demanding military operations.
Formed during the Second World War by David Stirling, the unit specialises in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, special reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and direct action missions.
Operating largely in secrecy, the SAS has taken part in conflicts and operations around the globe and is widely recognised by its motto,"Who Dares Wins."
The regiment remains a core component of United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) and is regarded as one of the most capable special forces units in the world.
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