The SAS and Herefordshire have a deep and long lasting connection, with the county long home to the world's most famous regiment.
Here is how Herefordshire became world famous because of its association with the SAS.
Stirling Lines
The Special Air Service was originally formed during the Second World War in North Africa.
However, its modern home became Hereford in the 1960s, when the regiment established its home at Bradbury Lines.
It would later move its headquarters to Stirling Lines in Credenhill, just outside the city, during the 1990s, as its needs expanded, with Bradbury Lines closing for good in 1999.
Since then, Hereford has become closely associated with the SAS, turning the quiet market city into a name recognised around the world by military enthusiasts, historians and defence experts.
Herefordshire
The county’s rural landscape provided the SAS with extensive opportunities for specialist operations, selection exercises and advanced military training.
Herefordshire’s mixture of farmland, woodland and remote countryside offered an ideal environment for the regiment’s demanding activities.
Over the decades, the SAS presence became woven into the area’s identity, creating a strong connection between Hereford and one of the world’s most respected special forces units.
SAS headquarters
The regiment’s reputation was built through its involvement in high-profile operations, hostage rescues and counter-terrorist missions.
Stories of SAS operations appeared in books, documentaries and popular culture, helping Hereford’s name travel alongside them.
This gave the city an international profile far beyond what might normally be expected of a county town in rural England.
Herefordshire community
Military personnel and their families became part of the local community, supporting businesses, schools and services throughout the county.
Many former members of the armed forces also chose to remain in the region after leaving service.
Their continued presence strengthened Herefordshire’s long-standing military connections and contributed to the local economy.
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Hereford’s military history
The city attracts visitors interested in the SAS’s heritage and the wider military history of the county.
Herefordshire is home to museums, memorials and historical sites linked to Britain’s armed forces.
The city’s military reputation continues to generate interest among visitors from across the UK and overseas.
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