Major Tommy Turtle, SAS soldier who took part in crucial operations during the Falklands War – obituary
He was noted for his calmness under pressure, and besides the South Atlantic he also served in Gibraltar, West Germany and the Middle East
Tommy Turtle: as ‘tough as teak’
Major Tommy Turtle, who has died of cancer aged 70, was an SAS soldier who was involved in a number of special forces campaigns over 39 years of service and saw much action during the Falklands War.
Shortly after midnight on May 12 1982 eight members of 17 (Boat) Troop, D Squadron, 22 Special Air Service Regiment, were covertly inserted into West Falkland to reconnoitre an Argentine airfield on Pebble Island, a small island just to the north, as a prelude to bringing in the remainder of the squadron to destroy any enemy aircraft or radar it might contain.