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SAS major Tommy Turtle with Princess Anne
Major Turtle joined the Rangers in 1968 and passed the rigorous SAS selection process nine years later.
He was serving as a corporal and patrol commander at the time of the Falkland’s war.
In a family tribute at his funeral in Hereford earlier this month, the highly-decorated soldier was said to have been blessed with the Irish “gift for the blarney” which made him a popular figure among his comrades.
Major Turtle was also praised as a caring father.
“There is no doubt that Tommy’s austere upbringing equipped him with the qualities of character needed not only to pass selection, but to survive and have a full, varied and fulfilling career as a highly respected professional soldier. There is no doubt that his experiences and anecdotes within the regiment are legendary, all of which bear testament to his character,” mourners heard.
Thomas ‘Tommy’ Turtle spent 39 years in the military, 28 of those with the SAS in Herefordshire. He came from a tough Irish upbringing and grew up during a time of depression. After joining the Army at 16 he worked his way up through the the ranks ending his career as a major in the SAS. His best friend joined the Royal Ulster Rifles, which then influenced Major Turtle to join the Royal Irish Rangers in 1968. Nine years later he attended and passed the selection course and volunteered for service with the Special Air Service Regiment. “There is no doubt that Tommy’s austere upbringing equipped him with the qualities of character needed not only to pass selection, but to survive and have a full, varied and fulfilling career as a highly respected professional soldier,” said his family at his funeral last week.