Background
McAleese was born in Stirling and grew up in Laurieston, Stirlingshire.
instructor Army soldier prime ministers
McAleese was born in Stirling and grew up in Laurieston, Stirlingshire.
He became known for retelling his story on television and for taking part in the reality show SAS: Are You Tough Enough?. He joined 59 Independent Commando, Royal Engineers, in 1969, aged 20. He moved to Hereford in 1975 after being accepted by the SAS. He also served as a bodyguard for three British prime ministers.
He was honourably discharged from the British Army on 8 February 1992 in the rank of staff sergeant.
After that, he worked as a security consultant in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was also an airsoft instructor. McAleese married twice.
John McAleese suffered a heart attack and died in Thessaloniki, Greece. His funeral was held at Hereford Cathedral.
He was a lance corporal in 1980, serving in Pagoda Troop, B Squadron, 22 SAS Regiment, when he was famously seen with members of his team - Blue Team - on live television placing an explosive charge on the front first floor balcony of the Iranian Embassy prior to the assault on 5 May 1980.
