In 1980, millions of people watched on live television as an SAS soldier, armed with explosives and a sub-machine gun, blasted his way into the Iranian embassy in London.

The man in black was John McAleese - who led the frontal assault that brought a dramatic end to the hostage crisis that had been gripping the nation for six days.

It would be years until McAleese - with his trademark moustache - was revealed to the public as the soldier behind the gas mask.

McAleese was born in Stirling, Scotland on April 25, 1949 and grew up in Laurieston, Falkirk.

He joined the Royal Engineers in 1969, at the age of 20, and in 1973 passed the All Arms Commando Course (AACC) earning a green beret and a move to 59 Independent Commando, Royal Engineers.

Two years later he transferred to the Special Air Service and he was lance corporal serving in Pagoda Troop, when he led Blue Team in the famous storming of the Embassy which rescued 24 people.

McAleese was awarded a Military Medal for gallantry in action in Northern Ireland and he also served as a bodyguard for three British Prime Ministers.

He was married twice and his eldest son Paul, who served with 2nd Batallion The Rifles, sadly lost his life during a tour of Afghanistan when he went to the aid of an injured soldier and was killed by a roadside bomb.

A memorial to John McAleese was unveiled on the 10th anniversary of his death, in his home village of Laurieston.

The bronze statue is a tribute to both the man and Operation Nimrod - the codename for the daring raid on the embassy by the British Army's special forces unit.