AeroBD | The AERO news Company…: Barry Davies, the former British Special Air Service Officer who was decorated for the part he played in the successful GSG9 hostage rescue operation at Mogadishu Airport in 1977, passed away yesterday his wife has confirmed.

Shrewsbury born Barry Davies was in service with the SAS for 18 years and saw active duty in the Middle East, Africa and Northern Ireland. During that time he assisted in forming the first counter-terrorist team and was awarded the British Empire Medal for the storming of Lufthansa Flight 181 which was hijacked on 13 October 1977 by four members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

After leaving the Special Air Service Regiment, he joined Cardiff-based survival and protective equipment specialists, BCB International Ltd. There he worked on numerous special projects which in recent years included the development and market introduction of surveillance Unmanned Air Systems.

The Managing Director of BCB International Ltd, Andrew Howell said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Barry’s wife, Mary, and their family at this difficult time. Everyone here at BCB International is shocked at the sad news. For over 30 years, Barry was a popular and hugely respected member of the team. For Barry, being able to help design and refine life-saving equipment used by our brave servicemen and women was not a ‘job’ but a labour of love. He will be sorely missed by everyone here at BCB. On a personal level, Barry was one of my most trusted advisers and a steadfast good friend to myself and my family.”