A statue of Talaiasi Labalaba, the legendary Fijian SAS sergeant created by Vivien Malock is to be revealed on 7th of November on the eve of the regiment’s Remembrance Day service. The life-size piece will stand proudly at the centre of SAS Headquarters, Hereford and will be unveiled by a member of the Royal family in the presence of Labalaba’s comrades, friends and family. Malock, an Associate of the Royal Society of British Sculptors said “it’s an honour to create a sculpture of such a worthy person. He truly is a hero,” when asked about her work.
Labalaba was recently brought to the media’s attention when Lord Guthrie spoke out against the BNP’s recent campaign. Guthrie revealed plans for the hero’s statue, naming him as “one of the greatest members of the SAS.” The Fijian trooper ran over 800 meters of exposed ground to a 25-pound gun and, though it normally took a three-man team to operate it, managed to open fire himself despite serious injuries. He died reaching for ammunition.
Talaiasi’s actions during the Battle of Mirbat are not widely known not least because the SAS's involvement in protecting Oman’s Sultan from communist rebels was top secret. However, many campaign still for the selfless hero to receive a Posthumous Victoria Cross. An SAS soldier commented “Labalaba served with my beloved regiment and cleared the way for some of the most courageous fighting men I have had the great pleasure to call my comrades. Give this hero and the others who died in the battle of Mirbat the recognition they deserve.” The valour of men like Labalaba, one of the great Special Forces’ heroes, should never be forgotten.
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