John Dearden

John (Johnnie) Dearden, died on 9 May 2026 aged 93. His career in the British Army had taken him through 15th/19th Kings Hussars as a Trooper, then to the Malay Scouts (Mentioned in Despatches, 1957) and finally to 22 and 21 SAS from 1951 to 1967 in Malaya and Borneo before becoming one of the most respected Firqat Liaison Officers in Dhofar. From 1972 to 1985 he worked almost continuously in Dhofar with the Firqat through its various transitions, rarely visible but always indispensable. His partnership with Salim Ghareeb of Firqat al Nasr became a model of trust and shared judgement; those who served alongside them recall a quiet, seamless teamwork that shaped operations on the Hornbeam Line and beyond.

Many remember John’s plain, practical advice to new officers: move at the Firqat’s pace, immerse yourself in their lives, and ensure absolute honesty even when operational security limited what could be said. His guidance set several careers on new paths, and his influence endured long after the campaign ended.

Known affectionately—though never to his face—as “Fingers” for his large hands and injured index finger, John cut an avuncular figure: soft Geordie burr, green uniform, a well-worn M1 carbine he was rarely seen to fire, and a manner that could shift from gentle humour to steely insistence. He was widely trusted by NFR commanders, often consulted for his insight, and treated as an expert by all who worked with him.

Away from operations he was larger than life: a bridge player (with his wife Shirley who was PA to commander Southern Oman Brigade) , a fisherman at Mughsayl, a man who enjoyed Pouilly Fuisse and Glenmorangie, and who made his points—whether to a firqat or a brigadier—with unforgettable physical emphasis and laughter.

John Dearden was an unsung hero of the Dhofar war, a man whose loyalty, judgement and humanity shaped both the Firqat and the officers who served with them. Many owe him more than he ever knew.