Secret weapon of SAS? Pirates HERO REVEALS LUCKY CHARM
BUCCANEER: Chris in parachute kit
A FORMER SAS trooper who won a medal for his heroics in the Nairobi hotel siege has a pirate’s flag as a lucky charm.
The veteran, who goes under the name Christian Craighead, said he always wore Blackbeard’s emblem when going into battle.
Craighead won the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross – second highest to the Victoria Cross – for rescuing civilians held by al-Shabaab militants in the January 2019 massacre.
At the time of the attack there was huge speculation about the identity of the mystery special forces soldier who came to the aid of the Kenyan security services while wearing the pirate flag on his body armour.
Craighead said: “Let’s clear up the Blackbeard patch. Most units and teams have their own patch. I decided to fly the black because although I was still serving, I was no longer part of a team. I chose this because it looks cool and I liked the legend behind it.”
The ex-soldier added he was inspired by the Blackbeard quote: “Damnation seize my soul if I give you quarters, or take any from you.”
Blackbeard’s real name was Edward Teach. He was stabbed to death aged 38 in 1718. Rather than violence, he used his fearsome reputation to terrify victims.
Craighead has now released pictures of himself wearing the patch on his uniform. In one he is in an aircraft in parachuting kit. Another shows the patch on his medical pouch.
He had been stationed in Kenya training soldiers when the attack on the DusitD2 hotel took place.