Simon Mann ( 26 June 1952- 8 May 2025)
On Thursday, I bumped into Simon Mann and we had lunch together. I didn't think this would be the last time I'd see my friend and that I’d be writing a tribute piece about this rather remarkable individual, who I got to know quite well, over the last eight years or so.
On Friday morning, a close friend of mine told me Simon had passed away, after a heart attack, whilst on a rowing machine, the previous evening.
My friend is a former Royal Marine from 45 Commando. He has a particularly strong resolve but even his voice conveyed the shocked feeling now infiltrating my nervous system.
There's that part of you, that defiant optimist who hopes the Bootneck heard some bad rumour and it's just whispers gone out of control. Then, the realisation that he'd got this grim news...from another friend of ours, who works in risk intelligence. The reality sunk in- we've lost our good friend.
For many of Simon's friends and family, the news of his passing was a shock. Simon, given his background as a former Scots Guard and SAS officer, along with yes... his exploits in the private military contractor world, had an air of strength around him.
It was like he had a charm that allowed him to deploy fox like elusiveness in hostile environments or situations, whenever death might be close.
Simon also made an effort to keep himself in good shape and stay active, with operational readiness. You wouldn't think he was in his 70s. There was a vitality of someone much younger.
At the end of a long journey...
Athough, that day, for the first time…he did suddenly look fatigued, as if some previous escapades had suddenly added weight to enduring shoulders.
Simon was a spirited soul but the former Etonian's familiar buccaneering sparkle was not quite there, at that moment. He was not one to feel sorry for himself and it would be rare to hear him complain.
Even though that day, something definitely seemed different, he was very happy with where he was in life and openly expressed this..A good thing to hear.
In the time I got to know Simon, there was an almost perpetual demeanour of optimism; even when life fired challenges his way.
During that last lunch, part of our conversation was about health and fitness. In fact, he conveyed a readiness to focus more on this.
A habit and a discipline...
Sharing his current training routine, his approach to PT definitely emanated old school British army ethos.
Lots of cardio, push ups, static wall squats, sit ups (probably of a traditional format that modern day fitness influencers would scorn!), some dumbbell work for arms and then...that high intensity rowing.
The rowing experience was perhaps something of an expression of freedom, taking into account the years of captivity in Zimbabwe and Equitorial Guinea. It was, however, a gruelling part of his workout. As he put it that day: Aran, it's not something one looks forward to...
Many of us who like to train hard, invariably have those nemesis workouts that we use to test, face or defy our limits. After hearing this saddening news, it did get me thinking of the advice of some internal martial art masters, who talk about maintaining no more than 60 percent intensity, when doing certain forms of hard training…
Simon, of course whether it was a project, venture or objective would often go in with 100 percent focus and enthusiasm. Risk levels would certainly further ignite his readiness to commit to a project.
At the same time, Mann was not some out of control force of nature. He could be measured in different ways and ready to assess surroundings, when needed.
Inner attributes and craft...
Many tours, as an army officer in Northern Ireland and other regions, taught him about vigilance and discipline. He even mentioned this in that last meeting.
His time in the SAS, whilst honing further his capacity for risk, would also have helped him further develop his mental fortitude.
I recall various times, when meeting up with Simon, where if certain parties approached us, even if smiling or not overtly trying to brow beat with dialogue or demeanour, he’d sense something and, in discreet fashion, reveal a micro glance of caution. The man had, at times, a sensitivity that he could chose to listen to; or over ride.
When I first met Simon, knowing about what happened with the failed coup attempt and what he’d had to endure, I was impressed how someone who had gone through such an intense experience, with those years of captivity, in a dangerous African prison environment, seemed so upbeat and calm.
My tactical training approach, Tri-Tier has three areas of focus. One is resilience. Sensing, that there was much I could learn on this subject from Simon, I’d listen with great interest, though respecting it was not something one should ask about, particularly in those early days.
Imparting knowledge and experience...
Whilst we did become friends, I did find myself observing Simon in the same way, over the years, I'd studied various martial art masters.
Simon would readily provide insights about strategies and field craft, like a stoic Roman general and mentor of sorts.
He would share about tactics he used when facing Angolan rebels and once, when my private investigations group had a due diligence job from a client, regarding a potential African gold deal, he went to great lengths to explain the various complex layers of the gold world and the various scamming tactics used.
Simon had an impressive capacity to retain and convey knowledge about broad subjects, as well as current affairs, security and history. Even until quite recently, I believe he provided lectures on different aspects of soldiering, to military officers.
We both had an interest in WW2 history, particularly relating to the SOE. During that last catch up, I mentioned how recently I’d had a meeting at The American Bar, at the Stafford Hotel and it was good to see the bust of Nancy Wake, still at the end of the bar, like a figure head at the bow of a ship.
The former SOE operative, Nancy Wake spent much time there and when her name was mentioned that spark in Simon's face returned...
He had mentioned, at various times, how the previous generations of Manns and their friends had recounted their experiences of WW2 and this is something that definitely made a big impression on Simon, at a young age.
Tenacity of spirit...
Simon naturally possessed a sturdiness, reminiscent of that old school English virtue that one just gets on with it.
His immense predilection for risk and adventure also helped him to invariably filter or compartmentalise stress and fears to significant levels; though, like any of us, he was not impervious to the sting from painful emotions.
He did also convey how his SAS training helped him. Training which would have included courses on everything from: handling interrogations to building endurance and making use of routine and discipline.
Improvisation and resourcefulness was something else imparted to him, by his special forces instructors. He did also mention, at times, how he was able to assess others and seize opportunity, in wiley fashion, to handle what his captors and interrogators, would throw at him.
Survival concepts...
The subjects of close quarter tactics and personal safety were also topics sometimes discussed, at our get togethers.
He shared, with amusement, something about when he joined The Regiment, how his instructor emptied a drawer of various items, tools and implements, on the floor and conveyed, with matter of fact British army practicality, that if they ever found themselves without access to their firearms, something had gone very wrong and that they might need to make use of improvised weapons.
In these discussions, we found common ground on the value of awareness and how it could often be used to avoid or disengage from threat. He pointed out how awareness and the ability to diffuse a situation with dialogue, had helped him many times.
Initially, I thought the former British army officer might have less interest, even cynicism about physical training methods or combat arts, particularly if from more exotic regions.
Then, over the years, I realised that Simon was intrigued in these areas, as long as there was practical application. Gradually, he’d been observing my approach and even suggested topics to write about. He would also recommend my services to some of his contacts.
The practical use of head wear and what it reveals about a person was one topic that he thought would be interesting. He’d also convey what he’d sense about a person based on their hat or attire.
The wearer of the hat could be a beautiful lady or a dubious individual and Simon might quietly make a profound observation.
A gatherer of intelligence and wisdom...
Simon would also recommend and enthusiastically encourage certain books to be read. Titles included The Jungle is Neutral by Spencer Chapman and Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence.
He himself seemed to be an avid reader and he also shared with his friends a copy of his own autobiographical book Cry Havoc.
This book incidentally does reveal some good insights into Simon's way of thinking and he does touch on methods he used to keep his resilience levels up. This included his physical discipline and creative abilities.
Simon was generous in sharing knowledge, even acknowledging lessons gained from mistakes and failures. These, in themselves, could be of value for each of us, as we face life's twists and turns.
At the same time, I'd like to think we were both good company and helpful to the other, at various times. During the bizarre months of 2020, a client kindly helped me introduce Simon to actor Dominic West, who had a key role in the series SAS Rogue Heroes.
We were trying to see if we could help Simon get a role as an adviser, particularly as he'd met and worked for David Stirling, the founder of the SAS.
David would've been fairly elderly when Simon met him, but it was still fascinating to hear insights on Stirling, from someone who knew him.
The series was already well under way and Simon was on a project in Africa but I recall there was some light banter between the two former Etonians, Mann and West.
Here’s to the company...
Life can bring us stress in all kinds of different ways. Great value there is, therefore, in a friend who can make you laugh or smile, in rapid fire fashion. Any of my friends who knew Simon will also readily acknowledge, Simon was fun company.
Beyond, or even amid serious discussions on warfare and security, he could make you laugh with stories and mischievous anecdotes. He also did a memorable Scottish accent, often recounting fond memories of the men who served in The Scots Guards.
He himself would also laugh freely, in a way that suggested he was both entertained and slightly perplexed, by his capacity to get into colourful situations. He’d also listen with amusement if friends shared a wild anecdote.
I recall one funny moment when we’d been crying havoc with some glasses of wine and Mann suddenly points out he’s about to be interviewed, by an Indian journalist. Come and join the interview, it will be fun!
The journalist, as I understand, was writing a book on the good that intelligence can do. She asked about the smiling gentleman who Mann had seconded to his interview and he said to her - Aran is defence against the dark arts! Simon's use of what sounded like Harry Potter terminology essentially suggested the tone for this interview.
(I once decided to use that line when doing a self-defence talk at a girl's school. I was stared back at by blank faced students. Only a couple of mothers laughed!)
Anyway, the intrigued Indian journalist looked like she was writing down every word, with machine like efficiency. I was thinking to myself this could be rather entertaining; or it could go horribly wrong.
She proceeds to ask Simon what he thought of SIS. Now, although, for the most part, he always seemed to convey respect for the intelligence organisation, he was in a very jolly mood and said something like- Well they have the best PR in the world... The journalist seemed curious to know who this clandestine PR branch could be. And Simon replies: Well… it’s James Bond!
The interview picks up steam. The humorous and increasingly cheeky comments continue. Simon is having fun. It's good-natured and the pleasant journalist is clearly fascinated but then, the questions come my way. Oh no!
I’m asked what are my thoughts, or maybe it was what's my connection to Simon. It's been a long day. No idea where this comes from but my words are- Well.... he's the patron saint of ninjas!
Simon laughs and she repeats what I said slowly, like it’s some official title, as she writes it down. I'd love to get a copy of that book, when it comes out...
Interesting circles...
Simon seemed drawn to people who are also a bit unconventional and carpe diem in mind set, or who also had an adventurous streak. I liked your Highlander chum, he said of our ex 45 Comando friend, acknowledging said friend's similar capacity to head into wild environments.
I think he genuinely liked people. He was kind, especially if he sensed someone was a friend. Also, he could display an empathic quality one might not immediately associate, with someone in his former line of work.
Fairly recently, during a discussion that we seemed to stumble onto, regarding faith, he said he believed in spirit...
He would often openly introduce you to his fascinating circle, which at times, might include a former Director of Special Forces, mining folk, government figures and more colourful security operatives. He was understandably proud about his time, serving in the SAS and would maintain a defence of the realm conviction.
The final RV...
(As I write this last part, I hear bag pipes playing feintly. Their vibrant sound is from somewhere outside. Feels appropriate!)
The times when Simon was especially proud and the sparkle would intensify, was when he talked about his family, especially his children and their own achievements, or paths chosen. His sons and daughters will all, in their own way, carry the best parts of Simon.
There are many more anecdotes I'd liked to have shared and there will, of course, be friends and family who knew Simon far longer than I, who will have many more interesting stories about him.
Now, to quote Homer in The Odyssey: 'There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep...'
I stress this is a tribute piece and, having lost a good friend, it is just that. There are many features that cover his involvement in the Wonga Coup. I believe Simon liked author Mark Hollingsworth's article on this, published in The Telegraph on 7th March 2024.
There were also many key accomplishments and achievements of Simon that perhaps have been placed in the shadow of one costly endeavour…
Observing the reactions to the recent and sudden loss of Simon, from various people who knew him, conveys that Simon inspired many and brought value to many. A gentleman with old school resolve, frontier spirit and very much a military man to the end..
He did say, in that final conversation, on Thursday that he didn't know yet where he was going for his summer holidays. There was even a slight pause, at that point.
Well, Simon...It's the holiday into the unknown that's drawn you in. May it bring rest, peace and perhaps a little adventure...Travel well.
Aran
11 May 2025
About the author
Based in London, Aran Dharmeratnam is the founder of the Tri Tier training system. He specialises in personal safety, often working with high-profile figures and their families. With experience in various areas of the security sector, Aran also works with global security companies, involved in private investigations and strategic intelligence. He’s been deployed on the ground, in numerous cases. Aran’s insights have appeared in The Financial Times, The Spectator, Aviation Security International, and Security Management Today.
For consultations or training contact: office@tri-tier.com