12 Years SAS Sergeant Major: Melvyn Downes

Melvyn Downes is an Ex-SAS Commander who’s been involved with the SAS for the last 40 Years. Melvyn talks in detail about some of the most dangerous tours he’s been on, Hilarious SAS pranks and protecting life in some of the worlds most hostile environments.
This is the Eventful Life of Mr Melvyn Downes
The Eventful Lives Podcast 👉 www.PodFollow....
Chapters:
05:00 - Peak Physical Fitness in the SAS
07:00 - National Front Racism
14:00 - Junior Rankings & Basic Training
23:00 - Camouflage & Stag Sentry Duty
26:00 - Northern Ireland Terrorists
32:00 - Persons Indicted For War Crimes
36:00 - 1990 First Gulf War
44:00 - SAS Strategy & Changing the World
51:00 - SAS Camaraderie
57:00 - Secure Green Zone with the Press
1:00:00 - Saddam Hussein
1:02:00 - Exposing Iraq & Afghan MISTAKE
1:08:00 - Training Interrogators
1:09:00 - NAKED INTERROGATION
1:16:00 - SAS in Desert & Jungle
1:19:00 - SAS Who Dares Wins
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📸 Instagram: / dodge.woodall
🎵 TikTok: / dodgewoodall
📱 Twitter: / dodgewoodall
📲 Facebook: / dodgerwoodall
You can also listen & download full Podcasts at the link below
www.PodFollow....

[@DodgeWoodall]

Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts www.PodFollow.com/DodgeWoodall Chapters: 05:00 - Peak Physical Fitness in the SAS 07:00 - National Front Racism 14:00 - Junior Rankings & Basic Training 23:00 - Camouflage & Stag Sentry Duty 26:00 - Northern Ireland Terrorists 32:00 - Persons Indicted For War Crimes 36:00 - 1990 First Gulf War 44:00 - SAS Strategy & Changing the World 51:00 - SAS Camaraderie 57:00 - Secure Green Zone with the Press 1:00:00 - Saddam Hussein 1:02:00 - Exposing Iraq & Afghan MISTAKE 1:08:00 - Training Interrogators 1:09:00 - NAKED INTERROGATION 1:16:00 - SAS in Desert & Jungle 1:19:00 - SAS Who Dares Wins

[@kdownes7496]

@@DodgeWoodall love your podcasts you actually let people talk and ask good questions

[@goodyeoman4534]

Melvyn is the type of bloke our youngsters should be looking up to due to his qualities of courage, determination, kindness and humility. A real warrior. Thanks for this, I really enjoyed it.

[@billygnasher]

Well said mate ex veteran 😊

[@Mathew-z6u]

I watch alot of these kind of special forces interviews and most are great but this guy has done more than most of them but wow what a humble level headed guy you'd talk to him at the bar and wouldn't expect anything! What a gent (am also a veteran)

[@goodyeoman4534]

@@billygnasher Nice one, Billy. Kind regards mate.

[@markgriffiths7462]

Well said mate. They don't make them like him anymore. Top human being in my book.

[@InfoGretton]

Great comment!! 100% agree

[@jacksmalling4265]

Dodge, only half way through this but what an episode already. What a great man, a patriot and hero in the true meaning of the words.

[@kennethhackett-f5n]

I've known this bloke for many years. Consider him a special mate. So humble after what he's achieved. Kind ,always helping folk. Done loads for charity. Can't say more.

[@kevd3046]

Best mate from 8 years old was the only black lad in school and would fight for him atleast once a week after school against bullies..not coz he was black because he was my best mate..im 50 in 2 weeks time and we are still mates..👍

[@DodgeWoodall]

Love this Kev 💪🏼🤩

[@kevd3046]

@@DodgeWoodall ..what mates de mate..another mint show man✌️

[@hod2116]

How was 40 years in sas if he only 50

[@Dazob66]

Listen to interview born in 64 do math.....60 not 50

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

@@hod2116 Duh

[@angus4449]

What an amazing man, how to overcome adversity, racism and grow as a person. So proud of him. Thank You for your service, an inspiration.

[@thenotoriousinstagator4996]

This man is a national treasure fittest man in the sas what an accolade melvin you are a star. Respect to you sir

[@hsons4935]

Honestly this man is the best our nation has to offer absolute legend!!!!!!

[@Broski2322]

David goggins better go jogging because our Melvin!❤

[@markl1617]

Amen

[@stephenjon3502]

If you bumped into Melvyn in the street you’d never know he was UKSF which is the way it should be, unlike some “celebrities” that are in the media at every opportunity. Comes across super humble - top man.

[@AndyLouis2506]

Just met Melvyn on a short holiday to Krakow, Poland. Two of us sat having a couple of beers chatting. This man is a true gent, chatted about his military career. If you didn’t know who he was, you would think he was just your next door neighbour. Oh but one thing, Melvyn you defo owe me a Pint

[@mistermister8593]

It amazes me every time how positive Mel is. He must of had a bad time as a kid but always picks the positives from it. Lovely guy

[@caincotterill5493]

I too served in Bosnia and agree about it. Never met this bloke, sounds so genuine, can imagine he was quality if you were on his side, a nightmare if you weren’t. Love the positivity from his childhood adversities, that’s a real person, not the ones that blame their futures and limitations on their perceptions of theirs and others pasts. This was a pleasure and a journey that got tied up perfectly. If this guys got ya, you’ll be alright🫡🇬🇧 I remember very clearly my first time on the London underground at midnight, on the way to basic training. The scary thing is what he said about Bosnia is how communities, neighbours a friends turn into monsters and do horrendous things to each other when they divide into their ‘own religion’ ‘own kinsman’ etc etc. that’s the thing that has always stuck with me, and now we have people here with many different callings and loyalties🤔

[@rhymetimeuk]

Proper leader, first out the door, no wonder he was well respected. absolute legend, thanks gents, really great stuff!

[@richieday3148]

Cracking!!! Mel is the sort of bloke you meet once in a pub and you never forget him.

[@chriswilki1917]

I can't get over how down to earth and nice this man is. Respect to you sir, I real man and gentleman ☺️👍

[@TheCheshireWanderer]

I got to 9 minutes in and already had to comment. This is the type of guy we need more of within our country and ive not even got to his SAS stories. What a guy 🇬🇧 now to watch the rest.

[@Celticrambler]

I follow Melvyn on most socials and he's a top bloke. Even replies to messages himself most of the time when he can. Which is a touch in itself 💙. The man's a legend and a hero. Keep doing what your doing pâl 👌

[@garrybartlett6853]

Such an interesting interview... Melvyn has lived such an interesting life, survived, thrived and lived to instruct the next generation... Thank you for your service...

[@sheapyfpv8224]

What a genuine top bloke who has seen some absolute atrociousitys but comes across as someone who is full of life with no resentments

[@FleetAdmiral215]

A man with integrity, We can never thank enough Bravery on this scale , All Veterans are Heroes !! Great Video Dodge

[@TM240x]

Mel … what a legend . Proper humble bloke … from Stoke .

[@simonostinelli187]

He's definitely not broke and he's 100% good folk I don't think he's someone who would do coke and he absolutely ain't woke completely agree what a bloke hahahaha your shit rhymed so I kept it going, agree with your comment mate all the best love from London and Dublin X

[@Napoloen08]

@@simonostinelli187great paragraph mate haha

[@simonostinelli187]

@@Napoloen08 I can do joined up writing as well , I'm special, ask my mum lol, but she seems to say special needs!!!! What's that about!!!! I'm messing thank you mate X x

[@globalrezzanate9399]

The essence of the peoples spirit of Stoke/Staffs. Make the best of everything, be the best version of you, that can possibly be and always have a good laugh. Props to Melv and the people of Stoke!

[@mikejock18familyx34]

Think your mans just changed my life in one video absolute legend most positive guy heard in a very long time👍

[@2.fresh767]

After everything he’s been through & seen the horrors of war he’s so happy and has such an uplifting spirit

[@stuartsloan6526]

I salute you, sir, and you sound like a normal down to earth bloke yet you are the definition of the words legend and hero... from belfast northern ireland

[@NinjaSquirrel30]

Thank you for your service Melvyn 🫡

[@markellis5154]

Really enjoyed that Dodge , brilliant work ! I Remember Melv when I was a Young Soldier ( Gulf, N.I.) and always follow his stuff and support his charity work nowadays.. Amazing man .

[@markgibbons2mg]

Great interview, Melvyn is true hero, very humble man, having to overcome all the adversity and still give his country 110%

[@aaron1143]

Fantastic conversation with a top man. We are lucky to have people like Melvyn in our country. 🇬🇧🇬🇧 Great episode Dodge.

[@Ghost-of-a-man]

Seen a couple of podcasts and interviews with Melvyn and he always comes across as an absolute diamond of a bloke. But this was definitely the best one. You get the best out of people Dodge.

[@shaundavenport621]

I remremember Lindsay Bruce saying this was the guy in the Regiment that he aspired to be like!High praise indeed! 👏

[@JojoArsenal]

This is the man who should be going to schools and showing the younger generation what can be achieved regardless of what background you come from an absolute hero

[@simodthebod4256]

I don’t know why, but this comment made me well up. Spot on!

[@johnhunt6557]

Absolutely loved this one Dodge! What a guy. We’re lucky to have had him served. Always astounds me why we can’t use these people in coaching army roles when they’ve exited live service. So much experience to pass on and a terrific chap.

[@alexshiner3299]

My Dad and uncle served with Mel in the Staffs, they always speak very highly of him

[@RUTHLESS243]

Met mel in a pub in stoke What surprised me was the strength and power in his hand shake Pleasure to meet such a man.

[@darrenirvine249]

Melvyn Downes is an absolute gentleman........like the majority of us he came from nothing,a working class lad with REAL VALUES & MANNERS............Mel to me is the epitome of "fear the quietest/nicest man in the room".......no falseness,no fireworks,no ego........it isn't needed. 🇬🇧

[@swirvin_625]

This just goes to show you that there are elite level soldiers from regular infantry units. Big Melv was and IS a machine by the sounds of it. Great podcast!

[@PaulsimonMorgan-dv6is]

One of the nicest guys I have ever heard spoken about the military service congratulations God Bless you 🙏 Melvin

[@outdoorchilled7032]

Thank you for your service Mr. S.M. Downes! Amazing podcast and life story ❤ From Barcelona 🇪🇦🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@pp6161]

What a decent bloke. Thanks for serving this country Melvyn. Praying for you!

[@MrD1981]

Absolute legend of a bloke 🫡🇬🇧

[@paulbarber5196]

That when far too quickly, can't wait for part 2. What a top man Mel is.

[@judgeshred66]

The dirty book fly swatting had me in stitches 😂

[@Alex-mj5dv]

What. A. Legend. And thoroughly lovely bloke.

[@darrenspence7812]

Absolute legend and pride of Britain!

[@TrevorCoult_MC]

Loved this chat, he’s a great guy 🙌🏻

[@andrewmaider2293]

Their is till hope for us when we have human beings like mel. What an example we should all learn from. Respect mate

[@GaryCatt-m2q]

What an amazing guy!! Brilliant’ what an eventful life 👊🏻 Nice one Dodge 👌🏻

[@gavinthurston1239]

The most impressive interviewee you've had Dodge. What a truly top fella and role model. Loved the humour, frankness, honesty, and genuine recounting of Melvyn's stories. Loved the extra bit at the end too...Thanks for putting this together and posting.

[@DodgeWoodall]

Glad you enjoyed it Gavin and Mel is one of life’s good guys 🇬🇧👍🏼

[@johndenholm7702]

Elite human mate..my uncle bill denholm was a para commando onto 22 SAS..spoke to a couple of welsh lads who were on selection in the bahrain desert..dont know if you met bill in the sas melvyn..he done missions global..with big mack..and many more..elite humans..respect from fife ..scotland

[@davidb8539]

"That's our Union Jack, don't let the far left take it or the far right take it" - We need a prime minister like this, I'd vote for Melvyn

[@DodgeWoodall]

Melvyn for Prime Minister 🇬🇧 I’ve just screenshotted it and sent it to him 👍🏼👍🏼

[@davidb8539]

@@DodgeWoodall cheers Dodge - keep up the great work, love your channel

[@rm9719]

Absolutely! It's not about "Left'or 'Right', it's about just doing the right thing. What a great, humble man.

[@TheCheshireWanderer]

He'd get my vote 🇬🇧

[@Suewilliams439]

What a lovely man Melvyn is, so down to earth. Lot of respect for him and all our service people. Thanks for this show❤

[@Bacrenfencing]

Not much you can say about Mel apart from he's an absolute Gent. Every time I see him interviewed, he makes me smile. Great interview Dodge !

[@DodgeWoodall]

Totally agree! He’s a wonderful human being and role model 🇬🇧👍🏼

[@simonmartin3433]

MELVYN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

[@gazzalad8901]

Definitely one of stoke on trents finest....met him at a stoke match recently very nice man

[@user-un6de5fo6i]

Would love a part 2 what a man Melvyn is love his outlook on everything, thank you to the both of you for this it was put together really well. No one does podcasting like you do dodge keep it up mate.

[@DodgeWoodall]

Thankyou 🙏

[@nathan.365]

Imagine having a role model like Melvyn in your life. What an incredible man. Thanks guys

[@robertf7842]

My Mum is Irish and made many friends from the black community. It was a natural progression for the Irish and Jamaicans. Not that long ago

[@donlogan6697]

Another great podcast Dodge. Mel is a hero, what an incredible person he is.

[@johndenholm7702]

My uncle william denholm..played football for the hereford sas team..other soldiers have told me..that wullies team were a ruthless bunch..on the field..legends..black angels..SAS

[@andymrkipling]

Haven't started watchning but all of the content I've watched collates to this man being an absolute hero.

[@leetheredlion]

Thanks for this one Dodge. Melvyn seems like a great bloke, exactly the sort of guy you’d want with you in a pinch. Even in a normal life situation. Great listen this one.

[@wayneking-n9n]

I’ve listened to so many of your pods. Listened to this twice now once on my phone this morning on the tube and now watched on KZbin. Thanks for this great episode.

[@MarkG-su4wd]

Mervyn, thank you for all you have done for this country. Real honour. Wish you and your Family the best going forward.

[@devilchild8811]

It's video footage of this battle in Iraq in 91 that convinced me to join the Staffordshire regiment in 02.

[@phillipgriffiths9624]

What a great interview. Melvyn is a legend!

[@ROFPR7]

I’m just so happy that I have watched this If possible please tell Mel he is so incredibly inspiring and I am very proud to have him on my side ❤

[@olixz]

15 miles in the morning before the podcast and a few beers the night before at 59 😂 What a legend.

[@jackgreen3466]

The 10 minutes chat et the end of this podcast is priceless dodge just seeing you as talking as a mate

[@frasercummings7653]

Brilliant conversation & really liked the behind the scenes end as well!

[@Mancspark]

Just watched this, wow what a stand up bloke Melvyn is, could listen to him all day long. Great content once again dodge, also enjoyed the little segment at the end when you was dicussing it over. Thank you for your service Melvyn, absolute legend.

[@shotokanman1]

What a nice guy and a great watch, shows that the nicest of people are not weak, but humble heros

[@PaulGilbert-hm1ie]

Fantastic podcast this. Love how easy you make it for your guests to speak. And Melvyn is amazing. What a life he's had and a what a man.

[@deancurson1345]

Thankyou for your service sir. May the heavens watch over you keeping you safe and protected always.

[@brettmansfield4046]

For anyone who has ever served it is very obvious from listening to this soldiers positivity and energy for just 5 mins that it would have been an absolute pleasure to serve alongside or under this warriors command. Im sure Melv is a living legend not only within his parent unit but also the whole SF community.

[@brettmaycock4484]

Great podcast Dodge, Melvyn is a great bloke. Look forward not back 👍

[@johnnyboy-pb6zw]

Dodge, amazing interview and i thought you was amazingly respectful of your guest. Will certainly be listening to all you podcasts when i'm at work marking out sports pitches. Thankyou 👌

[@garyw5714]

Saw Melvyn at a Q and A recently - what a proper down to earth guy . Thank you

[@craigdughan5418]

Could listen to this guy talk all day. What a story & what a guy!! Class act Mel 🫡

[@lsgranite1563]

Wow amazing interview. What a legend and hero.

[@paulrutherford2635]

Dodge you nailed it again bro! What an interview “ It’s like being taken right in the moment with Melvyn!. Who should I say is a true inspiration to the youth of today. Fucking proper man’s man !.👍

[@Zodged]

What a thoroughly lovely guy. Really enjoyed this one. A really nice chat fellas 💙💙

[@Sourtastes]

He would’ve been great on SAS who dares wins as a DS. This man must’ve inspired 1k’s of people in his life so far

[@dazk55]

another quality interview Dodge with a great character Mr Jumeirah Jogger himself, nice one Melvyn

[@lukeallen8224]

Another fantastic podcast Dodge! Mel… what a bloke! Respect. 🫡 🇬🇧

[@mikekelly9512]

I always watch your podcasts and realized I wasn’t subscribed but soon as you mentioned subscribing after watching Mels podcast I was fixated listening to him and so glad you spoke to him at the end and told him what I wanted to tell him. I don’t think you can beat that sorry Dodge😂😂👍🏼

[@DodgeWoodall]

Welcome on board Mike 👍🏼👍🏼

[@viliusgudirgis80]

I just wanted to say as a new follower of your podcast, I love your content, wide range of incredible guests on your podcast, you are a genuine person, you always have perfect questions prepared for your guests and I got to say that you also improved as a podcaster/interviewer comparing to I assume your first SAS guest Jay Morton which is by the way one of my best 1h11min spent on Spotify.. lots of content still to watch here, buzzing for that! Well done mate! And keep it going 💪

[@rwill50]

The extra bit at the end was brilliant. Another fantastic episode, another fantastic guest 😊

[@Ash-c8q]

Thankyou dodge for the podcasts I listen to everyone one of them! soon as I get alerted.its like an hour or 2 of therapy I think this was the best podcast I’ve watched,I never knew much about sas and sbs but I love hearing about it I didn’t think we would be able to top staz podcast but this was top! 👊 keep smashing it dodge

[@DodgeWoodall]

Good man Ash 👍🏼👍🏼

[@michaelkeeling3756]

Another winner Dodge 👏🏻

[@huchotaimen]

If I was together with Mr. Downes walking into hell would be a walk in the park. Such a confident, simple, down to Earth person. Unreal. What a great podcast 👌👏

[@ForeverEarthFootage]

What a great man. These are the people we should be looking up to and taking advice from to make our country great agsin. Full of compassion & good energy, what a guy

[@22punkpirate]

Always top quality. Top blokes!

[@Mod-rw9cw]

This everyone is what a real man and a hero is. SGT MJR in the SAS . Respect.

[@seanfolan1730]

Fantastic insight Melvyn is a top class bloke and what a fantastic interview he gave no good luck to him cheers dodge

[@billygnasher]

Simply the Best Interview of them all Dodge Thanks Billy ExVeteran. 😊

[@duncannok]

A few beers and the Pull up a sand bag Podcast is born 😉💥

[@danielflannigan223]

Brilliant , see we do have nice people from Stoke. Enjoyed this. Lovely chap.

[@nataliebennett8958]

Commenting off my girlfriend's account This is probably the second best SáS podcast I've watched Best podcast I watches is Christian Craighead You need to get him on 🤛Anyway dodge keep up the good work🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇮🇪✊️👍👊 If melvyn reads this thank you for your service ,,,,,

[@daftymcnumpty8198]

Another great episode Dodge. Please, please, please get Melvyn and Phill on together that would be so awesome 😄

[@DodgeWoodall]

Leave with me mate 🍺🍺🍺

[@daftymcnumpty8198]

@@DodgeWoodall I'll be getting some beers in for it 😀🍺🍺🍺

[@BazG-qz2rs]

@@DodgeWoodall il get the beers in