12 Years SAS Sergeant Major: Melvyn Downes

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@richieday3148]

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

[@rhymetimeuk]

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

[@chriswilki1917]

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

[@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🤔

[@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 👌

[@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

[@FleetAdmiral215]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@thenotoriousinstagator4996]

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

[@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

[@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 .

[@aaron1143]

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

[@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.

[@markgibbons2mg]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@2.fresh767]

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

[@outdoorchilled7032]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@alexshiner3299]

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

[@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.

[@NinjaSquirrel30]

Thank you for your service Melvyn 🫡

[@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 🇬🇧👍🏼

[@TrevorCoult_MC]

Loved this chat, he’s a great guy 🙌🏻

[@shaundavenport621]

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

[@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

[@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❤

[@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 🇬🇧👍🏼

[@GaryCatt-m2q]

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

[@gazzalad8901]

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

[@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.

[@Alex-mj5dv]

What. A. Legend. And thoroughly lovely bloke.

[@paulbarber5196]

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

[@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.

[@nathan.365]

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

[@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!

[@simonmartin3433]

MELVYN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

[@judgeshred66]

The dirty book fly swatting had me in stitches 😂

[@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

[@olixz]

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

[@MarkG-su4wd]

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

[@shotokanman1]

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

[@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 🙏

[@MrD1981]

Absolute legend of a bloke 🫡🇬🇧

[@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

[@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

[@devilchild8811]

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

[@brettmaycock4484]

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

[@frasercummings7653]

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

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@garyw5714]

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

[@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 👌

[@andymrkipling]

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

[@darrenspence7812]

Absolute legend and pride of Britain!

[@donlogan6697]

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

[@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.

[@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 👌👏

[@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 👍🏼👍🏼

[@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 !.👍

[@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.

[@phillipgriffiths9624]

What a great interview. Melvyn is a legend!

[@davidbadham3712]

I could listen to Melvyn all day long, what an absolute bloody legend🤙

[@Zodged]

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

[@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

[@dazk55]

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

[@lsgranite1563]

Wow amazing interview. What a legend and hero.

[@craigdughan5418]

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

[@billygnasher]

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

[@rwill50]

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

[@kerriparr615]

Melvyn is absolutely lovely. Loved this one. Thankyou Dodge.

[@seanfolan1730]

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

[@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 🇬🇧

[@thesoundofsleep9356]

Great interview

[@MickyGbop]

What a guy, absolute gentleman and an amazing attitude to life as well. Great podcast guys. 🤝

[@SimSoFast]

Dodge an interview with Christian Craighead would be absolutely amazing Dodge??? Another excellent podcast buddy. Dave in Edinburgh.

[@shirleydrury5565]

Great interview thank you both😊so much enjoyed❤😊❤😊Get Mel back there’s got to be more stories he can tell!! TOPS👍👍

[@danielflannigan223]

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

[@anonymousgentleman1124]

Hey Dodge. Please Interview Lee Morrison from urban combatives. He is a street fighting and Combatives instructor who worked as a doorman in the most roughest Nightclubs. I am sure he has anecdotes which would fascinate the audience. Consider doing it mate Thanks

[@DodgeWoodall]

Thanks for the heads up mate. You gonna contact for him? Good man :-)

[@lukeallen8224]

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

[@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

[@leebro9286]

Thank you for your service Melvyn. A proper man and role model for the misguided youth of today

[@jeannettemacdonald6881]

What a special man he is I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his incredible story thank Dodge x❤️

[@deancurson1345]

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

[@robrichardson5187]

Amazing podcast. Truly brilliant guest. Well done Dodge

[@markjacob2386]

Maximum respect to Mel & you Dodge, very inspirational! 🙏🏼🤍👊🏼

[@JTechWP]

Tensocks 🤣What a lovely guy, fantastic interview, defo one of the best ones and so funny too. Really enjoyed watching this :)

[@adamwillcox522]

Interesting man, fantastic conversation- this is what journalism/ entertainment should be. Absolutely brilliant guys.

[@duncannok]

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

[@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 💪