MELVYN DOWNES SAS | Former 22 SAS Sergeant Major Melvyn Downes

In this episode of The Debrief, former 22 SAS Trooper Big Phil Campion speaks to Melvyn Downes.
A tough childhood in Stoke in the 1960/70's meant Melvyn would have to stand up against bullies from a very young age, even alternating his routes home from school to avoid altercations. Finding his passion for the Armed Forces when he was a small child kept him motivated and out of trouble in his teenage years, rising up the ranks in the Army Cadets before joining junior leaders aged 16. Multiple tours of Northern Ireland & a deployment to the Gulf War later, Melvyn passed SAS Selection in 1994 and served 12 years in D Squadron, alongside our host Phil Campion. Melvyn went on to train UAE Special Forces in the middle east for a number of years, before appearing on Channel 4's 'SAS Who Dares Wins' as a DS. Melvyn is passionate about his hometown of Stoke, and now delivers motivational talks and arranges charitable events with Stoke City FC, to help those that need it.
Melvyn is in the process of writing a book, and has a KZbin Channel that can be found HERE: / @exsasmelvyndownes
Melvyn's Socials:
Instagram: @MelvynDownes
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[@ForceMediaHQ]

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[@truecockney438]

@@ForceMediaHQ consider it done 👍

[@ianjefferys2949]

Salt of the earth... no ego... hard as bloody nails... British through and through... his dad must of been some man and the proudest man on the planet!!

[@Lukas-j1v]

Can not say he is british "through and through" why lie

[@MishMash22]

@@Lukas-j1vof course you’re proud of your service to the dole office 😂😂😂

[@yvonnewalesuk8035]

@@Lukas-j1v Mel referred to himself as a "proud Stokie" from Stoke on Trent, England. That's who he is! Who the hell are YOU to say any different?! Why are YOU lying?! I'd love to see you to tell Mel Downes, face to face, that he's not British "through and through"! This great man served over 40 years in the military for his country. Show some respect!

[@Lukas-j1v]

@@yvonnewalesuk8035 oh I would tell him face to face he is old man. He may have served in the British army fair enough but British he is not. The blood in your veins is what matters and not what you think you are .

[@yvonnewalesuk8035]

@@Lukas-j1v You’d tell him face to face? 😂 Oh sweetheart. I’d love to see the outcome of that, bless you for even thinking about it 😂His mother is English. He has British blood flowing through his veins. British through and through. How about you? Do you get your welfare benefits from the British taxpayer? Is that in-work or out of work benefits?

[@Ell_tell]

I’m a simple man, I see Melvyn Downes being interviewed by big Phil and I click.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Easy decision 👏⚔️

[@richardmacpherson7647]

Think you speak for about 99.9% of people on here

[@ArthurTugwell]

Cringe 🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@jamesroundthebend8495]

Watched it with my 17 year old lad tonight, he usually lasts ten minutes on these podcasts before he's back on the PS4. Not tonight, he did the full 1hr 46mins. Best thing we've seen on KZbin in a long time. Well done lads.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you both, we hope you enjoy some of our other SF pods, SBS & another old school SAS guest coming out next 2 episodes ⚔️🫡

[@Sidney1WG]

Fair play to the lad, and to you also for showing him this. You just never know too, I joined up after seeing the coverage of the Falklands War, maybe something will click with your lad.

[@jamesroundthebend8495]

Cheers pal, he's already in the cadets, but this podcast has got rid of any doubts he had. Cos no one listens to their dad at 17 do they!

[@Sidney1WG]

@@jamesroundthebend8495 Get you belt out mate. 🤣

[@RossNaylor-uq4jp]

​@@Sidney1WGI joined up after hearing some of my family stories about being in the forces my uncle was a search and rescue member for the raf during the Falklands. my grandad was sas in Brunei I think it was, I had another uncle who was an rsm in the military police and my dad was a pti in the durham light infantry .I was a pioneer and my younger brother was in the reme oh I had a great uncle who was part of the air assault brigade that jumped at one of the famous bridge battles.my family have served in almost every conflict since ww1 and I couldn't be prouder it's just a shame us vets get let down so badly by our government when we leave the forces you would think we would get put top of housing lists after sacrificing so much for our countries

[@goodyeoman4534]

Melvyn is a real working class hero and someone for the youth of today to look up to and be inspired by. Thanks for this interview.

[@craiglatham]

Another soldier who needed to join. The best soldier ever

[@andrewmurrell4962]

What a genuine nice guy, i could listen to him speak all day.

[@darrenirvine249]

Cracking show......Melvyn Downes is one of the nicest fellas around,no ego,polite,jovial & no chip on his shoulder.........not brash or a loudmouth,he's been there/done it & OWN'S SEVERAL FUCKING TEE SHIRTS. A PROPER TOUGH GUY. NO SURRENDER MELVYN 🇬🇧🇯🇲

[@leicotter9915]

How this podcast isn’t on the top charts I don’t know. All the episodes are so insightful and a good laugh

[@ForceMediaHQ]

We did make it onto the UK Society & Culture chart last week, but plenty of spaces to make up to get the top spot 🎯 🏆

[@colinstewart1432]

I know. What's not to love. It's brilliant.

[@robbieedwards18]

The last bit of pride I have in my country, comes from blokes like Melvyn and Phil. Real British heroes 🇬🇧

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for sharing 🇬🇧

[@meme4one]

I've been waiting for this interview. Mel is the wo2 and father figure / all round bloke that the British army needs so many more of. Retention - sorted, morale - high, standards - exceptional.

[@kevd3046]

Class show..2 top blokes..Racism wont win..best mate at school in 80s was only black lad in town..was happy to fight his battles everyday..still mates now 40 years later..mint show as always brother 👍

[@billybrand9976]

Now there’s only one White kid in a town

[@NosyFella]

@@billybrand9976 no there isn't you'd have been one of the racist bullies back in the day. Sort it out.

[@kevd3046]

@@NosyFella well said man👍..obviously a bellend😂

[@MishMash22]

It’s people like you represent the best of this country. Thank you 🙏

[@frankezane583]

@@billybrand9976take your crap somewhere else 🤡

[@derekpeacock6428]

Fantastic interview - a genuine bloke and what a character. Life lessons here. Thanks both.

[@mistermister8593]

Two top inspirational blokes. Mel just comes across as a lovely man. He seems like the type of guy who has time for everyone. But at the same time is tough as nails. Another great one Phil. Best podcast channel by far for me. 👍

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for the support, and the kind words 🫡🙏

[@philipmoores5202]

As another Bloke from Stoke, it was great to watch this chat. In the 70’s I used to work with a lad who was ex Staffords, he said that when they were out in the desert their next of kin used to post out supplies of North Staffs Oatcakes to keep up morale.

[@martinsmith6049]

We were sending my brother shampoo bottles with vodka in them. Gw1

[@RAF1998-l3c]

Can’t beat an oatcake, bacon and cheese with tomatoes sauce is my favourite, when I was based at raf akrotiri in Cyprus, my mum sent them over to me, just something that reminded me of home in the potteries.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@De_Profundis_PR]

Two outstanding human beings, who clearly enjoy each other’s company. Refreshing. I can relate to Melvyn’s stories about growing up in Britain in the 60’s and 70’s. I have respect for Melvyn’s ability to focus on positives vs the negatives in life. I am still trying to figure it out. We need more of this today. Kids need strong role models like these blokes.

[@DandlPacking]

Thank god we have lads like that guarding us they are the bestand quite mad laighing at near death experiences thank you and god bless

[@ALANL4460]

Mel is one of my favourite interviewees, such a down to earth guy and so modest about all hes achieved. Hes got a way about him where I could listen to him all day long

[@kyleconnell7186]

Full REpsect to you Mr. Downes! Greerings form Germany and a veteran Sapper, who grew up on Ska thanks to my elder brothers. I salute you!

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for watching Kyle!👍🏻

[@dobbsa]

I’ll be buying Melvyn’s book that’s for sure. No ego, tough as nails, exudes positivity, working class and has served our country with distinction. I could listen to him all day. Thank you

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks so much for your support!

[@colrobertson]

Best interview yet for me to watch. What a great guy Melvyn is. My only issue is I start watching the interviews too late. It's now 0100 and I have work tomorrow.

[@1385RS]

Melvyn is inspirational … what a man!

[@JohnAdams-vb9yv]

Great interview from you both , Hopefully more people will appreciate what the Military is all about after seeing and listening to these great ambassadors , like Melvyn I was born in a council estate in 64 just up the road from him , went in the army at 16 , JLR RAC did 9 years came out had a career in the staffs Fire Service , the Army was the making of me . Great to hear you both go at it ….

[@melvynjennings]

I love this man, A Stokie myself and we also share a first name! What a bloke. One of the best to come out of Stoke.

[@stewkelsall]

ForceRadioHQ Really enjoyed this podcast. Thank you gentlemen for your service to the country, you’re both the people we should all aspire to be. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for listening🫡

[@ChristopherMackenzie-x2w]

What a humble Man Melvyn is, I really enjoyed that, it must have been a pleasure to serve alongside Melvyn, you can tell (by his eyes) that he’s got it (killer) but then you can see he is a genuine kind man at the same time.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@adamwillcox522]

What a treat to listen too, thank you both for your service & to Phill and team for the Pod!

[@michaelward5240]

If I had the opportunity to sit next to Melvin on a train I wouldn’t want the journey to end I would have so many questions, he is so much more than a soldier he is a fascinating person with so much to give, and we are both from Staffs

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisoregan]

Creepy pyh

[@Finny14754]

I remember the 303 😆. I was about 4” 10’ and the rifle was bigger than me 😆. Cadets in the village hall , great memories. 50p at the tuck shop .

[@jonathanperry4189]

Another great listen.... I like how guests allowed to talk freely uninterrupted. Top marks ✅

[@Bacrenfencing]

Best interview I've seen in ages, great chemistry between two old mates with a hell of a lot in common. Mel and Phil - two of the nicest lads you'll ever meet. Well done on this one Big Phil !

[@Paul-D]

Love watching these, find myself fascinated by the fact you've got 2 absolutely sound and respectable people that also have seen and done the toughest most bad ass shit normal people could possibly imagine. Passing the test of life that we all have is quite something, throw in exceeding in the special forces its just unreal.

[@neil5006]

Looking forward to Mel’s book. He comes across as a great guy. Really enjoyed it Phil 👍

[@markstevenson7884]

Cracking character that Lad… Infectious humour. Great pod Phil

[@shanejacobs3280]

What a lovely humble man melvyn is , I loved this Interview some great story's from his life . Well done Phil good interview.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@geordie8994]

Wow. This is the second interview I have watched on this channel. Awesome. What a genuine lovely bloke. Keep up the good work fellas.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for checking out our channel! We're glad you're enjoying the interviews. We have more great content coming your way!

[@TheExsoldier1]

Phil you are one of the best interviewer's out there. Always give the interviewee the ability to give the story which is always an incredible one!!

[@ForceMediaHQ]

I have passed this onto the big fella. Thank you for your support ⚔️

[@JamesHartnell]

Great interview Phil, fab to see and hear from Melvyn. Thanks for posting up. Also, spent 13 years in the UAE, similar stuff, all sounds very familiar - an exit strategy is the first thing you sort out.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinotoole2285]

I’ve always been intrigued by the SAS as an American anytime I speak to my friends that have entered SOF which is 3 kids I grew up surfing with they always say the best training experience they have is with the 22 SAS

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@Ruggers75]

Another great interview, reckon this could have gone on for hours. Good Luck Melvin in your future endeavours!

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Part 2 anyone????

[@Ruggers75]

Deffo, great if we could here tales of the stuff they did together

[@imhotepbrooks3155]

I don't normally comment on videos but this was great. and as an American(Black) this is inspirational. Kudos to you two!!!

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you so much!

[@barryhamilton7845]

When big Phil says to Mel that he was one of the blokes, he looked up to in the squadron, says a lot about Mel. Especially the amount of people that look upto Phil. The real O.Gs.🇬🇧

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Well said! 👏🏻

[@WalkTalkBrew]

Great interview, Mel chatting about the column of smashed vehicles leaving Kuwait city brought back some memories. The smell and sight of driving through that is something that will stay with me forever.

[@robbo2919]

Probably the best military podcast I’ve heard such a nice down to earth bloke

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Wow, Thank you for your support

[@Jimjam2479]

We(3 royal anglian) advance party spent some time with the Staffords at BATUS 1988. They were finishing their battlegroup tour.....a great bunch of lads they were the staffs ❤

[@truecockney438]

It’s been a pleasure to listen to Melvyn and his service to our great country his family must be very proud of him 👏🇬🇧

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for watching🙌🏻

[@stracks89]

So good to see Melvyn getting recognised for his career, a career often kept in the dark and forgotten about. Top man he is. Met him at the football he is so humble considering what he has achieved.

[@Testchannels-z8j]

This was brilliant. Two genuine, humble and intelligent gentlemen.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you so much for the support🙌🏻

[@AndyLouis2506]

Just returned from Krakow Poland after a short break, met Melvyn in the hotel, the two of us sat chatting for about three hours. This man is just the bloke next door, no ‘look at me’ but a very humble man. Next morning at breakfast sat on opposite tables and the conversation was about growing up, rolling masses snow balls as a kid, as you rolled it, you put you hand in dog💩, wiped it and carried on 🤣🤣. Oh ye and the Sunday Bath for School on Monday. Lovely Lovey person

[@RAF1998-l3c]

Melvyn is one of the best from the potteries, and makes me proud to be a fellow stokie, I came from a council estate in Stoke and joined the military

[@justinneill5003]

How can anyone not be impressed by these guys, after the extremes & wild experiences they’ve been through, they are still so down to earth, humble and human. Where I live there are a few retired ex SAS soldiers, they are all pleasant and genuine. I suppose when you have been near the edge so often, you learn to appreciate the simplest aspects of life itself, including interactions with others, and you’re not going to be influenced by idiots because they’ve seen and done nothing compared to yourself.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for the support brother🙌🏻

[@lewischarles9450]

A night on the beer with these two, would be epic. Brilliant thanks for what you did and continue to do.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks so much for your support!

[@patdennison4508]

Got the Notification, saw it was Phil's, then that was the end of my working day 😂. Sat down, coffee in hand, then saw it was Malvyn, what a bonuse! Fantastic interview! What an amazing life. You can just tell he is so experienced and how Professional he is. What amazing People our SF are and I am very proud that we have these guys on our side. Thank you for your videos. Massive respect! P.s. I would love to hear about the first time you guys met.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Elite mindset in everything he does! Jealous that your work day ends with Phil, ours begins when he walks in! 😂⚔️

[@patdennison4508]

@@ForceMediaHQ 😂🤣

[@elexelectronics4969]

City’s are different now and won’t find much racism but I’m 24 and grow up in Somerset only mixed race kid in my town growing up and a definitely got it. Good to see someone like Mel tho representing working class black/mixed British

[@wasp3959]

Yeah all my family are from London and never saw racism.. but my sister moved down to Chichester and I saw my nephew's get a load of racist abuse. One time my nephew when he was about 7 years old was beaten up on the beach by a couple of local teenage lads with sticks and calling him the N word... So my Dad lent me and my brother his van and then we went down there and bundled them into the back of the van and sorted em out for a couple of hours. My nephew never got any trouble after that 😂

[@frankezane583]

@@wasp3959excellent ! We had a similar problem in Birmingham in the 80’s. My school was racist AF, some younger black boys were getting it bad from older white boys. One day after school their big brothers came down, all the racist got pointed out one by one and re-educated ( only the racist mind you). Things got better after that. Any racist, whatever creed is a scum bag

[@TheIvanMilky]

Just watched Mel and Phil's interviews on the Team house in the last 7 days so this is perfect timing lol

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for the support, we’ve shared some excellent guests with the guys over at Team House 🎥⚔️

[@Orlok1970]

I've never heard of Melvin before. Great back story. Great career and great role model. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching, Robert!

[@Orlok1970]

@@ForceMediaHQ just a thought...I've never seen or read of Gurkhas joining the British SOF. They must be eligible for applying for selection too, surely? Would have thought some of them would be ideal. Could you clarify for please? Ta

[@TB-nh4dg]

Great conversation listening to Melvyn’s journey, as it happens the unit I was serving with picked up the Staffords Belfast tour in 90/91 when they were pinged for the Gulf. All the best lads

[@alfajobrob]

What an absolute gentleman. I think everyone could learn something from Mr Melvyn Downes!

[@timmarshall7903]

What a fine interview. Thank you! 2 of the bravest, toughest men the UK can produce. Melvyn is a wonderful man.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching 😎

[@RobinHullBuilds]

Loved watching this and hearing Mr Downes stories. A bloody good bloke who, for me, epitomises everything that makes non-military types like me proud of the men and women who selfishly serve our nation. My mate at school must’ve served in the same mob at the same time as Mel. I really don’t know much about his career other than I saw him when he was in 2 Para and a little later when he was now living in Hereford. I heard from him a couple of years ago. Now retired he’d earned an MBE and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Not bad for a comprehensive school kid.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching

[@Sean-ws9je]

Both Of These Men Deserve Respect❤❤❤❤

[@samrodian919]

A fascinating interview of Mal, thank you! An inspirational man.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Keenansimo]

Top guy Melvyn is proper inspiration I’ve been waiting for this one 👍🏽

[@ForceMediaHQ]

It’s worth the wait… ⚔️

[@rhymetimeuk]

Another blinder, thank you both for taking the time, and for your service. Excellent interview!

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DoggyReal2]

Refreshing to listen to men from my generation. Inspiring and decent, like it used to be. Subscribing from America.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for the support 💪🏼

[@leeennis9177]

Loved this guys. Many memories of the staffs during GW1. Part of 7 armoured. Loved my time training as a battle group with the armoured infantry guys. Still preferred tanks over warriors.

[@samrodian919]

A very interesting interview with Melvyn Downs. An inspirational man. And as far as I know the Army Cadets have their own .223" Single shot copy of the SA80 which has a cocking lever on the left of the weapon. I had a couple of shots with one on the ranges at Purfleet back in the 90's.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bripolar8124]

It's been upgraded to semi auto now

[@unklefrank319]

God this is fantastic 👌 I could listen to Melvyn and Phil for hours absolute legends the best of the best 🇬🇧 what characters.👌

[@WestCoastBritish]

Awesome. My Grandad, Mum's dad, was British Army between the wars, Sgt Maj and had detachment of Gurkhas in Rawalpindi 1920s

[@ForceMediaHQ]

👏🏻

[@Johnstone72]

Tough stuff from a really nice bloke. Always good watch with big Phil and His guests. Wishing both Gentleman the very best of British for the next year and beyond.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for your kind words and support🙌🏻

[@panelman64]

What a thoroughly enjoyable podcast that was, one of the best I have ever listened too. what an interesting humble guy.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for watching 😁

[@ivanisrael4442]

I am a resident of Gibraltar and I remember the Staffords well. Who knew. Thank you for your service. SAS are made of something special. You are welcome to visit us anytime. Congratulations on the interview.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching

[@aaronclayton6184]

One of the best podcasts I've listened to 👌 two great blokes. A few great points I've took away from that for life as well. Especially the ones about classlesness and integrity in the SAS. Keep em coming big lad

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Wow! Thank you for watching 😁

[@redskyatnight123]

What an absalute salt of the earth genuine bloke .good stuff , enjoyed phill and crew

[@deandunbar5159]

What a great chat really enjoyed another one Big phil Thank you...👍🤝🫶

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jake-Rides]

One of the best SF related podcast ive seen. Just raw, honest and inspiring! Melv and phil BZ’s!

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Wow, thank you!

[@siliconjim2554]

I sat through an hour and three quarters without blinking. What an excellent and captivating interview.

[@mattwestby1169]

What a nice down to earth bloke Melvyn Downes is, spoke nothing but the truth and common sense 👍🫶 looking forward to his book coming out. Thanks for your service men 🫡🇬🇧🍻

[@CptnChris22]

Melvyn your a Top soldier. Thank you fella.👍🇬🇧

[@trident1314]

Knocking them out the park Phil another awesome interview...melvyn is such a down to earth bloke.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for your support ⚔️⚔️

[@erniebongo]

What a fantastic couple of blokes ..Big Phil and Melvyn .Awesome.

[@ivanbreese-ex4nj]

What a fantastic watch, thank you both very much much inspirational, Sir you should be going to talk to schools and teaching them about real life, Thank you

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@thesoundproofer1077]

Really loved this interview. So much respect for these two, Melvin is the greatest role model to everyone young and old. You can't help but love the guy AND he's the nicest guy ever...yet he's also an absolute warrior!!!! People get called 'legends' when they unexpectedly come home with crisps!?...nah...THIS is what a true legend is.

[@ARTSPRAYUK]

My Grandfather was commando then SAS, served under Major Roy Faron. He joined up in 1934 at age 14 to provide for his widowed mother and siblings. He came from Aston Birmingham. William (Billy) Lavill.

[@phillhodges5237]

This show just gets better and better, another awesome guest and interview

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for your support ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

[@TheSgtFruitcake]

Absolutely loved this chat. Cracking bloke from stoke👊👊😎

[@ForceMediaHQ]

😘

[@murrayeldred3563]

Worked on and off in the Middle East since 1984= MELVYN is spot on with his comments.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for watching

[@alexshiner3299]

Showed my dad this interview, then went on to tell me that he knew him from his days of serving in the Staffords, great interview by the way, love all these interviews!!!

[@TheUnforgivenVeteran]

Absolutely glued from start to finish, this interview resinated with me so much, total legend!

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks so much for watching! 😁

[@captainrmp]

It’s people like Mel and Phil who should really be running the country. Worked hard, know how to get things done and make a difference. Well done gentlemen.

[@MrSamuelatkinson1]

I really enjoyed watching this. Thank you Melvyn and Phil.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@steadytube]

Mel is an absolute ledge!!! great interview.

[@Sir-Kenbarlow-GCSE-KFC-BAR]

Have to say Phil, really enjoy your mannerism and ability to let your guests speak, great guests , the likes of Mel and Tom recently, they are great ambassadors, offering real pragmatic advice for young people.

[@OnlyForcesYT]

Splendid Friday of travelling with this podcast in the headphones 🙌🔥

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Good drills brother, Spotify pinned link incoming…

[@carlingram9722]

What a great guy Melvyn is,you wouldn't think he's a trained killer,most guys would want a mate like him salt of the earth and genuine,great interview that phil👌

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thanks for watching

[@MarkG-su4wd]

Phil, great stuff. What a fantastic guest. So much to learn from him. Wish you both the very best.

[@BentleyOnABudget-mp8jj]

Army cadets was the making of me. When you were on about the Lee Enfield I remembered feeling like that, remembered Otterburn, Strensall etc, route marches and camping. I couldn't get toecap boots so I had to get grained work boots and spooned the caps flat over weeks. Learntbto sew, iron, make a bed box. Follow orders without question and look after my kit. Proudest day of my young life was when I got my uniform complete with puttees. What I learnt then has made me a more useful man for the rest of my life.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Nice one! Thanks for watching!

[@bazabaz21]

All you guys make me so proud, I went to the army careers office in 1982 at 17 years old but had no idea what I wanted to do, they told me to join the TA for 12 months to get a better idea so I did that, but I was talked out of joining the regs by my mum who's friend was from Ireland and made my old dear believe the moment I got there I'd be killed, then 1 thing led to another and unfortunately my hopes and ambitions of joining went down the lav, my only real regret in life was I didn't follow my own dreams. Stay happy and be proud lads.

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for your support

[@RansomeDavis]

you couldnt get someone that has lived maybe a more extreme life and yet its like meeting the nicest cartaker that could kill you with a tea spoon while putting on a tie. a 51 yr old council estate boy here great to see you boys and be reminded why we have the best SF in the world . kier starmer could do with getting a reality check in humility and common sense by spending time with you two. great stuff.

[@ranger8575]

Just listened to the interview over a couple of days and what a listen it was by two of the nations finest 🇬🇧

[@jasonsmith6508]

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this incredible man. Thank you 🙏

[@ForceMediaHQ]

Thank you for your support, Jason!