I was a sapper and I recall a conversation with a SAS member attached to us, he was taffy, this was back in 1967, building an airstrip on the cliffs at Barry Budden, nr carnoustie golf course. He said he wanted to be a helicopter pilot, it was his dream. Years later after leaving the service, I took my family to the museum in Chatham, 1985 I read an old copy of the Sapper. The front cover was " Helicopter Pilot dies in crash" it was Taffy. It was a dream realised and he enjoyed every minute in the SAS . God bless Taffy. Reg still thinks of his fellow sappers. If you recall any nostalgia from those days, drop us a single line comment in reply.
A great interview of an officer/soldier, previously an unknown hero. Thank you! My Uncle went from a private to a senior officer, Para to SAS. Another of our military unknown heroes.
Respect to you and your uncle the only good officers are ones who worked their way through the ranks they don't demand respect but expect it your a fool if you dont these type 9f men are tough as old boots 😂💙👊👊👊✌
It's fantastic to watch these men, selection clearly does it job and ensures only the best get through. Most SF guys just come across as understated, self assured but always very personable. The very best of us.
OC Major Gardiner was well respected at Hereford. I was a mere L,Cpl with B troop (Royal Signals) in December 1987 when the B Squadron annual photograph was taken, which I still have it in my garage. My boss was WO2 Doyle at the time, who was also a well respected Warrant officer. I really enjoyed my time 1985 to 1989 at Hereford. Unlike Alex I took the civilian option in January 1989 which took me in a totally opposite yet still very rewarding direction. It was great to listen to Alex’s life storey and will certainly take a look at his book. 😊
I suffer from short attention span, but l turned this on at 6 am and have listened to the whole interview. What a fascinating life this man has had, a life he should be proud of. Aged 64 now it has made me look back at my time as a young soldier. I joined Junior Leaders Royal Armoured Corp at age 16. It was tough but enjoyable. Out of my intake, many of them went on to do well and ended up senior ranks. One went from junior trooper to become a brigadier. One vecame army photographer of the year One spent most of his life in the SAS, he probably served with Alex. I became a businessman and ran it with military precision . Nearly all my employees have had military training at some point. I have now subscribed to the channel, thank you.
Amazing interview! I particularly liked the stories about his Oman experiences, he seems to have a great respect of the various cultures and peoples he worked with over his career. A true gentlemen.
I've only found your channel today and have already watched about 5-6 videos, i wish i found you sooner! Amazing channel and content, please keep it up! Thank you all for your service!
Did anyone pick up on him as a 2Lt falling foul of his OC? He did not allow it to faze him - he moved on to a new post without any expression of irritation in the interview. There's a lesson there for us all in the military - not every superior officer is in fact "superior". Occasionally, we come across officers who are not the leaders that they might aspire to be and we should not allow them to do our careers any harm. Like Alex, put such an experience in the past and move forward. There are several other military life lessons in this interview and it worth viewing a second time.
Alan the RGJ's was this the Regiment that Glen Mcgrory (boxing champion) served with, reason why I ask if I'm correct with my assumption then I can remember sparing with him for "3" soul destroying rounds up at Catterick (he was lucky that I was having a bad day that session (and it was from a good session from the previous night "if you know what I mean lol " But it would still be nice to know In advance B 1st Bn RHF In God we trust
Super interview. Enjoyed immensely all the adventures. As a comment I would say a good wife (as his clearly is) allows her man to be himself and live a good life. 👍
you got the posting ,cause your the best ,like lofty brummie etc etc ,your skills are need ed to train others in the regiment who are top of the tree sir ..excellent well done ..lofty books are in the highest sales ??
He'll will have known my father Terry Jickells. He never said much either. If we asked a question it would be a quick answer and move on. Good podcast. Mark
Sorry but I must jog Major Gardiner's memory. If as he says Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer visited Hereford and had not yet married it was before July 1981. I think the wedding was on 29 th of July 81.
Wow incredible interview as you almost got me to like an officer! 😁 The Story about the hotel and the stunning police woman is hysterical. BTW I am not sure I agree with him about eating peas with a knife, I think if you have 5 layers of cutlery around you and start with a sherry and a toast to the queen, you would me more likely picked up as an officer 😝than eating peas creatively with a knife. But great interview technique you did not interrupt, and you asked great questions!
Very interesting I was born into a military family married military divorced in my 40s lived in HK SAR ANDnow a gentle,Life in Guernsey my sons have followed me into the world of finance .marriage and military do not always work
Ah, they were there. I was the economist who'd restored Albania, then saw Kosovo buffer us from Serbian ambitions. We'd got Pete MacManamon and his mates in house, too. WEU MAPE. Thank you.
Shame the family forgets the help that was given !!! Afghanistan was not the only civilians that have been deserted by the family !!! No reunions for them 😢😢😢
Fascinating discussion but basically a depressing one. Far too may young British men and women join the military in the belief that Britain is essentially one of the good guys. But what we have seen in Ukraine, with that posturing pratt Ben Wallace, the MoD and the entire British establishment baying for Russian blood is deeply concerning. Britain is bust, it's military is minute and largely incompetent (see the recent farces with naval ships breaking down and catching fire) yet despite this, the SAS has been deployed into the most corrupt country in Europe and the tenth most corrupt in the world. One which actually does have a large contingent of 'Nasties' in its military and which has just launched a false flag operation into Poland in an attempt tried to openly drag NATO into the conflict which will see Europe and the US decimated. These people are f*ckin maniacs and Britain's minute forces, with all of its brave men and women should not be anywhere near it.
Pretty good bot this one. Funny that Britain with its minute military has been directly and indirectly responsible for the deaths of thousands of your countryman eh ;-)
The IRA were called cowards for shooting people from the hedgerow YET these guy as supposed heroes for shooting IRA guys from the hedgerows. The double standard there is laughable . No fucking difference they both used the same tactic .
The IRA in Northern Ireland decided in 1972 that they could not win a United Ireland by violence, and decided to use the ballot box only. It took the Provisional IRA another 30 years to come to the same conclusion, by then tens thousands injured, thousands dead, on all sides. Also the IRA, and PIRA fought each other both taking casualties. Get a Library card, and check out the library’s history section.
You’re kidding right, the IRA were gutless cowards who would never take a real soldier on like this. The SAS were covert to deal with IRA terrorists and rightly so.
I was a sapper and I recall a conversation with a SAS member attached to us, he was taffy, this was back in 1967, building an airstrip on the cliffs at Barry Budden, nr carnoustie golf course. He said he wanted to be a helicopter pilot, it was his dream. Years later after leaving the service, I took my family to the museum in Chatham, 1985 I read an old copy of the Sapper. The front cover was " Helicopter Pilot dies in crash" it was Taffy. It was a dream realised and he enjoyed every minute in the SAS . God bless Taffy. Reg still thinks of his fellow sappers.
If you recall any nostalgia from those days, drop us a single line comment in reply.
utterly fascinating. What a unassuming guy considering what he has done and his history. A true hero.
he was my platoon commander in 2rgj in the early 70s a good soldier
and an inspiration to many
celer et audax boss
A great interview of an officer/soldier, previously an unknown hero. Thank you! My Uncle went from a private to a senior officer, Para to SAS. Another of our military unknown heroes.
Respect and regards to him.
Respect to you and your uncle the only good officers are ones who worked their way through the ranks they don't demand respect but expect it your a fool if you dont these type 9f men are tough as old boots 😂💙👊👊👊✌
What a fascinating life he’s led and a real gent.
It's fantastic to watch these men, selection clearly does it job and ensures only the best get through. Most SF guys just come across as understated, self assured but always very personable. The very best of us.
So unassuming and such a gentleman
OC Major Gardiner was well respected at Hereford. I was a mere L,Cpl with B troop (Royal Signals) in December 1987 when the B Squadron annual photograph was taken, which I still have it in my garage. My boss was WO2 Doyle at the time, who was also a well respected Warrant officer. I really enjoyed my time 1985 to 1989 at Hereford. Unlike Alex I took the civilian option in January 1989 which took me in a totally opposite yet still very rewarding direction. It was great to listen to Alex’s life storey and will certainly take a look at his book. 😊
Didn't help your spelling did it ?
@@edwardkelly8840 god he puts one E in somewhere and you complain about his spelling? Fuck me your probably not fit to lick his boots mate.
Hello Dom long long time no see/speak
Lizard @@edwardkelly8840
@@edwardkelly8840wanker
Great to see Alex again. We overlapped at Sandhurst (Intakes 50/52) and again in Belize when Alex was with F Troop.
What a character, great interview. Love the sweatshirt logo also.😀
I worked with Alex in Italy., he epitomises the term 'Officer and a Gentleman'. Great to see him looking so well.
Was in Thumrait in 1983, got invited to the SAS club and met some great guys who made us welcome. Oman was an amazing place then.
Alex really enjoyed listening to this Swift and Bold hope more of the old and Bold of 2 RGJ get to see this.
And 3 RGJ 👍👍
I saw it Pete 😂 I saw it!!
What an amazing man. Total respect 🎉
Very interesting interview. A very understated description of a very rewarding military career. Well interviewed. I have subscribed.
I suffer from short attention span, but l turned this on at 6 am and have listened to the whole interview.
What a fascinating life this man has had, a life he should be proud of.
Aged 64 now it has made me look back at my time as a young soldier.
I joined Junior Leaders Royal Armoured Corp at age 16. It was tough but enjoyable.
Out of my intake, many of them went on to do well and ended up senior ranks.
One went from junior trooper to become a brigadier.
One vecame army photographer of the year
One spent most of his life in the SAS, he probably served with Alex.
I became a businessman and ran it with military precision . Nearly all my employees have had military training at some point.
I have now subscribed to the channel, thank you.
I visited Grafenwohr in the 80’s….to see the American Red Star Company…..they had a terrific collection of Russian vehicles.
McNabb is a good story teller but Alex was a true soldier.
Amazing interview! I particularly liked the stories about his Oman experiences, he seems to have a great respect of the various cultures and peoples he worked with over his career. A true gentlemen.
Excellent, thanks for posting, really interesting Chap
I've only found your channel today and have already watched about 5-6 videos, i wish i found you sooner! Amazing channel and content, please keep it up! Thank you all for your service!
I'm an old army veteran 1975-1985. Now struggling with loneliness and depression. Tired of living in a world that doesn't care.
🙏
❤🤝
It can be tough!! Stay strong brother.
I hope things get better for you mate. Try and do your best for yourself.
Take good care of yourself, there are people out there who can help you. And in turn you can help others, especially the young people. ❤
Did anyone pick up on him as a 2Lt falling foul of his OC? He did not allow it to faze him - he moved on to a new post without any expression of irritation in the interview. There's a lesson there for us all in the military - not every superior officer is in fact "superior". Occasionally, we come across officers who are not the leaders that they might aspire to be and we should not allow them to do our careers any harm. Like Alex, put such an experience in the past and move forward.
There are several other military life lessons in this interview and it worth viewing a second time.
Part one and part two are extremely interesting videos.
Thanks!
We served together in northern Ireland and catterick along with Belize great man when we were in RGJ both young and Fit like all of us great man
Alan the RGJ's was this the Regiment that Glen Mcgrory (boxing champion) served with, reason why I ask if I'm correct with my assumption then I can remember sparing with him for "3" soul destroying rounds up at Catterick (he was lucky that I was having a bad day that session (and it was from a good session from the previous night "if you know what I mean lol "
But it would still be nice to know
In advance
B 1st Bn RHF
In God we trust
Excellent. Thank you.
Super interview. Enjoyed immensely all the adventures. As a comment I would say a good wife (as his clearly is) allows her man to be himself and live a good life. 👍
Yep another enjoyable talk. really enjoyed watching.
Outstanding.
I enjoyed that. Thank you.
Just ordered his book on the back of this
Enjoyed listening. Reunion tomorrow ( Remembrance Sunday).
you got the posting ,cause your the best ,like lofty brummie etc etc ,your skills are need ed to train others in the regiment
who are top of the tree sir ..excellent well done ..lofty books are in the highest sales ??
He'll will have known my father Terry Jickells. He never said much either. If we asked a question it would be a quick answer and move on. Good podcast. Mark
Great stories 👍
fascinating stuff
I enjoyed this interesting 😮
Sorry but I must jog Major Gardiner's memory. If as he says Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer visited Hereford and had not yet married it was before July 1981. I think the wedding was on 29 th of July 81.
Awesome..
When he was taken onto 21 SAS books in order to operate with 22, what rank did he have?
Rear Admiral.
💯💯💯
Wow incredible interview as you almost got me to like an officer! 😁 The Story about the hotel and the stunning police woman is hysterical. BTW I am not sure I agree with him about eating peas with a knife, I think if you have 5 layers of cutlery around you and start with a sherry and a toast to the queen, you would me more likely picked up as an officer 😝than eating peas creatively with a knife. But great interview technique you did not interrupt, and you asked great questions!
Thank you. Appreciate your comment! 👍
Three religions and different cultures fighting over territory sounds like the uk’s future
That was my thought too.
@@budte haha happening right now.
Very interesting, but please edit your transcript: it has some very unfortunate errors. I appreciate that it's auto-generated, but still...
Hugely appreciate your comment! It has been reviewed and I believe those unfortunate errors have now been corrected - Gav
Very interesting I was born into a military family married military divorced in my 40s lived in HK SAR ANDnow a gentle,Life in Guernsey my sons have followed me into the world of finance .marriage and military do not always work
Best of British. Solid bloke but then they usually are.
I used to deliver milk to homes in the Hereford area. I can’t say more than that…
Agent Gold Top is that you ?
Did you ever call when the husbands were away 😉😂😂
like his shirt lol
Was scanning the comment's to see if anyone else clocked the shirt 🤣
Like his sweater , lol
Do you remember stan Farrell? Bootle lad.
I was in Kosovo in 99/00 and our team stopped a Range Rover and it was full of SAS guys lol
Speeding?
@@CL-vz6ch moving fast through traffic we stopped it because it stood out
Wow , what an after dinner story.
Did the black tape over their eyes give it away?!
Love the podcast.
Music is diabolical for the subject matter.
Sounds like a Gillette advert targeting a seventeen year old working at JD sports.
Good job TH-cam is here then, for you to enjoy without any music whatsoever 😉
Do you need help sorting it out?
Was going for humour rather than utility, but happy to help.
what music?
Islam is not a religion, more an ideology. 'You show a muslim respect and he sees it as a weakness'
Correct!
Ah, they were there. I was the economist who'd restored Albania, then saw Kosovo buffer us from Serbian ambitions. We'd got Pete MacManamon and his mates in house, too. WEU MAPE. Thank you.
Shame the family forgets the help that was given !!!
Afghanistan was not the only civilians that have been deserted by the family !!! No reunions for them 😢😢😢
These decisions are made by politicians and not Soldiers Dave Boon.
Does he have a favorite walking stick ?
Fascinating discussion but basically a depressing one. Far too may young British men and women join the military in the belief that Britain is essentially one of the good guys. But what we have seen in Ukraine, with that posturing pratt Ben Wallace, the MoD and the entire British establishment baying for Russian blood is deeply concerning.
Britain is bust, it's military is minute and largely incompetent (see the recent farces with naval ships breaking down and catching fire) yet despite this, the SAS has been deployed into the most corrupt country in Europe and the tenth most corrupt in the world. One which actually does have a large contingent of 'Nasties' in its military and which has just launched a false flag operation into Poland in an attempt tried to openly drag NATO into the conflict which will see Europe and the US decimated. These people are f*ckin maniacs and Britain's minute forces, with all of its brave men and women should not be anywhere near it.
You've obviously got your finger on the pulse and all sorts of inside information regarding the false-flag Poland operation, how did you manage that?
@@Climpus If you follow the news, read reports and watch press conferences you can get 'insider information' too..
@@timmaslow5193 How insightful.
Pretty good bot this one. Funny that Britain with its minute military has been directly and indirectly responsible for the deaths of thousands of your countryman eh ;-)
Haha good one 😂
Nobody brags or tells war stories as he sits in the chair blabbering
The IRA were called cowards for shooting people from the hedgerow YET these guy as supposed heroes for shooting IRA guys from the hedgerows. The double standard there is laughable . No fucking difference they both used the same tactic .
No difference 😂. Don't think bombs were planted to kill Joe public by the army.
You're brain is broken.
The IRA in Northern Ireland decided in 1972 that they could not win a United Ireland by violence, and decided to use the ballot box only.
It took the Provisional IRA another 30 years to come to the same conclusion, by then tens thousands injured, thousands dead, on all sides.
Also the IRA, and PIRA fought each other both taking casualties.
Get a Library card, and check out the library’s history section.
No it isn't , your head is just stuck up your brown eye @@snowflakemelter1172
You’re kidding right, the IRA were gutless cowards who would never take a real soldier on like this. The SAS were covert to deal with IRA terrorists and rightly so.
The SAS have lost credibility because they all tell embelished stories about how brilliant they were.
'...all tell...'. really?
You keep believing that and stop eating bed springs 🏴☠️
@@robsilvester3068
I don't believe that.
I know that for a fact.
Are you silvester the pratt ?
@@edwardkelly8840 big words this early, you hate everyone or is a jealous thing?
They were still are always will be BRILLIANT
Swift and Bold