BIG NEWS: The Team behind Tea and Medals have released a brand new podcast over on the Forces TV TH-cam Channel. Let us know what you think of 'Near Death' th-cam.com/video/-DDHeGaTEq8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=oeurFUeqtSQuZQzO
This man and his fellows represent the best of those, believed to have been described by George Orwell that, 'We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm'. God Bless them all, they pay high price for our safety.
Thanks, Chelsie your video was excellent, I just want to point out one technical error that going to a a smaller numbered aperture although a smaller number it's physically a larger aperture, opening up one stop .
Wow, what a man and what an inspiration. Is it me, or are the Royal marines one of the few military units that despite their training for absolute aggression are able to remain the absolute gentleman. They all seem to display a level of respect for others that is truly heart warming and reassuring to others. Amazing
My Son is an RM Sergeant. Same lad is a gentleman but I know there is another side to him. Two tours of Afghan,second one as a Snipes. They definitely are a breed apart.
@@tba8241 You must be so proud ( I know I would be). It probably goes beyond pride. Your son is amongst the best in my opinion. Yes, I am immensely proud of our military lads and lasses, from all divisions and regiments. But the Royal marines do seem to have this humility about them that makes us mere men extremely humbled. Please pass on my gratitude and best wishes to your son for me
Vivid description that is peppered with the banter that keeps our men and women resilient. When the shit hits the fan these are the people who have each others backs. I love working with veterans.
Tea and medals should be on TV and seen by the nation. please do more of these interviews for our lads ❤️ their actions and bravery must be better recorded and acknowledged like these videos do.
This was one of my corporals in training. Absolutely beasted us, he’s a legend. When we see his name up with CGC before it we all had so many questions but dare not try to be pally with the training staff.
Great interview with Sergeant Major John Thompson who served with the greatest military unit on the planet. I myself served with 42 Commando, albeit 20 years before his time, and one thing though, and this is important. It's Former Royal Marine not Ex-Royal Marine.
This Commando has represented his Country, his unit and his fellow warriors. The Nation often fails to recognise that England and the English are a breed who, if you challenge us, have the ability to find a few incredibly brave individual who will stand and face our enemies anywhere in the world with the courage to close with them to neutralise the threat. We must never forget the sacrifices they make for us. They are the few who keep us safe. It may seem utterly inadequate, but I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Would just like to point out that Royal Marines, and HM Armed Forces in general, have Scots, Irish, Welsh and Commonwealth Citizens among their numbers, they are NOT exclusively English. Most Scots like to serve in 45 Cdo based in Arbroath, or, in my day with Comaccio Company at Faslane , but can find themselves in 42 Cdo, 40 Cdo or even 43, 47, and 30 Cdo, or 29 Cdo RA. By definition, Tommo is a Scot, born in Rosyth, Scotland. Your accent, or place of birth, does nor make you who you are, the Corp makes you who you become. End of observation and comment.
@@TheHydraulic1 thanks for reminding this English man and hopefully making him realise how ignorant and quiet frankly insulting his comment is! These Royal Marine Commandos served incredibly heroically as part of the BRITISH ARMED FORCES His comment I hope came from a place of mistake! Not a place of self righteous ignorance! Have a good day mate respect from an ex ROYAL WELSH 👍🇬🇧👍
I'm a civilian. I'm in awe of the bravery and courage and decency of these men. Thank you for your service to our country. You will never know how much you mean to us all. You are the best of the best.
Great interview without the BS ! Many have gone before you and many more will follow .You have kept up the finest traditions of those who have worn a green lid .Best of luck in divvy street .
legend gets banded around alot....this guy is a proper legend,I am lucky to have a few Royals as friends,all hugely respectful and good examples of professional soldiers ,respect
excellent. the way JT explained the transition from civvy to RMC was great and very inspiring. They should be the words for the RM adverts. We need more people in public office like him, Thats a thought for him? his oppo is just as intelligent. two examples of the brit mil system that produces switched on soldiers.
I didn't serve but I used to fly ISAF transport flights as a commercial pilot to all the Afgan bases. When he says Afghanistan is a fascinating and beautiful country, it is an understatement.
There's more from Thommo in this bonus episode where he talks about being Mentioned in Dispatches: open.spotify.com/episode/57uLEygOmby3he6hhamwua?si=1f4826ab24474d94
There's more from Thommo in this bonus episode where he talks about being Mentioned in Dispatches: open.spotify.com/episode/57uLEygOmby3he6hhamwua?si=1f4826ab24474d94
The Royal Marines are part of The Royal Navy not Army. What a fantastic, humble, leader of men this Sgt Major is. We should all be thankful for men like this and those under his Command, thoroughly professional at the job they do and the best in the world. Hoofin!! Well Done Royal. From an Ex British Infantry Soldier.
WHAT a trooper this guy really is. If I had a company I'd want this guy. No bullshit, just get the job done......that being said the civil service and consequent bureaucracy is not for him! Leading the entire country would though.
As a boy that grew up with an RSM as a father, my biggest regret is that I never joined the army. I was accepted after testing in 1992, then I got got cold feet, I was only 16 at the time, but it would mean staying in Aldershot the town I was born in and had lived in my entire life and was trying to escape. I have to say these guys are amazing, they had the balls that I didn't. Much respect to them!!
So interesting to listen to Brits versus American recollections of the wars. I have the pleasure of having a Welsh (Brit) on our group and I’m always amazed at the understated attitude. Kinda hard to explain till you see it. 😆
When well trained and motivated you will find that bridge will get on with it Yanks seem to rely heavily on equipment issued and firepower from support make a song and dance of any battle they get involved in
I enjoy your videos however as a American I don’t understand how the British military is set up or the vehicles (thank you for describing some of them) it makes it difficult to follow sometimes as to what actually happened. That being said, I will continue to watch and hope to pick up something’s so I can better understand how the British military is structured and operates . I find it all very fascinating. Needless to say that the men that I have watched so far are true British Hero’s and men of honor! I thank them as a American for keeping Freedom Alive!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems things went decidedly pear-shaped because of the make-do-and-mend state of the equipment- which must be very disconcerting to say the very least. Hats off to all those involved. Heroes.
WIMKs replaced pinkies that were used by the likes of the LRDG back in the day. They have since been upgraded to the Jackal(not sure what revision they are on now). They were good for small recce patrols that were unlikely to get in to / trying to avoid contact and were fairly quick across open ground due to the stripped back nature. All the weapons mounted are good kit. The 50 cals are loved, the GPMG is a good bit of kit as well. The Vikings have gone through multiple revisions, I think when your going over terrain as unforgiving as that of Afghanistan a vehicle popping a track is unpredictable and has probably not occurred due to lack of maintenance or preparation for that Op. That is not to say that the boys couldn’t do with some better equipment. Other than that seems like it was initially a well planned Ambush by the Taliban that was overcome by blokes with bigger bollocks and a greater will to survive!! Hats off to them.
@@tdmoggy8567 jackals are brilliant but you have to drive them fast and off track generally. A lot of people in the comments seem to think these (elite trained) infantry should have be driving around in tanks, but that completely defeats the tactical object
Well done good sir I wish you all the best and wish you nothing but success in accomplishing the goals and aims you put forward at the end of the video have a very good day sir
I’m an ex bootie, I have the utmost respect for all Royals, my buddy was in Afghan and was with Mark Omrod when he was blown up, the bravery that these soldiers show is amazing. Putins military would have no chance against these lads.
That fella is an awesome speaker. Very eloquent and multi faceted. Brings the confrontation across our world into focus from the perspective of Australia for example, glad I'm not over there, great scenery, scary locals.
I've but two things to say: First, I thank you for what you have done, it's fascinating to hear the stories behind your actions. Now, me, I've never served in the armed forces, in any capacity, but I DID serve in the health service, 1995 till 2014: 19 years in the line of duty, retiring as a senior Registered Nurse. (a healthy security/a secure health are, surely, the two most basic things we could demand of our country). And I hope this anecdote is as reassuring as it is intended to be: You have to complete THREE YEARS of full-time training before you have the right to call yourself a Registered Nurse. But you're not really a nurse until you've actually worked ANOTHER three years on the wards. Only in your fourth year of working do you cease being a "baby nurse". The Public Services, and being a public servant, are fundamentally different to working for oneself in the private sector. The private sector can, or should, provide you with things you want: it is the public sector that will, or should, give you what you need.
I'm a army veteran, i thought i didn't do well in basic, bullied in Germany, and as soon as i said fuck it, i was top on cadre, top in trade course. My point is, never under estimate the person next to you - because, one day you may owe him your life - i think the some people perform better under pressure, but I'm also sure pressure courses the living to die in a fire fight. Thomo, is that person who sees both sides of the moral fence - it would be a pleasure to meet him and shake his hand - ask him if he knows Stretch, Alan from Honiton, Devon, a mate of mine.
I have watched many of your outstanding bits. I so not there is anything special that causes someone to do what they do. They see a job that has to be done and they are the first one to go do it. Someone will always pick up the ball, no matter if it is the most modern conflict or ancient history. Most all of these events go unseen, and unrecognized. Horatio at the bridge is just a man doing what had to be done
I read an interesting story about UK military guys. Apparently, now correct me if I am wrong, they were really surprised about how they were received in the US, where people will go out of their way to thank you and give you things, and the UK, where that culture doesn't exist so much. I didn't know if that was true or not but it kinda makes the sacrifices these guys make even more incredible in a way. I guess maybe the public recognition doesn't matter, but it can't hurt right?
It's true. I actually watched a WW2 infodoc intended for American soldiers at the time which is now on youtube and it even informs them in there, that in contrast to Americans, British soldiers were notoriously overly modest / humble in downplaying their acts of war or heroism. The reaction of the public goes hand in hand with that. Personally, being from the UK I mostly prefer the American way of unapologetic pride vs unspoken humility, but ultimately it's more of a difference in culture than it is a slant on the British public... and some American soldiers would acknowledge the potential downsides to their way of doing things too, stolen valor and misplaced trust being one aspect. (maybe we could call it old world vs new world thinking) There was also a mounting cultural indifference to the concept of a "Hero" at all in Britain post ww1, after so many saw their friends die in utterly non-glorious, meaningless fashion during the war and became opposed to the idea of traditional heroism. Whereas America has never experienced a comparable level of loss or dispair to what we had in either of the world wars. Tolkien's LOTR is actually a good example of this cultural move away from the concept of traditional heroism (also kind of shows the beauty of the "non-american" way), if I remember correctly the channel 'Like Stories of Old' actually did a decent video essay on this topic.
@@FlynLatif That WW1 thing is very interesting. In some ways Vietnam had a similar effect in the US. But not nearly to that degree, obviously. Not comparing Vietnam to WW1. Would you say LOTR is a return to an even MORE traditional concept of the hero? Is it because it has the hobbits as the heroes? I am not sure i understand that example. I'll have to see if I can find that video. I can say I had a bit of clash of cultures myself on reddit recently in regards to UK Ukraine and the US. Maybe you have seen this, but some well meaning people from the Ukraine have been making memes comparing their war to 9/11. I honestly can not understand what the point of doing that is other than to encourage more US involvement. Anyway, being American and a New Yorker, I took some exception to this. A few UK residents tried to take me to task about it. it devolved pretty rapidly. I feel like I might understand their point a bit better now. Though I still disagree.
@@sorry7145 I think the general idea with LOTR is that while there may be individual acts of heroism, there's no true "I save the day" hero, and there's plenty of grey area with the heroic acts that do take place. Which, while common in todays nihlistic/dystopian media such as GoT, isn't that common in fairy tale, Good vs Evil type stories. There's also a common theme of redemption arcs and heroism in unlikely places. For examples, Boromir tries to take the ring and then defends the hobbits heroicly. Frodo, being the main character poised for heroism, spends the majority of the film succumbing to the rings influence and then chooses not to destroy it in the end, after ofcourse betraying Sam. Golem is the individual who truely "saves the day" and that is by accident. The guy who corrupts the king of Rohan achieves his redemption arc by stabbing Saruman despite it accomplishing absolutely nothing. The only one who could really be considered to be a "true" hero throughout, would be Sam and its no mistake that he's the most normal/humble and least dangerous of all the hobbits, the most unlikely of heroism. Also Aragorn doesn't save the day himself but instead the honorless, cursed army of the dead save the day for him... Which is all very uncommon in stories where there is a clear concept of spiritual Good vs Evil. As for the 9/11 thing, I wouldn't take what people say about it in the modern age with any weight, or personally at all. It's become a characature event to people because of it's global significance and the distant perspective of history, among other things, just like Hitler & the Hollocaust. Usually when somebody mentions Hitler in an internet argument you know the argument has reached its lowest point and is over. Which isn't to say I'm opposed to discussing it in comparison with the right people in the right context. It's not the worst thing to ever have happened but it's the most dramatic, which lends it to being potentially the biggest event of cultural significance and impact. Whether it's "deserving" of that impact is another discussion. But that, I would imagine is a reason why some people jump to being insensitive about it.
@@FlynLatif Interesting. I loved LOTR and read the Hobbit and the Silmarillion. You are right but I never noticed that about the story. I was a lot younger though and have not revisited them since.
There's more from Thommo in this bonus episode where he talks about being Mentioned in Dispatches: open.spotify.com/episode/57uLEygOmby3he6hhamwua?si=1f4826ab24474d94
One question and one observation. Firstly…..What’s a galentry award? Secondly he got his award at Buckingham Palace, Lords and Ladies hold their Birthday parties at the Nags Head (Peckham).
We did speak with Thommo for while! Some bonus additional content from this chat will be released as audio only wherever you get your podcasts - just search Tea & Medals. Alternatively, here is the Spotify link to subscribe: open.spotify.com/show/5XbrC1etVQ9ngLSZHdRCgl?si=O0sxJFZBS4m2XfQManSymg&
Good man,what an action story to encounter.... Hope you have yourself sorted out,now...! Good man,if you & I had that privilege of working together, I know damn well there would be trust given as well as earnt.... In Arduis Fidelis
I’ve often thought when I see the photos of our servicemen and women that these are the best we have, physically and morally, and it pains me to think there are people who would wish them harm. Nowadays, when our governments are trying to be in the right when they deploy our armed forces, It’s almost a sense of shame I feel for our adversaries that they haven’t got the nobility we have and that they must bury any positive feelings they have in order to summon the motivation to engage us.
@@johnthompson4969 Thank you for your service and bravery. Few to none who describe themselves as Leaders will advance to contact, never mind move forward under fire as you did. I hope you get the support required to move forward in your next phase. That's the least we must do as a grateful nation...
@@johnthompson4969 We need men like you to build a national spirit capable of putting this country back on it's feet again. The services have a great tradition, plus a constant renewal of young blood, whereas the mass of the people are being steamrollered by a system that is crushing freedom - a process that is globally orchestrated, a global tyranny. None of the old rules for life work any longer, and nothing within our system gives anyone any sort of foundation any longer - it is all shifting sands. Which means each man must look within, and see what they find.
The Viking was a good platform in Afghanistan, saved my skin a number of times, it had the mobility and (initially) the protection for what was needed. Sadly a good friend of mine died in the back of one of these vehicles right in front of me when it struck an IED. IED technology took leaps and bounds forward there in a very short space of time due to technology and techniques migrating from Iraq and elsewhere. Where our C-IED tech was successful early in the war it was not so much as the new tech and employment of IEDs progressed later in the conflict. Brave men took brave decisions in order to counter the IED threat and defeat it, probably very similar to previous wars where such weapons were employed. Unfortunately lives were lost before the countermeasures caught up.
If you want to hear more from Thommo then there will be some bonus content on the audio only podcast series. Just search Tea and Medals wherever you get your podcasts. Or go here for Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5XbrC1etVQ9ngLSZHdRCgl?si=NKrYQvr7Scyjg0WKAB_pSQ&
BIG NEWS: The Team behind Tea and Medals have released a brand new podcast over on the Forces TV TH-cam Channel. Let us know what you think of 'Near Death' th-cam.com/video/-DDHeGaTEq8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=oeurFUeqtSQuZQzO
This man and his fellows represent the best of those, believed to have been described by George Orwell that, 'We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm'. God Bless them all, they pay high price for our safety.
The Royal Marines are more than a hundred years older than the U.S. Marines, and we're the original " leathernecks ".
Thanks, Chelsie your video was excellent, I just want to point out one technical error that going to a a smaller numbered aperture although a smaller number it's physically a larger aperture, opening up one stop .
@@mugshot749 Bootnecks my friend x
Well done Royal.
And champion roll mat fighter 🤣🤪🤪
Wow, what a man and what an inspiration. Is it me, or are the Royal marines one of the few military units that despite their training for absolute aggression are able to remain the absolute gentleman. They all seem to display a level of respect for others that is truly heart warming and reassuring to others. Amazing
My Son is an RM Sergeant.
Same lad is a gentleman but I know there is another side to him.
Two tours of Afghan,second one as a Snipes.
They definitely are a breed apart.
@@tba8241 You must be so proud ( I know I would be). It probably goes beyond pride. Your son is amongst the best in my opinion. Yes, I am immensely proud of our military lads and lasses, from all divisions and regiments. But the Royal marines do seem to have this humility about them that makes us mere men extremely humbled. Please pass on my gratitude and best wishes to your son for me
They are part of the senior service. Gentlemen right up until its time not to be.
Vivid description that is peppered with the banter that keeps our men and women resilient. When the shit hits the fan these are the people who have each others backs. I love working with veterans.
An amazing man!! An inspiration to all UK men and women!! A great man!!
Tea and medals should be on TV and seen by the nation.
please do more of these interviews for our lads ❤️ their actions and bravery must be better recorded and acknowledged like these videos do.
This was one of my corporals in training. Absolutely beasted us, he’s a legend. When we see his name up with CGC before it we all had so many questions but dare not try to be pally with the training staff.
Glad we could ask the questions that you didn't dare to!
Great interview with Sergeant Major John Thompson who served with the greatest military unit on the planet. I myself served with 42 Commando, albeit 20 years before his time, and one thing though, and this is important. It's Former Royal Marine not Ex-Royal Marine.
Absolutely correct. OARMAARM. PMPT.
This Commando has represented his Country, his unit and his fellow warriors. The Nation often fails to recognise that England and the English are a breed who, if you challenge us, have the ability to find a few incredibly brave individual who will stand and face our enemies anywhere in the world with the courage to close with them to neutralise the threat. We must never forget the sacrifices they make for us. They are the few who keep us safe. It may seem utterly inadequate, but I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Would just like to point out that Royal Marines, and HM Armed Forces in general, have Scots, Irish, Welsh and Commonwealth Citizens among their numbers, they are NOT exclusively English. Most Scots like to serve in 45 Cdo based in Arbroath, or, in my day with Comaccio Company at Faslane , but can find themselves in 42 Cdo, 40 Cdo or even 43, 47, and 30 Cdo, or 29 Cdo RA. By definition, Tommo is a Scot, born in Rosyth, Scotland. Your accent, or place of birth, does nor make you who you are, the Corp makes you who you become. End of observation and comment.
@@TheHydraulic1 thanks for reminding this English man and hopefully making him realise how ignorant and quiet frankly insulting his comment is! These Royal Marine Commandos served incredibly heroically as part of the BRITISH ARMED FORCES His comment I hope came from a place of mistake! Not a place of self righteous ignorance! Have a good day mate respect from an ex ROYAL WELSH 👍🇬🇧👍
@@muttley7196 Anytime oppo, Per Mare Per Terram. Have a good one.
That's some motivation right there. Semper fi from across the pond.
I'm a civilian. I'm in awe of the bravery and courage and decency of these men. Thank you for your service to our country. You will never know how much you mean to us all. You are the best of the best.
Brave, British and Brilliant ! Thank you !
What a pleasure to hear these accounts, real men giving authentic observations. Well done and thank you.
Well done tommo you legend a true warrior love from Australia 🇦🇺
Great interview without the BS ! Many have gone before you and many more will follow .You have kept up the finest traditions of those who have worn a green lid .Best of luck in divvy street .
It's all B.S : 100% Solid Proof of All Claims Required.
legend gets banded around alot....this guy is a proper legend,I am lucky to have a few Royals as friends,all hugely respectful and good examples of professional soldiers ,respect
My uncle honestly is one of a kind ❤️
I think the same about a different RM, but an uncle.
excellent. the way JT explained the transition from civvy to RMC was great and very inspiring. They should be the words for the RM adverts.
We need more people in public office like him, Thats a thought for him?
his oppo is just as intelligent. two examples of the brit mil system that produces switched on soldiers.
Nice one Tommo mate. I remember fetching you more Jav missiles in middle of 4 hour battle!
The lead guy is so excited its almost like he is there. Brilliant!
Magnificent. Top blokes and all looking out for each other. Massive respect to every one of them. The epitomy of professionalism and courage.
Absolutely legendary man and citation. Well done
The Royal Marine Commando, without doubt the finest unit I've ever worked with.
I know how close the Taliban are.. two doors down from where I live in Birmingham
I think they’re cousins are two doors up from me in Bristol.😂
They're girl friend lives in the garden next door to me 🐐🐐🐐🐐
What a story, and in the finest traditions of our armed forces. Sergeant Major Thompson is the epitome of a hero. God bless him and his family.
I didn't serve but I used to fly ISAF transport flights as a commercial pilot to all the Afgan bases. When he says Afghanistan is a fascinating and beautiful country, it is an understatement.
I salute you sir. And thank you for your service.
Very humbled to have listened to this story. Thank you, Colin.
There's more from Thommo in this bonus episode where he talks about being Mentioned in Dispatches: open.spotify.com/episode/57uLEygOmby3he6hhamwua?si=1f4826ab24474d94
What a top bloke. Thank you for all you’ve done 🇬🇧
There's more from Thommo in this bonus episode where he talks about being Mentioned in Dispatches: open.spotify.com/episode/57uLEygOmby3he6hhamwua?si=1f4826ab24474d94
Tea and medals- usual British understatement
Thank god we have people like this.
People or evil Libya Syria iraq Afghanistan somalia
Thomo was on a training team at CTC when I was a nod. Scary times 😆
He was highly respected by all and rightly so 👍🏻
A Great British Warrior... My Sincere Thanks.
Thank you John 'Tommo' Thompson a men of true bravery and amazing valor I salute you sir, you are the pride of British Army 🙏 God bless you sir
JT, thank you for your wonderful comment
The Royal Marines are part of The Royal Navy not Army.
What a fantastic, humble, leader of men this Sgt Major is. We should all be thankful for men like this and those under his Command, thoroughly professional at the job they do and the best in the world.
Hoofin!! Well Done Royal.
From an Ex British Infantry Soldier.
@@ilovesmysangsomsangsom3500 ok then British military i will call it because we have the best in all 3 Army, Navy and R. A. F
@@Alienjujitsu not having a go, just stating a pertinent fact.
That's fine and thanks for your service also I salute you sir!!!
WHAT a trooper this guy really is. If I had a company I'd want this guy. No bullshit, just get the job done......that being said the civil service and consequent bureaucracy is not for him! Leading the entire country would though.
As a boy that grew up with an RSM as a father, my biggest regret is that I never joined the army. I was accepted after testing in 1992, then I got got cold feet, I was only 16 at the time, but it would mean staying in Aldershot the town I was born in and had lived in my entire life and was trying to escape. I have to say these guys are amazing, they had the balls that I didn't. Much respect to them!!
SM Thompson, thank you for your service.
What a career man, couldn't have had it without the person doing it though, certainly someone to look up to.
So interesting to listen to Brits versus American recollections of the wars. I have the pleasure of having a Welsh (Brit) on our group and I’m always amazed at the understated attitude. Kinda hard to explain till you see it. 😆
When well trained and motivated you will find that bridge will get on with it Yanks seem to rely heavily on equipment issued and firepower from support make a song and dance of any battle they get involved in
@@BigM94sqd I'd agree.
I enjoy your videos however as a American I don’t understand how the British military is set up or the vehicles (thank you for describing some of them) it makes it difficult to follow sometimes as to what actually happened. That being said, I will continue to watch and hope to pick up something’s so I can better understand how the British military is structured and operates . I find it all very fascinating. Needless to say that the men that I have watched so far are true British Hero’s and men of honor! I thank them as a American for keeping Freedom Alive!
Good bloke his story particularly about the gimpy and the oil brings back memories
That was great to watch. Very exciting.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems things went decidedly pear-shaped because of the make-do-and-mend state of the equipment- which must be very disconcerting to say the very least.
Hats off to all those involved. Heroes.
WIMKs replaced pinkies that were used by the likes of the LRDG back in the day. They have since been upgraded to the Jackal(not sure what revision they are on now). They were good for small recce patrols that were unlikely to get in to / trying to avoid contact and were fairly quick across open ground due to the stripped back nature. All the weapons mounted are good kit. The 50 cals are loved, the GPMG is a good bit of kit as well.
The Vikings have gone through multiple revisions, I think when your going over terrain as unforgiving as that of Afghanistan a vehicle popping a track is unpredictable and has probably not occurred due to lack of maintenance or preparation for that Op.
That is not to say that the boys couldn’t do with some better equipment.
Other than that seems like it was initially a well planned Ambush by the Taliban that was overcome by blokes with bigger bollocks and a greater will to survive!!
Hats off to them.
@@tdmoggy8567 jackals are brilliant but you have to drive them fast and off track generally. A lot of people in the comments seem to think these (elite trained) infantry should have be driving around in tanks, but that completely defeats the tactical object
Spent a bit of time at Grosvenor Road RUC station myself, that and Springfield road RUC.
Bless you and yours Jonno. .
I remember this battle very well, I was standing by on the MERT...
Well done good sir I wish you all the best and wish you nothing but success in accomplishing the goals and aims you put forward at the end of the video have a very good day sir
What a proud moment his mother got to participate in! A true British hero!
It's more than fifty years since I was a bootie in 42 commando , but "once a marine always a marine".
My dad left 42 in '68. Joined the Corps in 1946.
You have so much to offer. I'd like to offer any help I can in your next great adventure
Allan, I really appreciate the offer.
Thank your for your service young man, god bless you and your family.
Seriously good to listen to. Cheers lads.
I’m an ex bootie, I have the utmost respect for all Royals, my buddy was in Afghan and was with Mark Omrod when he was blown up, the bravery that these soldiers show is amazing. Putins military would have no chance against these lads.
That fella is an awesome speaker. Very eloquent and multi faceted. Brings the confrontation across our world into focus from the perspective of Australia for example, glad I'm not over there, great scenery, scary locals.
Top man and the RM were excellent when we worked with them in girwood park Belfast in 81..
From British lifelong civvie serious respect earned lads 🇬🇧 craziness doesn’t even get it across 👏🏻
Love these stories please do more love the content keep up the amazing work.
Our next Tea & Medals comes out on 15th April and is slightly different. The date is a clue for what it is going to be about... 🕵️
Excellent. Inspirational. Hats off to him and the interviewer. 10\10
I've but two things to say: First, I thank you for what you have done, it's fascinating to hear the stories behind your actions.
Now, me, I've never served in the armed forces, in any capacity, but I DID serve in the health service, 1995 till 2014: 19 years in the line of duty, retiring as a senior Registered Nurse.
(a healthy security/a secure health are, surely, the two most basic things we could demand of our country).
And I hope this anecdote is as reassuring as it is intended to be:
You have to complete THREE YEARS of full-time training before you have the right to call yourself a Registered Nurse.
But you're not really a nurse until you've actually worked ANOTHER three years on the wards.
Only in your fourth year of working do you cease being a "baby nurse".
The Public Services, and being a public servant, are fundamentally different to working for oneself in the private sector.
The private sector can, or should, provide you with things you want: it is the public sector that will, or should, give you what you need.
Sie P. You are a legend in your own right. Thank you for all that you do.
@@johnthompson4969 We could do this all day, but thank you, a gent and a scholar.
We are all so proud of guys like you ! I don’t know how I would have reacted but I am sure I would have shit myself and cowered !
We might have been proud of you as well after you had put yourself through the training.
Even if you never had to fight.
Yup. When you've won that respect, it's the best feeling.
i salute you john from a ex para
Ffs it’s 2 am, I need to be up at 7:30 and now I’m watching an hour long podcast
We take no responsibility for you failing to function properly today. 😴😴😴
I can call this Man a friend top chap
This guy is a legend and a picture of gallantry
I'm a army veteran, i thought i didn't do well in basic, bullied in Germany, and as soon as i said fuck it, i was top on cadre, top in trade course. My point is, never under estimate the person next to you - because, one day you may owe him your life - i think the some people perform better under pressure, but I'm also sure pressure courses the living to die in a fire fight. Thomo, is that person who sees both sides of the moral fence - it would be a pleasure to meet him and shake his hand - ask him if he knows Stretch, Alan from Honiton, Devon, a mate of mine.
I do
Lol you're not a barrack soldier then, it's in the field that matters dude
@@johnthompson4969Bless you John, for your service.
So much respect from English lifelong civvie thanks too all that serve MY country unbelievable sir
". ..being part of a fantastic group of brave men," said just like a professional Soldier ...
For the rich.... So that they can profit by risking working class lives.
@@vincemoran587 Whatever that means...
great content many thanks for sharing
brilliant man
Absolute respect for this brave, leader of men 👏👏👏👏👏👏
I am a X para and my frends X 4 are MR....and I love them all one has died in the last year. But we are all great.... And all that step up 👍🏻
I have watched many of your outstanding bits. I so not there is anything special that causes someone to do what they do. They see a job that has to be done and they are the first one to go do it. Someone will always pick up the ball, no matter if it is the most modern conflict or ancient history. Most all of these events go unseen, and unrecognized. Horatio at the bridge is just a man doing what had to be done
100% Solid Proof of All Claims Required.
Unbelievably brave men
I read an interesting story about UK military guys. Apparently, now correct me if I am wrong, they were really surprised about how they were received in the US, where people will go out of their way to thank you and give you things, and the UK, where that culture doesn't exist so much. I didn't know if that was true or not but it kinda makes the sacrifices these guys make even more incredible in a way. I guess maybe the public recognition doesn't matter, but it can't hurt right?
Military service does not have the same status in the UK. Sadly.
It's true. I actually watched a WW2 infodoc intended for American soldiers at the time which is now on youtube and it even informs them in there, that in contrast to Americans, British soldiers were notoriously overly modest / humble in downplaying their acts of war or heroism. The reaction of the public goes hand in hand with that. Personally, being from the UK I mostly prefer the American way of unapologetic pride vs unspoken humility, but ultimately it's more of a difference in culture than it is a slant on the British public... and some American soldiers would acknowledge the potential downsides to their way of doing things too, stolen valor and misplaced trust being one aspect.
(maybe we could call it old world vs new world thinking)
There was also a mounting cultural indifference to the concept of a "Hero" at all in Britain post ww1, after so many saw their friends die in utterly non-glorious, meaningless fashion during the war and became opposed to the idea of traditional heroism. Whereas America has never experienced a comparable level of loss or dispair to what we had in either of the world wars. Tolkien's LOTR is actually a good example of this cultural move away from the concept of traditional heroism (also kind of shows the beauty of the "non-american" way), if I remember correctly the channel 'Like Stories of Old' actually did a decent video essay on this topic.
@@FlynLatif That WW1 thing is very interesting. In some ways Vietnam had a similar effect in the US. But not nearly to that degree, obviously. Not comparing Vietnam to WW1. Would you say LOTR is a return to an even MORE traditional concept of the hero? Is it because it has the hobbits as the heroes? I am not sure i understand that example. I'll have to see if I can find that video.
I can say I had a bit of clash of cultures myself on reddit recently in regards to UK Ukraine and the US. Maybe you have seen this, but some well meaning people from the Ukraine have been making memes comparing their war to 9/11. I honestly can not understand what the point of doing that is other than to encourage more US involvement. Anyway, being American and a New Yorker, I took some exception to this. A few UK residents tried to take me to task about it. it devolved pretty rapidly. I feel like I might understand their point a bit better now. Though I still disagree.
@@sorry7145 I think the general idea with LOTR is that while there may be individual acts of heroism, there's no true "I save the day" hero, and there's plenty of grey area with the heroic acts that do take place. Which, while common in todays nihlistic/dystopian media such as GoT, isn't that common in fairy tale, Good vs Evil type stories. There's also a common theme of redemption arcs and heroism in unlikely places.
For examples, Boromir tries to take the ring and then defends the hobbits heroicly. Frodo, being the main character poised for heroism, spends the majority of the film succumbing to the rings influence and then chooses not to destroy it in the end, after ofcourse betraying Sam. Golem is the individual who truely "saves the day" and that is by accident. The guy who corrupts the king of Rohan achieves his redemption arc by stabbing Saruman despite it accomplishing absolutely nothing. The only one who could really be considered to be a "true" hero throughout, would be Sam and its no mistake that he's the most normal/humble and least dangerous of all the hobbits, the most unlikely of heroism. Also Aragorn doesn't save the day himself but instead the honorless, cursed army of the dead save the day for him... Which is all very uncommon in stories where there is a clear concept of spiritual Good vs Evil.
As for the 9/11 thing, I wouldn't take what people say about it in the modern age with any weight, or personally at all. It's become a characature event to people because of it's global significance and the distant perspective of history, among other things, just like Hitler & the Hollocaust. Usually when somebody mentions Hitler in an internet argument you know the argument has reached its lowest point and is over. Which isn't to say I'm opposed to discussing it in comparison with the right people in the right context. It's not the worst thing to ever have happened but it's the most dramatic, which lends it to being potentially the biggest event of cultural significance and impact. Whether it's "deserving" of that impact is another discussion. But that, I would imagine is a reason why some people jump to being insensitive about it.
@@FlynLatif Interesting. I loved LOTR and read the Hobbit and the Silmarillion. You are right but I never noticed that about the story. I was a lot younger though and have not revisited them since.
It turns out he sold all of his gongs last year. His kids are more important to him than his recognition, respect for that!
They most certainly are
Chief! If I had a job he'd be interested in, I'd hire him on the spot.
Brilliant stuff John Thomson Royal marine commando 🇬🇧👍.
There's more from Thommo in this bonus episode where he talks about being Mentioned in Dispatches: open.spotify.com/episode/57uLEygOmby3he6hhamwua?si=1f4826ab24474d94
The life of a soldier: sacrifice, trauma, medals and then unemployment
And Homeless!
I don't know how to thank the police, service men and woman that risk their lives to keep us safe.
Lords and ladies are having a birthday party, lets give a some soldier a galentry award.
One question and one observation. Firstly…..What’s a galentry award? Secondly he got his award at Buckingham Palace, Lords and Ladies hold their Birthday parties at the Nags Head (Peckham).
Great stuff, the blast of the .50 cal sounds horrific. Respect.
Just read that Tommo sold his medals to give his kids a better life. What a guy.
Brilliant podcasts
Great vid good luck to you all
Braver man than me John and company! My dad was in the British army but I didn’t have what it takes, I’d have fallen apart 😂
where can i watch the 6hr podcast of this?
We did speak with Thommo for while! Some bonus additional content from this chat will be released as audio only wherever you get your podcasts - just search Tea & Medals. Alternatively, here is the Spotify link to subscribe: open.spotify.com/show/5XbrC1etVQ9ngLSZHdRCgl?si=O0sxJFZBS4m2XfQManSymg&
The story about the huge moustache man was really relevant to me
Iv had a similar situation with my dad when I went to catterick
Good man,what an action story to encounter....
Hope you have yourself sorted out,now...!
Good man,if you & I had that privilege of working together, I know damn well there would be trust given as well as earnt....
In Arduis Fidelis
This is a highly trained Royal Marine ,one of the best warriors on planet Earth. Not a Robot, That's why he,ll never be replaced by a M/ C .
Is there an episode about Corp. Vice from 4/2 commando who had stepped on a landmine ?
Does anyone else think that the one guy could pass for a young David Coultard (F1 Drivers Champion) or is it just me?
It’s just you 😂
I don't reckon it's possible for anyone to compete with just how truly square david's face is
I’ve often thought when I see the photos of our servicemen and women that these are the best we have, physically and morally, and it pains me to think there are people who would wish them harm. Nowadays, when our governments are trying to be in the right when they deploy our armed forces, It’s almost a sense of shame I feel for our adversaries that they haven’t got the nobility we have and that they must bury any positive feelings they have in order to summon the motivation to engage us.
How many years did Sergeant Major Thompson serve in the Corps?
23 yrs 7 mnths
@@johnthompson4969 Thank you for your service and bravery. Few to none who describe themselves as Leaders will advance to contact, never mind move forward under fire as you did. I hope you get the support required to move forward in your next phase. That's the least we must do as a grateful nation...
@@johnthompson4969 good luck with resettlement.
@@johnthompson4969 We need men like you to build a national spirit capable of putting this country back on it's feet again.
The services have a great tradition, plus a constant renewal of young blood, whereas the mass of the people are being steamrollered by a system that is crushing freedom - a process that is globally orchestrated, a global tyranny.
None of the old rules for life work any longer, and nothing within our system gives anyone any sort of foundation any longer - it is all shifting sands.
Which means each man must look within, and see what they find.
Per Mare Per Terram Brother
I remember when the Viking was considered the bollocks, then it just disappeared, what happened? Larger IED's' , reliability or what?
The Viking was a good platform in Afghanistan, saved my skin a number of times, it had the mobility and (initially) the protection for what was needed. Sadly a good friend of mine died in the back of one of these vehicles right in front of me when it struck an IED. IED technology took leaps and bounds forward there in a very short space of time due to technology and techniques migrating from Iraq and elsewhere. Where our C-IED tech was successful early in the war it was not so much as the new tech and employment of IEDs progressed later in the conflict. Brave men took brave decisions in order to counter the IED threat and defeat it, probably very similar to previous wars where such weapons were employed. Unfortunately lives were lost before the countermeasures caught up.
Awesome!!
I cannot believe you cut him off mid conversation.. so what if he can talk all day ..let him finish
If you want to hear more from Thommo then there will be some bonus content on the audio only podcast series. Just search Tea and Medals wherever you get your podcasts. Or go here for Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5XbrC1etVQ9ngLSZHdRCgl?si=NKrYQvr7Scyjg0WKAB_pSQ&
Pinged on this. Wasn't really listening until you said "how d'you take your wet"?
I was Jack. All else follows.