Royal Marine Gun Battle: Face to Face with the Taliban | TEA & MEDALS
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- Опубликовано: 23 мар 2022
- Sergeant Major John Thompson completed his military service and at that time was the United Kingdom's most highly decorated Royal Marine.
Recipient of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) as well as having been Mentioned in Dispatches, John Thompson experienced extensive combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is the UK's second highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy.
Darren talks to John about the incident in Helmand Province that saw him face numerous instances of combat with the Taliban and how his actions were deemed to have saved the lives of his comrades on more than one occasion. In one instance, on 10th January 2007, his Company of Marines were ambushed in the town of Habibolla Kalay which resulted in a four hour long battle deep inside Taliban territory. He engaged the enemy, at times within 50 meters, despite the obvious dangers to himself, as his vehicle was hit by numerous enemy rounds and RPGs exploded close by. Running low on ammunition and without any regard whatsoever for his own safety he stayed in the killing area and allowed his comrades to get to safety.
For extra bonus episodes or to listen in full to the rest of the series you can find the podcast version of the video here:
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#BFBS #Teaandmedals #RoyalMarines 
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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.
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!
An amazing man!! An inspiration to all UK men and women!! A great man!!
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.
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.
That's some motivation right there. Semper fi from across the pond.
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.
The lead guy is so excited its almost like he is there. Brilliant!
Brave, British and Brilliant ! Thank you !
My uncle honestly is one of a kind ❤️
I think the same about a different RM, but an uncle.
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.😂
Well done tommo you legend a true warrior love from Australia 🇦🇺
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.
Nice one Tommo mate. I remember fetching you more Jav missiles in middle of 4 hour battle!
Thomo was on a training team at CTC when I was a nod. Scary times 😆
He was highly respected by all and rightly so 👍🏻
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.
What a pleasure to hear these accounts, real men giving authentic observations. Well done and thank you.
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.
The Royal Marine Commando, without doubt the finest unit I've ever worked with.
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.
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.
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.
Thank god we have people like this.
People or evil Libya Syria iraq Afghanistan somalia
Magnificent. Top blokes and all looking out for each other. Massive respect to every one of them. The epitomy of professionalism and courage.
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
Absolutely legendary man and citation. Well done
Bless you and yours Jonno. .
I salute you sir. And 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.
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
Excellent. Inspirational. Hats off to him and the interviewer. 10\10
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.
That was great to watch. Very exciting.
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.
Seriously good to listen to. Cheers lads.
i salute you john from a ex para
great content many thanks for sharing
Thank your for your service young man, god bless you and your family.
SM Thompson, thank you for your service.
A Great British Warrior... My Sincere Thanks.
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
Tea and medals- usual British understatement
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!!!
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... 🕵️
Brilliant podcasts
From British lifelong civvie serious respect earned lads 🇬🇧 craziness doesn’t even get it across 👏🏻
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
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.
Great stuff, the blast of the .50 cal sounds horrific. Respect.
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
Tea & medals indeed !! ☕🎖👍
What a proud moment his mother got to participate in! A true British hero!
Spent a bit of time at Grosvenor Road RUC station myself, that and Springfield road RUC.
Yup. When you've won that respect, it's the best feeling.
Good bloke his story particularly about the gimpy and the oil brings back memories
Great vid good luck to you all
100% Solid Proof of All Claims Required.
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
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..
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.
So much respect from English lifelong civvie thanks too all that serve MY country unbelievable sir
Absolute respect for this brave, leader of men 👏👏👏👏👏👏
... Brilliant 🇬🇧
There's more from Thommo in this bonus episode where he talks about being Mentioned in Dispatches: open.spotify.com/episode/57uLEygOmby3he6hhamwua?si=1f4826ab24474d94
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.
Legend!!!
Unbelievably brave men
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.
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.
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 👍🏻
Chief! If I had a job he'd be interested in, I'd hire him on the spot.
This guy is a legend and a picture of gallantry
". ..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...
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
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
All my love
What a Man
Is there an episode about Corp. Vice from 4/2 commando who had stepped on a landmine ?
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.
Per Mare Per Terram Brother
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
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 😂
Top top lad.
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).
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
Just read that Tommo sold his medals to give his kids a better life. What a guy.
Once a Boot alway's a Boot, it's a brotherhood for life.
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&
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.
At least the army pays you on time ...
NAILS 💪🏻🤘🏻
I am former booty, 40 Cdo, Sp Coy, Mortars 91-98 👍