12 Years SAS Sergeant Major: Melvyn Downes

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  • Опубліковано 5 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 357

  • @DodgeWoodall
    @DodgeWoodall  28 днів тому +16

    Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts www.PodFollow.com/DodgeWoodall
    Chapters:
    05:00 - Peak Physical Fitness in the SAS
    07:00 - National Front Racism
    14:00 - Junior Rankings & Basic Training
    23:00 - Camouflage & Stag Sentry Duty
    26:00 - Northern Ireland Terrorists
    32:00 - Persons Indicted For War Crimes
    36:00 - 1990 First Gulf War
    44:00 - SAS Strategy & Changing the World
    51:00 - SAS Camaraderie
    57:00 - Secure Green Zone with the Press
    1:00:00 - Saddam Hussein
    1:02:00 - Exposing Iraq & Afghan MISTAKE
    1:08:00 - Training Interrogators
    1:09:00 - NAKED INTERROGATION
    1:16:00 - SAS in Desert & Jungle
    1:19:00 - SAS Who Dares Wins

    • @kdownes7496
      @kdownes7496 25 днів тому +1

      @@DodgeWoodall love your podcasts you actually let people talk and ask good questions

  • @goodyeoman4534
    @goodyeoman4534 28 днів тому +185

    Melvyn is the type of bloke our youngsters should be looking up to due to his qualities of courage, determination, kindness and humility. A real warrior. Thanks for this, I really enjoyed it.

    • @billygnasher
      @billygnasher 26 днів тому +3

      Well said mate ex veteran 😊

    • @Mathew-z6u
      @Mathew-z6u 26 днів тому +3

      I watch alot of these kind of special forces interviews and most are great but this guy has done more than most of them but wow what a humble level headed guy you'd talk to him at the bar and wouldn't expect anything! What a gent (am also a veteran)

    • @goodyeoman4534
      @goodyeoman4534 26 днів тому

      @@billygnasher Nice one, Billy. Kind regards mate.

    • @markgriffiths7462
      @markgriffiths7462 26 днів тому +3

      Well said mate. They don't make them like him anymore. Top human being in my book.

    • @InfoGretton
      @InfoGretton 25 днів тому +1

      Great comment!!
      100% agree

  • @hsons4935
    @hsons4935 27 днів тому +46

    Honestly this man is the best our nation has to offer absolute legend!!!!!!

    • @Broski2322
      @Broski2322 26 днів тому +1

      David goggins better go jogging because our Melvin!❤

    • @markl1617
      @markl1617 23 дні тому

      Amen

  • @kennethhackett-f5n
    @kennethhackett-f5n 26 днів тому +38

    I've known this bloke for many years. Consider him a special mate. So humble after what he's achieved. Kind ,always helping folk. Done loads for charity. Can't say more.

  • @jacksmalling4265
    @jacksmalling4265 28 днів тому +36

    Dodge, only half way through this but what an episode already. What a great man, a patriot and hero in the true meaning of the words.

  • @kevd3046
    @kevd3046 27 днів тому +74

    Best mate from 8 years old was the only black lad in school and would fight for him atleast once a week after school against bullies..not coz he was black because he was my best mate..im 50 in 2 weeks time and we are still mates..👍

    • @DodgeWoodall
      @DodgeWoodall  27 днів тому +4

      Love this Kev 💪🏼🤩

    • @kevd3046
      @kevd3046 27 днів тому +2

      @@DodgeWoodall ..what mates de mate..another mint show man✌️

    • @hod2116
      @hod2116 24 дні тому +1

      How was 40 years in sas if he only 50

    • @Dazob66
      @Dazob66 24 дні тому +1

      Listen to interview born in 64 do math.....60 not 50

    • @NoLefTurnUnStoned.
      @NoLefTurnUnStoned. 20 днів тому

      @@hod2116
      Duh

  • @caincotterill5493
    @caincotterill5493 27 днів тому +22

    I too served in Bosnia and agree about it.
    Never met this bloke, sounds so genuine, can imagine he was quality if you were on his side, a nightmare if you weren’t.
    Love the positivity from his childhood adversities, that’s a real person, not the ones that blame their futures and limitations on their perceptions of theirs and others pasts. This was a pleasure and a journey that got tied up perfectly. If this guys got ya, you’ll be alright🫡🇬🇧
    I remember very clearly my first time on the London underground at midnight, on the way to basic training.
    The scary thing is what he said about Bosnia is how communities, neighbours a friends turn into monsters and do horrendous things to each other when they divide into their ‘own religion’ ‘own kinsman’ etc etc. that’s the thing that has always stuck with me, and now we have people here with many different callings and loyalties🤔

  • @richieday3148
    @richieday3148 27 днів тому +17

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

  • @mistermister8593
    @mistermister8593 28 днів тому +38

    It amazes me every time how positive Mel is. He must of had a bad time as a kid but always picks the positives from it.
    Lovely guy

  • @TM240x
    @TM240x 28 днів тому +30

    Mel … what a legend . Proper humble bloke … from Stoke .

    • @simonostinelli493
      @simonostinelli493 28 днів тому +1

      He's definitely not broke and he's 100% good folk I don't think he's someone who would do coke and he absolutely ain't woke completely agree what a bloke hahahaha your shit rhymed so I kept it going, agree with your comment mate all the best love from London and Dublin X

    • @Napoloen08
      @Napoloen08 27 днів тому +2

      @@simonostinelli493great paragraph mate haha

    • @simonostinelli493
      @simonostinelli493 27 днів тому

      @@Napoloen08 I can do joined up writing as well , I'm special, ask my mum lol, but she seems to say special needs!!!! What's that about!!!! I'm messing thank you mate X x

  • @rhymetimeuk
    @rhymetimeuk 26 днів тому +7

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

  • @chriswilki1917
    @chriswilki1917 20 днів тому +3

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

  • @Celticrambler
    @Celticrambler 28 днів тому +18

    I follow Melvyn on most socials and he's a top bloke. Even replies to messages himself most of the time when he can. Which is a touch in itself 💙. The man's a legend and a hero.
    Keep doing what your doing pâl 👌

  • @sheapyfpv8224
    @sheapyfpv8224 22 дні тому +3

    What a genuine top bloke who has seen some absolute atrociousitys but comes across as someone who is full of life with no resentments

  • @2.fresh767
    @2.fresh767 25 днів тому +2

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

  • @aaron1143
    @aaron1143 27 днів тому +5

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

  • @markellis5154
    @markellis5154 25 днів тому +3

    Really enjoyed that Dodge , brilliant work !
    I Remember Melv when I was a Young Soldier ( Gulf, N.I.) and always follow his stuff and support his charity work nowadays.. Amazing man .

  • @stuartsloan6526
    @stuartsloan6526 22 дні тому +3

    I salute you, sir, and you sound like a normal down to earth bloke yet you are the definition of the words legend and hero... from belfast northern ireland

  • @TrevorCoult_MC
    @TrevorCoult_MC 27 днів тому +7

    Loved this chat, he’s a great guy 🙌🏻

  • @stephenjon3502
    @stephenjon3502 25 днів тому +5

    If you bumped into Melvyn in the street you’d never know he was UKSF which is the way it should be, unlike some “celebrities” that are in the media at every opportunity. Comes across super humble - top man.

  • @globalrezzanate9399
    @globalrezzanate9399 28 днів тому +7

    The essence of the peoples spirit of Stoke/Staffs. Make the best of everything, be the best version of you, that can possibly be and always have a good laugh. Props to Melv and the people of Stoke!

  • @thenotoriousinstagator4996
    @thenotoriousinstagator4996 26 днів тому +3

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

  • @markgibbons2mg
    @markgibbons2mg 27 днів тому +3

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

  • @RUTHLESS243
    @RUTHLESS243 25 днів тому +3

    Met mel in a pub in stoke
    What surprised me was the strength and power in his hand shake
    Pleasure to meet such a man.

  • @NinjaSquirrel30
    @NinjaSquirrel30 28 днів тому +9

    Thank you for your service
    Melvyn 🫡

  • @TheCheshireWanderer
    @TheCheshireWanderer 22 дні тому +2

    I got to 9 minutes in and already had to comment. This is the type of guy we need more of within our country and ive not even got to his SAS stories. What a guy 🇬🇧 now to watch the rest.

  • @Nikboyle
    @Nikboyle 26 днів тому +5

    This man should speak in every school in Britain

  • @GaryCatt-m2q
    @GaryCatt-m2q 18 днів тому +1

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

  • @Ghost-of-a-man
    @Ghost-of-a-man 12 днів тому

    Seen a couple of podcasts and interviews with Melvyn and he always comes across as an absolute diamond of a bloke. But this was definitely the best one. You get the best out of people Dodge.

  • @alexshiner3299
    @alexshiner3299 27 днів тому +4

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

  • @shaundavenport621
    @shaundavenport621 25 днів тому +4

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

  • @gavinthurston1239
    @gavinthurston1239 27 днів тому +1

    The most impressive interviewee you've had Dodge. What a truly top fella and role model. Loved the humour, frankness, honesty, and genuine recounting of Melvyn's stories.
    Loved the extra bit at the end too...Thanks for putting this together and posting.

    • @DodgeWoodall
      @DodgeWoodall  27 днів тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it Gavin and Mel is one of life’s good guys 🇬🇧👍🏼

  • @robertf7842
    @robertf7842 23 дні тому +4

    My Mum is Irish and made many friends from the black community. It was a natural progression for the Irish and Jamaicans. Not that long ago

  • @outdoorchilled7032
    @outdoorchilled7032 17 днів тому

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

  • @Suewilliams439
    @Suewilliams439 26 днів тому

    What a lovely man Melvyn is, so down to earth. Lot of respect for him and all our service people. Thanks for this show❤

  • @user-un6de5fo6i
    @user-un6de5fo6i 27 днів тому +1

    Would love a part 2 what a man Melvyn is love his outlook on everything, thank you to the both of you for this it was put together really well. No one does podcasting like you do dodge keep it up mate.

  • @gazzalad8901
    @gazzalad8901 23 дні тому +3

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

  • @Alex-mj5dv
    @Alex-mj5dv 28 днів тому +8

    What. A. Legend. And thoroughly lovely bloke.

  • @simonmartin3433
    @simonmartin3433 27 днів тому +2

    MELVYN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

  • @wayneking-n9n
    @wayneking-n9n 28 днів тому +1

    I’ve listened to so many of your pods. Listened to this twice now once on my phone this morning on the tube and now watched on UA-cam. Thanks for this great episode.

  • @frasercummings7653
    @frasercummings7653 23 дні тому +1

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

  • @brettmaycock4484
    @brettmaycock4484 23 дні тому +1

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

  • @darrenirvine249
    @darrenirvine249 День тому

    Melvyn Downes is an absolute gentleman........like the majority of us he came from nothing,a working class lad with REAL VALUES & MANNERS............Mel to me is the epitome of "fear the quietest/nicest man in the room".......no falseness,no fireworks,no ego........it isn't needed. 🇬🇧

  • @johnnyboy-pb6zw
    @johnnyboy-pb6zw 21 день тому

    Dodge, amazing interview and i thought you was amazingly respectful of your guest. Will certainly be listening to all you podcasts when i'm at work marking out sports pitches. Thankyou 👌

  • @leetheredlion
    @leetheredlion 28 днів тому +1

    Thanks for this one Dodge. Melvyn seems like a great bloke, exactly the sort of guy you’d want with you in a pinch. Even in a normal life situation. Great listen this one.

  • @PaulGilbert-hm1ie
    @PaulGilbert-hm1ie 24 дні тому

    Fantastic podcast this. Love how easy you make it for your guests to speak. And Melvyn is amazing. What a life he's had and a what a man.

  • @ROFPR7
    @ROFPR7 17 днів тому

    I’m just so happy that I have watched this
    If possible please tell Mel he is so incredibly inspiring and I am very proud to have him on my side ❤

  • @paulbarber5196
    @paulbarber5196 15 днів тому

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

  • @lsgranite1563
    @lsgranite1563 22 дні тому +1

    Wow amazing interview. What a legend and hero.

  • @Bacrenfencing
    @Bacrenfencing 19 днів тому

    Not much you can say about Mel apart from he's an absolute Gent. Every time I see him interviewed, he makes me smile. Great interview Dodge !

    • @DodgeWoodall
      @DodgeWoodall  19 днів тому

      Totally agree! He’s a wonderful human being and role model 🇬🇧👍🏼

  • @swirvin_625
    @swirvin_625 23 дні тому +1

    This just goes to show you that there are elite level soldiers from regular infantry units. Big Melv was and IS a machine by the sounds of it. Great podcast!

  • @nathanfulcher538
    @nathanfulcher538 25 днів тому

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

  • @MarkG-su4wd
    @MarkG-su4wd 27 днів тому

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

  • @johndenholm7702
    @johndenholm7702 26 днів тому +2

    Elite human mate..my uncle bill denholm was a para commando onto 22 SAS..spoke to a couple of welsh lads who were on selection in the bahrain desert..dont know if you met bill in the sas melvyn..he done missions global..with big mack..and many more..elite humans..respect from fife ..scotland

  • @andymrkipling
    @andymrkipling 28 днів тому +1

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

  • @CameronWilson-k3z
    @CameronWilson-k3z 12 днів тому

    Love listening to these guys , your doing fantastic work Dodge👌

  • @shotokanman1
    @shotokanman1 21 день тому

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

  • @Zodged
    @Zodged 28 днів тому +1

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

  • @judgeshred66
    @judgeshred66 26 днів тому +3

    The dirty book fly swatting had me in stitches 😂

  • @mikekelly9512
    @mikekelly9512 16 днів тому +1

    I always watch your podcasts and realized I wasn’t subscribed but soon as you mentioned subscribing after watching Mels podcast I was fixated listening to him and so glad you spoke to him at the end and told him what I wanted to tell him. I don’t think you can beat that sorry Dodge😂😂👍🏼

    • @DodgeWoodall
      @DodgeWoodall  15 днів тому

      Welcome on board Mike 👍🏼👍🏼

  • @donlogan6697
    @donlogan6697 28 днів тому +2

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

  • @Mancspark
    @Mancspark 27 днів тому

    Just watched this, wow what a stand up bloke Melvyn is, could listen to him all day long. Great content once again dodge, also enjoyed the little segment at the end when you was dicussing it over. Thank you for your service Melvyn, absolute legend.

  • @garyw5714
    @garyw5714 28 днів тому +1

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

  • @davidb8539
    @davidb8539 27 днів тому +16

    "That's our Union Jack, don't let the far left take it or the far right take it" - We need a prime minister like this, I'd vote for Melvyn

    • @DodgeWoodall
      @DodgeWoodall  27 днів тому +3

      Melvyn for Prime Minister 🇬🇧
      I’ve just screenshotted it and sent it to him 👍🏼👍🏼

    • @davidb8539
      @davidb8539 27 днів тому

      @@DodgeWoodall cheers Dodge - keep up the great work, love your channel

    • @rm9719
      @rm9719 24 дні тому

      Absolutely! It's not about "Left'or 'Right', it's about just doing the right thing. What a great, humble man.

    • @TheCheshireWanderer
      @TheCheshireWanderer 22 дні тому

      He'd get my vote 🇬🇧

  • @ForeverEarthFootage
    @ForeverEarthFootage 25 днів тому +1

    What a great man. These are the people we should be looking up to and taking advice from to make our country great agsin. Full of compassion & good energy, what a guy

  • @MrD1981
    @MrD1981 28 днів тому +5

    Absolute legend of a bloke 🫡🇬🇧

  • @paulrutherford2635
    @paulrutherford2635 19 днів тому +1

    Dodge you nailed it again bro! What an interview “ It’s like being taken right in the moment with Melvyn!. Who should I say is a true inspiration to the youth of today. Fucking proper man’s man !.👍

  • @billygnasher
    @billygnasher 23 дні тому

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

  • @brettmansfield4046
    @brettmansfield4046 12 днів тому

    For anyone who has ever served it is very obvious from listening to this soldiers positivity and energy for just 5 mins that it would have been an absolute pleasure to serve alongside or under this warriors command.
    Im sure Melv is a living legend not only within his parent unit but also the whole SF community.

  • @rwill50
    @rwill50 26 днів тому

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

  • @robrichardson5187
    @robrichardson5187 19 днів тому

    Amazing podcast. Truly brilliant guest. Well done Dodge

  • @viliusgudirgis80
    @viliusgudirgis80 20 днів тому

    I just wanted to say as a new follower of your podcast, I love your content, wide range of incredible guests on your podcast, you are a genuine person, you always have perfect questions prepared for your guests and I got to say that you also improved as a podcaster/interviewer comparing to I assume your first SAS guest Jay Morton which is by the way one of my best 1h11min spent on Spotify.. lots of content still to watch here, buzzing for that! Well done mate! And keep it going 💪

  • @PC-mx6iq
    @PC-mx6iq 11 днів тому

    That was superb from start to finish. Amazing both 💪

  • @deancurson1345
    @deancurson1345 25 днів тому

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

  • @Ash-c8q
    @Ash-c8q 25 днів тому

    Thankyou dodge for the podcasts I listen to everyone one of them! soon as I get alerted.its like an hour or 2 of therapy I think this was the best podcast I’ve watched,I never knew much about sas and sbs but I love hearing about it I didn’t think we would be able to top staz podcast but this was top! 👊 keep smashing it dodge

  • @seanfolan1730
    @seanfolan1730 18 днів тому

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

  • @huchotaimen
    @huchotaimen 23 дні тому +2

    If I was together with Mr. Downes walking into hell would be a walk in the park. Such a confident, simple, down to Earth person. Unreal. What a great podcast 👌👏

  • @devilchild8811
    @devilchild8811 28 днів тому +4

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

  • @shirleydrury5565
    @shirleydrury5565 26 днів тому

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

  • @loughy934
    @loughy934 15 днів тому

    Great podcast Melvyn a true legend. This is y our special forces are known as the best of the best.

  • @adamwillcox522
    @adamwillcox522 19 днів тому

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

  • @kerriparr615
    @kerriparr615 27 днів тому

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

  • @dazk55
    @dazk55 14 днів тому

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

  • @lukeallen8224
    @lukeallen8224 28 днів тому +1

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

  • @benjaminblakemore9704
    @benjaminblakemore9704 26 днів тому +1

    This channel is just inspiring bro! Kind regards Ben from New Zealand 🇳🇿 😊

  • @jeannettemacdonald6881
    @jeannettemacdonald6881 27 днів тому

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

  • @MickyGbop
    @MickyGbop 27 днів тому

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

  • @danielflannigan223
    @danielflannigan223 27 днів тому +1

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

  • @markjacob2386
    @markjacob2386 27 днів тому

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

  • @jimschneeberger3385
    @jimschneeberger3385 28 днів тому +1

    Brilliant interview Dodge. Huge respect Mel.

  • @craigdughan5418
    @craigdughan5418 26 днів тому

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

  • @Toe_M
    @Toe_M 25 днів тому

    That was great, and Mel and Phil together on a pod, would be a good watch!

  • @xrayfish2020
    @xrayfish2020 13 днів тому

    Excellent video and interview 🇬🇧👋

  • @anonymousgentleman1124
    @anonymousgentleman1124 28 днів тому +7

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

    • @DodgeWoodall
      @DodgeWoodall  28 днів тому +2

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

  • @olixz
    @olixz 17 днів тому

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

  • @mrt6528
    @mrt6528 26 днів тому

    Dodge Your best podcasts are the ones with the military guys,keep them coming 👊

  • @shanetaylor8000
    @shanetaylor8000 25 днів тому

    Really enjoyed this.. thanks Dodge. 👍🏼

  • @darrenspence7812
    @darrenspence7812 27 днів тому +2

    Absolute legend and pride of Britain!

  • @Stu2be2
    @Stu2be2 28 днів тому +1

    Thank you again Dodge ❤👊

  • @SimSoFast
    @SimSoFast 21 день тому +1

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