SAS Soldier - The Longest Escape - Chris Ryan Tells His Story
2021 ж. 4 Жел.
755 861 Рет қаралды
Anything Goes with James English Ep/229
SAS Soldier - The Longest Escape - Chris Ryan tells his story.
Check out Chris' new book Manhunter.
www.amazon.co.uk/Manhunter-ex...
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The man that manned the 25pounder at 4.35 was a Fijian British SAS …..his name was Labalaba . As a Fijian we are all proud of his bravery and strength. I just needed to put a name to the action. That’s all. Thamks
Sounds like a legend. 👍
Amazing chap - 1 man doing the job of four operating a big gun against the Adoo!
The Fijians are warriors 👍🏻
Who Dares Wins!
Talaiasi Labalaba
You wade through crap on the internet but every now and again you find a gem like this 10\10
Ain't that the truth !
So true brother, so true.
I guess you haven't googled the crap in this story eh? Getting little details wrong undermines an author’s credibility... From memory, I’m sure that McNab stated that their Minimi gunners wore SAS combat vests to carry the plastic Minimi ammo boxes. From first-hand experience, I knew that to be impossible. Minimi as issued to SAS in 1990, The plastic ammo box containing the link (LaySpeak: “bullet belt”) CANNOT fit into these, That’s the Gulf War period US bottle green plastic boxes as well as the later olive drab British plastic boxes (when UK armed forces were issued the shorter Minimi). But then, I figured, he wasn’t a Minimi gunner. Perhaps he didn’t notice that the plastic boxes were fractionally too big to fit. The Minimi gunners in the patrol would have had to remove the link from the plastic boxes and feed them into the pouches concertina style. As do GPMG gunners who used those pouches (the “Pack Combat Lightweight SAS”). Some of the details in his story are laughable, especially if you’ve first-hand experience with stupid crap like hauling defence stores any distance.
Michael Asher in particular targeted McNabbs account in his book The Real Bravo Two Zero, in particular he looked at claims that they were dropped many miles from the proposed position for their Observation Post. He physically visited the site and spoke to locals who claimed to have heard the Chinook lane, he also tried to traverse the terrain as McNabb claimed they had carrying all of their kit including Jerry Cans of water. He came to the conclusion that McNabbs account of walking 20km (I think) overnight wasn’t possible and that they had actually only been inserted 1km from their objective.
Fucking hell. What a comment!
James English is an unbelievable interviewer. Top notch. Asks the question and waits for the question to be answered in full.
I agree. James English has good interview techniques His Glasgow accent is shit, to be fair, but his question and answer cadence is good
I used to work in a place where he came in once or twice a week. I had no idea who he was for a while. He's a very decent bloke. Polite, respectful, quiet, funny. Much respect.
Amazing life story, and I love the way James lets the story flow no stupid interruptions
1
Agreed. Too many interviewers treat it like a vanity project. James hits the sweet spot and let's his guests shine.
Chris Ryan is full of total and utter bs other than walking the 7 days to Syria, the rest of the story killing over 250 Iraq men fighting hand to hand, etc etc its all bull shit, all based on witness who seen then and knew what they had seen and what had happened? Michael Ussher did a doco called bravo two zero the real story, kzhead.info/sun/oLSeXceXapd3fJ8/bejne.html ?
total contrast to True Geordie who just butts in with inane comments all the time, "I've seen a documentary" yeah we've all seen it, let the interesting person talk
Just as well cause the questions he asks are usually irrelevant.
Best podcast I've ever listened to. Hour and a half felt like 5 minutes, would LOVE a part two. I could listen to this guy all day! p.s. if the world ever goes to shit I hope I'm trapped with him!!
You not think it already has?🤣
Craig for my 40th my wife brought me a tank day experience in Northampton. Working there is a ex S.A.S guy who wears his beret and he sets up all the attack games etc. during lunch he did like a meet and greet and a talk about his experiences. Kid you not listening to him was better than driving the tanks, there was about 30 of us swapping round tanks doing different machines etc and we sat there like kids watching a pantomime with the stories he told us, it was brilliant. He served in the first Iraq invasion he knows Chris and few others. He and his squadron were the first to be airdropped into Iraq to do pathfinder and reconnaissance. He said we were out there weeks before the first American soldier even stepped foot in Iraq. My wife asked me “what was the best part” I said listening to that S.A.S guy talk about his past. Tanks a Lot in Northampton the place is called👍🏼
@@matty6848 I may have to check that out!
@@CraigNiel yes please do mate. If your into military things like that? I am hence the wife booked it for me. Much better than those supercar experiences, especially when you get to drive the Chieftain tank over a car, that’s brilliant and they have some old Soviet made dragonov destroyer tanks that get to drive big 60 ton monsters when you start that Russian V12 turbo Diesel engine the noise they make!!! Man😮
That's right Craig you hit the nail in the head the best Story I've heard yet
Chris is an absolute legend... He's the reason I joined up....I remember reading "The One That Got Away" at 15 then at 17 I joined up.
🧢
SAS are different level, makes you laugh when in modern day life you hear so many people tell you they are tired because they have had a hard day at work........hats off to our arm forces
Seriously. By far and away one of your best guests on the channel. Brave men like this allow all of us the freedoms we have today. I for one, am sincerely grateful for their service, and wish them all the very best.
I met Chris whilst serving....one thing I can a sure the viewers...this man is more dangerous than any criminal...not only a trained assisan but also has the brains as well which makes him dangerous. Thanks for your service Chris!
Yes his authenticity shines through. Would be a big mistake for muggers to try and attack him.
@Jacques Clément The same thing you are
Peter Pan ????? Well that says it all
Aviation Ice talk about pot kettle black.
@@PeterPan-wk9yc explain!
Whole different gravy this guy ,there's no gangster would begin to measure up .Had a older family member in SAS well retired .these are machines.
I ran the great North run a few year ago. This hero this gentleman was running for the same people I was running for metro radio cash for kids. When I was in the tent getting my legs rubbed at the finish in South Shields, I looked up Chris Ryan was standing next to me chatting away to the staff and I was looking thinking I recognise his face Where's he from then when it dawned on me im sure he's been on the tv but something big so I asked one of the metro radio staff who that guy was standing there before 🤪 She replied "im sure its the SAS DUDE". MY HEART SANK. So i ran around looking for him i was absolutely devastated. I wanted thank him for what he done for our country and give him a hug and get a photo but he was GONE. My heart sank but I told everyone about it all my mates and stuff but I will cross paths again 1 day with him and get a photo .
I am a TA at a local school and in our class, we have reluctant writers and readers and there's one pupil whereby I tried to enthuse him into reading books but to no avail. What I realised is that he is interested in war so I had one of Chris Ryan's books so handed it to him and is currently reading it....thank you Chris. And it was Bravo Two Zero that engaged me into reading..
But Chris didn't write that one, Andy MacNab did
That's got to be one of the best 1.5 hours I've spent on a podcast ever. Man this guy has so many stories.
Can I just say, I realised I've just listened to Chris talk for easily, 10 mins without any interruption Well done James, seriously, great interviewing.
👍🏼
That was f'king brilliant, Chris is an interesting speaker and James just pointed him at a topic and let him get on with it. My Dad (RIP) was 40 years in the British Army and from the North East of England, so this was like listening to him or one of his old Army peers telling me stories I really do hope there's a PT2 and considering how interesting some of the other podcasts look I've already subscribed
Haha similar boat m8 my dad was only 10 years though but aye this brings back memories it was just missing a French joke
James, you need to get Chris back on with a part 2 Bro Exploring his Post military experience in civvy Street as a Bodyguard ;)
James this must rank as one of your best yet, such a captivating listen 👍
Bodyguard work is mostly boring where nothing happens. My friend was in the Parachute regiment, served in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan plus other conflicts. He left the army/Paras after 22 years and did some bodyguard work in Dubai and Africa for mainly rich oil CEO’s etc and said although the money is good 10/11k a month take home, he said the actual threat to the people he was protecting was minimal but they like to have a bodyguard, because it gives them status. He said most days are repetitive and boring. He did it for two years which allowed him to save enough to buy his first house almost outright, and now works for Network rail as a area manager and loves it👍🏼
Ask him about the truth on Bravo Two Zero story. Document THE REAL BRAVO TWO ZERO. It’s an eye opener 😳🤔💥
what a gentleman, read all his books and the humility is unbelievable.
What an absolute enthralling interview 😯 Chris' description of the seven day ordeal was at times so difficult to hear at times but the passion he had for his team was so heartfelt. Thank you @JamesEnglish for letting the interview flow . Great interview xxx
There were a few things brought up on this interview, I thought about an interview with R Lee Ermy and he mentioned about people he had being put through drill instruction who were sent out to Vietnam and unfortunately never made it back alive, and he read there names in the obituary section and he said he shed a few tears but never in front of the men he trained. Obviously long before the movie were he played the same roll that he worked as years before.
Excellent podcast. Could listen to Chris all day and I respect the fact you let the guests speak uninterupted. Have seen a few of your podcasts now and every conversation comes accross as very genuine and thought provoking. Good stuff
Phenomenal interview from start to finish. Absolute respect for men like Chris Ryan, amazing. Also, hats off to your interview technique, ask the questions, and let the guest do the talking with intelligent comments and questions. Great stuff.
Men like Chis have so much to share..we need to get behind people like him..especially in this day and age.. humility, self reflection, honesty..no judgement.. what a quality super class human being
I was a young soldier in the 80,s and did two tours of Northern Ireland and to this day I can pick up on vibes and trouble brewing in a pub 30 years later, its like a sixth sense that's been instilled into you. It never leaves you and never will. I never sit with my back to anyone in a strange pub because I know if it kicks off ill either make a run for it or get the first punch in, it's a survival thing, fight or flight.
These guys were fucking legends, tough as fuck who have earned their place in the history books
But were beaten many times by IRA
@@conorfields2660 aahh but not all of the time sometimes the sas had a win just saying
@@conorfields2660 proof?
Went to bed at 23:50 and my son sent me this, said to the Mrs I’ll just watch a few minutes it will help me get off as I don’t sleep well. Watched the bloody lot in one go and enjoyed it that much I couldn’t get to sleep after 😂 absolutely brilliant and what a top bloke Chris is 👍🏻
Starting it right now at 12:45 brilliant
Listen to it again
James thanks for being the type of interviewer who lets them speak! Great stuff mate!
thank you for your service.
Chris' talk about reading books cuts so true, my old man was thick as shit at school, dropped out at 15 and worked on a pig farm, but read and self taught to himself so much more than the education system could give to him, and the same thing has happened to me. Reading is such an underrated skill and means of learning, even if it is just by reading a book you enjoy and not a classic piece of literature. Reading is the best way we can educate ourselves and learn what we want to learn and enjoy.
Excellent podcast. Please get more people like this on rather than drug dealers.
Quick thinker, tough man, could kill you in a heart beat, or spin you in circles, in the shadows. Brilliant podcast james, time flew by. Hope you have chris back on for a part 2.
Riveting stuff, Chris is such a great talker, could listen all day.
Best hour and a half I've spent on a podcast 👌🏼 part 2 would be awesome. I remember reading The One That Got Away when I was a teenager. Was absolute hooked on it. This brought it all back. Brilliant. What a man.
There’s no way you can compare a man who chooses to walk a path in life that takes him to the pinnacle of soldering with a man who chose a path that took him to be a bare knuckle fighter, or a General amongst football hooligans. Chris Ryan is a legend in his own right, a man amongst others who are a select few at the top of their game.
You Never Never leave mates behind jackanory comes to mind,
@@newton18311 Looking forward to seeing your own interview and experiences...
@@mikeh5714 Don't believe all you read,
@@newton18311 - unless you have proof to the contrary then you are just guessing. I worked with guys who know what happened and their story doesn't contradict Chris Ryan.
@@stevepenny1835 you don't walk off and leave mates
This is the only podcast I watch/listen to. James is the only guy that gets it just right, in my opinion. Respect for his guests and the perfect amount of interaction. Just brilliant. Well done! 👏
I read his books while in prison down the block it was like watching a film this guy is the real deal
We need Chris back for part 2!!
Soon mate 👍🏼
@@JamesEnglish any updates on part 2 mate
Great interview. Thanks a lot. He’s not been doing it for a long time now, but what he has to share feels completely fresh and relevant. What a guy.
Chris Ryan strikes me as an incredibly bright, articulate, and humane person.
Fantastic interview . I found it funny when he said “by that point I had lost my sense of humour “ ! Understatement of the year !
Holy shit I was not prepared for 32:36 I was completely in shock when he said that. What a riveting podcast, had me going through more emotions then most oscar winning films these days, bloody good job there mate.
Guy was from muirhouse
@@johnfraser9243I think he didn't want to mention the village for a reason
@@theophrastusbombastus1359 yeah my bad buddy
What a man. What an absolute inspiration. Really enjoyed watching this.
Absolutely loved this James , best by far could have listened to him all day . I have read loads on the sas but this guy went a lot deeper than other special forces soldiers do usually, loved his honesty about his mental health issues and got to say brilliant interview.
Listen to it again
Another top interview James...i can only imagine the dedication and mindset it takes to make it in the SAS..total respect 🙏
His book 'The One That Got Away' was the second book I ever read. I was 16 at the time and it was my introduction to just how powerful the book can be. It's because there are no visuals and so you are forced to use your own imagination. This is why everyone perceives a book slightly differently despite reading the same text.
This is the best one i have seen. I could listen to Chris's stories all day. So interesting and an absolute hero. I cant believe how good he looks after shit he has to deal with.
Absolutely captivating - I don’t think I blinked once during that for fear of missing anything! Brilliant stuff.
What an incredible story!THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR YOUR COUNTRY!cant wait to read your books👍
Great interview really enjoyed listening to him talking about his SAS days... Wot a unit they are.. Its unbelievable to listen about it. Can't wait for part 2 in the near future..
What a fascinating podcast. Guys like this put all those wannabe hardmen/ plastic gangsters to shame. Well done James for sitting back and letting Chris speak. Top marks fellas.
Always been interested in listening to SF operators. Their minds are built different and it’s always a pleasure to hear some of these unimaginable situations they were put in.
Started at home for me with dad and granddad, and my mom never stood around with her hands in her pockets, things got done for the family as a family. We were a team and they made sure we all knew that life was about teamwork. Now that doesn't mean you can't square yourself away, that does come first in many ways, but then it's off to make sure everyone is ok. And one important thing most guys don't touch on is this: you have a ''shelf life'' as an operator. It's not a lifetime position, It's hard work and then you're out. You go off and be a bodyguard, you take up another profession, write books whatever. But you are not in high speed shape forever. Before you know it, it's all in the past.
Chris is by far the baddest and maddest guy you've had on yet James. Absolute fantastic podcast. Stay blessed brother 💙
Thanks Craig ❤️
@@JamesEnglish Hope you and the family have a wonderful Christmas and New year brother. Stay blessed James💙
How do you reconcile ,him being bad & mad when his bravo book was half fantasy .
@@gregorybathurst4326 he passed SAS selection... nothing more needs to be said
@@gregorybathurst4326 That was "Mc Nab". Chris's book is 'The One that Got Away.'
Squandered my time in the Army. At the time it was a real opportunity for anyone who cultivated a positive, determined mindset and didn't draw attention for the wrong reasons. ' The grey man '. I appreciate the fact the SAS guys are extremely motivated , self disciplined human beings who hold themselves to the highest standards. Imo!
Please do a part 2, I watch all your videos this is one of the best.
Favourite one yet, could have Listened to him for hours fingers crossed for a part 2 👌🏻
Thoroughly brilliant. Chris is such a great story teller and it's nice that he was just allowed to speak. I could easily sit through another 90 minutes of him speaking.
👍🏼
I couldn’t give a monkeys
His best phrase
That's exactly what he is, a story teller
Like the fact that you are letting him speak without talking over him, one sub from me
Thanks John
I could Listen to Chris all day what I guy 🙏🏼 hopefully he can get back on for a part 2, the info and stories he has is unbelievable. Excellent podcast as always James keep them coming big man !!
Had me pissing myself when Chris was talking about him and his brother in the pub...shows even the best can misread a situation, but bring it to a successful ending and quite a humorous one at that. Bloody awesome watching and what a top bloke.
Great guest !! Real tough guy & good role model ! No disrespect but these wallies that have been in jail etc are getting boring , same old boring story & in my opinion we shouldn't be glorifying street crime ! Get some paramedics on , these guys are on the front line day in day out , 3am dealing with drunken morons , domestic violence, traffic incidents etc these are the real hero's!!
Exactly. How many of those street thugs wold last in the deserts of Iraq being chased by the Iraqi army carrying all that gear, outgunned, out manned probably 100 to 1, knowing one wrong move or decision could cost you brutal torture and death? Not many I’d say?!?
I’m ex Royal Marines and now paramedic. I’ve seen and dealt with far more trauma as a paramedic than I ever did in the military. Appreciate your comment. 🙏🏻
Finally someone with some perspective!
What a brilliant podcast this is. Chris Ryan tells the most amazing story especially when he was out in the desert by himself evading capture during Bravo Two Zero patrol that went tits up. Fact he survived such an ordeal is just remarkable. This man is one hell of a survivor & what a privilege it was listening to such a geezerq
Some heavy duty stories from mr Ryan!! Well done getting him on James 👌✌
An absolute brilliant story, was a pleasure listening to Chris...👏
Fantastic interview and Chris Ryan is a legend along with the other SF team. Thanks so much. James. Brilliant work.
Great interview mate. Really need a part 2 to this guy. Seen and done so much. 👌🏻
I was completely hooked from start to finish.Fascinating pod cast and another gem.well done James.
It's medicine to hear this guy talk about the thoughts going through his head. It's like an NA meeting. Nothing is too far out, nothing is off the table, and it helps to hear it.
Well said
Brilliant podcast James. Watched it from start to finish. Thank you.
Fabulous interview. This is what I want to c on utube, and this is what I want to show to my children. This is the type of man who should be going around schools inspiring our youth x
This man's life story had me Mesmorized i loved it .. I pictured every event in my mind wow ..speechless.x
What a gladiator he is. It's unthinkable for a normal person to go through what this man has
Great interview and its a story to many Never Give Up on yourself when life feels tough! look forward to your continuous real stories.
Brilliant James. Loved it, met Chris a few times over the years through military background. Comes across very calm but he is without a doubt one of the hardest men I've met.
Thanks Bryan
Went to an evening of Chris Ryan many years ago, he was absolutely brilliant and very informative... Great time.
Absolutely outstanding podcast James. Would love a part 2.
So much of what he said resonates with me. Thats all I wanted to comment on. Really excellent interview conversation flowed.
Best podcast by far of anything you've ever done,read all of Chris Ryan's n Andy mcnabs books,they was has good as of any pyscohic tablets I've ever took. Thank you James.
Incredible you could listen to this man all day!
Fantastic podcast there James! Really enjoyed listening to Colin's stories. Brilliant.
What a man! His English & how well spoken he is, remarkable! 1 in a 1000 that man 😎
Absolutely the nuts 💯. What an interview. Top drawer.!! Massive props to you James. Chris is one in a million.! Bless up bro 👊
So you believe fiction? This is 80% proven fiction.
Now I've watched a few SAS lads on YT now, and respect to every one of them, but this man's story of evasion to Syria is totally engrossing. Almost made it possible for me to half imagine how bad that must have been.
I could listen to Chris for days! What a great interview. I can't wait to read his books!
Without a doubt the best podcast you have ever done Chris Ryan is some chap ...i could have sat and listened to 100hrs of talking from him and not got bored a truly incredible individual. I love how intelligent and articulate he is but also how animated he gets you can see he still has the bite in him if he wanted to turn it on. And as always James letting his guests talk not butting in like alot do and asking just the right things at the right time, and I must mention James adjusts brilliant to suit each individuals personality which is a great skill in itself👍
Awesome interview, sat down to watch 10 minutes and ended up glued to the screen watching the whole thing. Brilliant interview 👏
👍🏼
Brilliant interview mate. Loved reading Chris's books as a kid and now as a adult
Unbelievable. Remembering reading Bravo 2 0 and The One That Got Away many years ago but to hear Chris talk about it some twenty years later is really something else.
This guy has green running through his blood. Huge respect from me beyond the regiment. So much sense, purpose, intelligence and empathy - not what you would expect. I wish he was my mate (and I was ARV in the cops, with mates like brothers).
Absolutely outstanding interview and guest. Keep up the great work 👍
Thank you
This is the sort of person I admire. Humble and kind but confident and tough.
Always loved how the Army just told you to get on with it. Made you develop problem solving skills at every level without having meetings about everything you soon learnt doing anything was better than nothing.
Best podcast I've seen. What a guy. Great interview 👍
Fascinating watch. Loved every second! Top work mate 👊
Thanks Sean
Incredible life story. Great interview.
Absolutely fantastic. A pleasure to meet Chris at a book signing, a privilege to have shaken his hand. Really enjoyed the stories, thanks.
Best podcast I've ever watched Chris is a great talker enjoyed this from start to finish i remember a tv show he did a while back called hunting Chris Ryan and it was compelling viewing, Well done James on getting in such a interesting guest.
Thanks
That tv show he done hunting Chris Ryan was absolutely fucking brilliant
@@teddyhamil185 he’s quality tv isn’t he haha people talk all bad nonsense about him
Came from a single parent family in a council house with not a pot to piss in, my mum was physically abusive, I rebelled and was on the verge of going to prison; just as I turned 16 I bumped in to a recruitment tent for the army and signed up for trials (barb etc) joined as a junior in Kings Regiment Paras. Best thing that ever happened to me, after 18mths of being top 2 I was asked if I wanted to join Rifles, I said fuck yeah! Chosen is beyond what I thought I could achieve, after hell and HELL I ended up top 3 and was angry I dropped my place, took advanced training for me to realise it wasn't about where I place it was about being sure I deserve a place with these other lads (some of which I really disliked). The sleep dep and multiple interrogations are only a minor part, he's purposefully missing out a lot. I did 8yrs active combat duty over 10yrs service and can say the toughest people I've ever met came from nothing, the only people I hated were the entitled shits that came from officer academy. I've seen my share in Telic and Herrick but 18 funerals of people you serve with or trained/passed is different. We had a CO that literally broke down mid brief once saying he couldn't send anyone else to die and had to be dragged off. You can be trained, broken, rebuilt, broken again and rebuilt but reality is different. Even the lads that wrapped up/belled out I have respect for, just a shame this is literally the pattern. I heard a lyric from someone called Akala "They don't send the sons of the rich or politicians, its your KIDS, the poor Britain's." Summed it up for me. Entering civvie street is rough too, still not trained for this BS, wish I was back in hell. EDIT: Thanks Chris, you're a top lad, I used to think I was weak but people like yourself let fuckups like me open our wounds to heal them, thanks for your honesty, ie- "So? , they're gonna die anyway". Went through the same cold disassociation and desensitisation myself. Please anyone reading this don't think we don't care we just can't. Hard to explain.
Liar.
Most real life interview I have ever watched. Brilliant !
Great to hear Chris expand upon a lot of his experiences post combat. As an Iraq war veteran (2005) Infantryman, you are forever changed by your time on the battlefield. Some for the better others for the worse.
How did it change you personally?
That was a belter mate, could listen to him for hours 😀👍
Cheers mate