10th January 2007, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

By the time Corporal John Thompson made his way to Afghanistan in 2006 for Operation Herrick 5, he had already been mentioned in despatches in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service in Iraq. But that wasn’t the end of his bravery. Three years later in Afghanistan a Taliban ambush saw his company of Royal Marines fight for their lives in a gun battle lasting four hours.

John tells Darren about what it was like to fight the Taliban deep inside enemy territory and how his actions lead to him receiving the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. When John completed his military service, he was officially Britain’s most highly decorated Royal Marine.

Contributors:

John Thompson CGC, Ads Lison

Presented by Darren Coventry

Written and produced by Darren Coventry and Josella Waldron

Edited by Andy Prada

Sound Design by Terry Wilson

Original Music by Will Farmer

Executive Producer Alex Griffiths