17th May 2000, Lungi Lol, Sierra Leone

Sergeant Steve Heaney was deployed to Sierra Leone as part of a task force sent to evacuate foreign citizens caught up in the country’s civil war.

The Revolutionary United Front, a murderous rebel group known for their brutality, were advancing towards the capital Freetown and Steve, along with the rest of his Pathfinder platoon were tasked to stop them.

The 26 soldiers were sent to the jungle village of Lungi Lol for a 48-hour mission which developed into a 16-day siege.

It was the first time the British army had fought in the jungle for 40 years. With no reinforcements to support them, the Pathfinders were forced to fight alone.

Steve tells Darren how he and the pathfinders defended the village, while his Task Force Commander, General Lord Richards explains why Steve became the first Non-Commissioned Officer in the Pathfinders to receive the Military Cross. 

Contributors:

Steve Heaney MC

General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

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

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