The Old Paratrooper Podcast

PART1: From the Falklands to the Film Set | The Extraordinary Life of a Para, Marine & Stuntman

A former Royal Marines Commando and Falklands war veteran. Along with his combat service medals, Neil was presented with Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant award for "17 Years outstanding military service, as a member of the Forces in the Service of Her Majesty The Queen and the Country".He was a Free-Fall Parachute instructor and team leader, Tandem-Master, Ski Instructor and represented his country in extreme sports. Culminating into one of his proudest achievements of becoming an adaptive Ski Instructor. Teaching injured service personnel how to ski, using various methods as part of their physical rehabilitation with the Battle Back team. While still serving as a Sergeant in the Parachute Regiment reserves, he then went on to become a very successful Film/TV stunt man. Having worked on numerous film blockbusters and then winning a Taurus World Stunt Award in 2013, for his mid-air plane to plane high-jack jump on The Dark Knight Rises. Neil has now become a very well respected Stunt Co-ordinator, Action Unit Director, Producer and also a published author, under the name (Neil Thomas). When not working on a Film/TV project, or pursuing his passion as an amateur racing driver, he lives between his homes in the UK and the Spanish Canary Islands, where he continues to writeInterested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness

Remembering Those Who Never Returned

The Somme. A name that means so much to so many, yet until you stand here, it’s impossible to truly understand its scale.This was my first visit, and no amount of reading, documentaries or photographs could prepare me for what it feels like to walk these battlefields. Today they’re peaceful fields, lined with crops, trees and quiet country roads. But just over a century ago, this landscape witnessed one of the bloodiest battles in British military history.As I walked through places like Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel and the countless cemeteries scattered across the Somme, it became clear that every step was on ground where thousands of young men fought, suffered and, for many, never returned home.It’s impossible not to think about who they were. Sons, brothers, fathers and friends. Ordinary people asked to do extraordinary things. Many were little older than teenagers, carrying hopes, fears and dreams that would never be realised.What struck me most wasn’t just the scale of the loss, but the silence. The silence that now covers ground once filled with artillery, gunfire and unimaginable chaos. That silence gives you time to reflect—not just on the sacrifice made here, but on the cost of war itself.Standing amongst the headstones, you quickly realise that every name represents a family whose lives were changed forever. Behind every grave is a story. Behind every memorial is someone who was loved and never forgotten.As someone who has served myself, visiting the Somme carried an even deeper meaning. It reminded me that while equipment, tactics and uniforms change, the courage, camaraderie and sacrifice of those who wear the uniform never really do.This journey wasn’t just about looking back through history. It was about remembering the people behind it. Ensuring that, 110 years later, their sacrifice is still recognised and their stories continue to be told.The Somme leaves you with more questions than answers. But one thing is certain: we owe these men our remembrance.Lest we forget. #britisharmy #motivation #britishsoldier #veteran #viral #parachuteregiment #thesomme #mentalhealthawareness

GUARDS/PARA SNIPER: From the Battlefield to Running 100 Miles in Body Armour

Richard French (Frenchy) joined the Army in 1999 and served for 17 years in the Coldstream Guards and 3 Para. Trained early in his career as a sniper and later sniper commander, he deployed on eight operational tours and multiple training team deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Anti-poaching in Africa.Frenchy was wounded by a Taliban grenade in Afghanistan and later in a military parachute jump whist working with the American 82nd Airborne. This led to his medical discharge from the Army. Since leaving the Army, he has worked and volunteered for multiple charities in both event planning and case working. In his spare time, Frenchy has run multiple ultramarathons for charity. Including 250km through the Wadi Rum desert and setting a new record running 100 miles wearing full body armour. Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation. https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness

"Why Are Veterans Treated Better in Some Countries Than Others?" 🇬🇧🇺🇸🌍

How much value do different countries place on those who serve? In this clip, we discuss how veterans, serving members of the armed forces, and emergency services personnel are viewed and treated around the world. From public respect and recognition to healthcare, support networks, benefits, and opportunities after service, the differences between countries can be striking. Having served in the military, worked in close protection, and spent over a decade in the fire service, I've seen firsthand how service is perceived both at home and abroad. Why do some nations openly celebrate their veterans while others seem to forget them once the uniform comes off? Join the conversation as we explore the realities, challenge perceptions, and ask an important question: are we doing enough for those who dedicate their lives to protecting others? #Veterans #ArmedForces #EmergencyServices #Military #FireService #Police #ServiceBeforeSelf #TheOldParatrooperPodcast

John Hunter: The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man | FINAL PART

In the final part of our conversation, John Hunter reflects on a life that most people could only imagine. From the Parachute Regiment to the world of close protection, high-risk environments, and experiences that tested him both physically and mentally, John shares the lessons learned along the way. Despite the extraordinary stories, the dangerous situations, and the unique career path, John's view of himself remains simple: "I'm just an ordinary man, but my life has been quite extraordinary to people." This episode isn't about ego or headlines. It's about resilience, humility, service, and the reality of a life lived far beyond the ordinary. A fascinating insight into a man who has seen more than most, yet remains grounded in who he is. FINAL PART – Don't miss the conclusion to this remarkable story. Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness