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Sep 14
14m 51s

The Fort: 6. Call Sign: Ugly

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

For Apache helicopter pilots Tom O'Malley and Ed Macy - the mission has changed.

Their new objective is to prevent the stricken Lance Corporal Mathew Ford from becoming a prisoner of The Taliban. So they take the fight to them.

But Tom is growing increasingly frustrated. With fuel and ammunition limited - how long can they sustain their airborne protection of the fallen marine?

He devises a new plan. Only ever conceived as a last-dtich emergency escape plan for downed pilots, Tom wants to land, pick up four volunteers from HQ, and fly them into the battlezone on the side of their helicopters. They will rush to Mathew, secure him to the helicopter - and they will fly him out.

The volunteers have been chosen. Royal Marines Chris, Gary and Colin and Royal Engineer Dave are now tasked with what their commander Rob Magowan calls - the most dangerous mission these men would ever embark upon.

The Fort is told solely by current and former members of the Armed Forces.

Produced by Kev Core

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Sep 15
The Fort: 7. In the Zone
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Sep 16
The Fort: 8. Bullet Magnet
<p>The bomber has created an enormous dust storm at The Fort. </p><p>Disorientated and under enemy fire, the team rush headlong from the grounded Apaches which have now become sitting duck targets for the Taliban. </p><p>Tom, alone and effectively stuck inside his aircraft spots ... Show More
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<p>Under pressure and under fire, the team are faced with the task of returning Lance Corporal Mathew Ford to base. </p><p>As exhaustion sets in and the clock ticks, Ed the pilot leaves the Apache to help with the recovery. </p><p>Back at the Zulu Company lines, Mathew's colleaug ... Show More
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