Rusty Firmin - SAS / Operation Nimrod

The Big Tex Ordnance Podcast

Rusty Firmin discusses his life and career in the British Special Air Service (SAS). He was forced to join the army at age 15 and initially hated it. Over time, he grew to enjoy the military lifestyle and joined the SAS in 1977 after serving in various units. Rusty details the grueling selection process for the SAS, which includes physical and mental challenges, jungle training in Belize, and close quarters combat training.
A significant portion of the interview focuses on the 1980 Iranian Embassy Siege in London, where Rusty and his team were tasked with rescuing hostages. He describes the six-day operation, the meticulous planning, and the successful 11-minute assault that resulted in the rescue of 19 hostages and the death of five terrorists.
Rusty also briefly discusses Operation Certain Death during the Falklands War in 1982, which was ultimately aborted due to various challenges and the loss of 19 SAS members in a helicopter accident.
The interview concludes with Rusty mentioning his two non-fiction books, "Go! Go! Go!" and "The Regiment: 15 Years in the SAS," which provide more detailed accounts of his experiences.
https://www.rusty-firmin.com/
Timeline of major highlights:
00:00:00 - Rusty describes the 11-minute assault during the Iranian Embassy Siege
00:01:00 - Introduction of Rusty Firmin and his background
00:02:00 - Rusty's forced entry into the army at age 15
00:05:00 - Rusty's progression through various units before joining the SAS
00:12:00 - The selection process for the SAS
00:22:00 - Close quarters combat training in the SAS
00:30:00 - Jungle training in Belize
00:38:00 - The Iranian Embassy Siege begins on April 30, 1980
00:52:00 - The SAS assault on the Iranian Embassy on May 5, 1980
00:56:00 - Operation Certain Death during the Falklands War in 1982
01:03:00 - Rusty's two non-fiction books about his experiences in the SAS

Update 4-19