Today we hear a Combat Story from our brothers across the pond with a veteran and sniper from the UK’s elite Parachute Regiment or Paras, Hugh Keir. Hugh deployed to Iraq twice, Afghanistan three times, in addition to Northern Ireland and the Falklands.
Hugh survived the infamous siege of Musa Qala (you’ll be fascinated to hear about this experience and it will make you appreciate just how brutal fighting can be at times) where he and his unit were infiled into a brutal fighting position in Afghanistan completely surrounded by the Taliban. He was also recognized with a gallantry award for his actions in Helmand Province in 200 in just one of his several Afghan deployments.
Since leaving the military, Hugh has worked as a Close Protection Officer in the Middle East and in the UK, and is the host of the H-Hour Podcast, a long form conversation hosted with guests that have included politicians, actors, psychologists, UFC fighters, authors, campaigners, veterans, and more.
I hope you enjoy this deep dive from our close partners over in the UK as much as I did.
Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Hugh Keir Online:
🔗 Hugh’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hughkeir
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/hughkeir
📘 Learn more about Hugh: https://charliecharlieone.com/about-h-hour/
Find Ryan Online:
🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory
🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/
📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction00:28 Introduction to Combat Story00:47 Meet Hugh Heyer: UK Parachute Regiment Sniper03:43 Growing Up in Wales09:17 Joining the Military26:00 Training Challenges and Selection33:18 Bloody Sunday and Personal Connections34:46 Marching Season in Ireland37:34 Experiences in Iraq42:40 Sniper Training and Promotion49:20 First Firefight in Afghanistan58:08 The Siege of Musa Qala01:07:31 Facing Ammunition Shortages01:09:35 Enduring Relentless Attacks01:11:01 Casualties and Morale01:15:31 Negotiating with the Taliban01:16:18 The Unexpected Evacuation01:18:43 Reflecting on the Siege01:25:57 Gallantry Award and Strike Operations01:35:28 Starting the H-Hour Podcast01:38:39 Sentimental Keepsakes and Final Reflections01:40:42 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion
