Rory Stewart: The Long History of... Heroism: Introducing The Fort from The History Podcast
Sep 23, 2025
In January 2007, a remarkable military operation unfolds in Afghanistan as Royal Marines and engineers face off against intense Taliban resistance at Jugroom Fort. The gripping tale includes a daring helicopter rescue when brave volunteers strap themselves to Apache wings to retrieve a fallen comrade. Current and former troops share their firsthand experiences of a chaotic firefight, delivering an emotionally charged narrative of heroism and sacrifice. This is a story about courage under fire, with voices that have rarely been heard.
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Voices Of Those Who Fought
- The Fort podcast collects first-time accounts from Royal Marines and pilots about the 2007 operation.
- It frames the action as a moment of refusal to leave a comrade behind and a mission that entered military history.
Fort As Strategic Hub
- Jugram Fort functioned as a Taliban command-and-control hub and a key infiltration route from Pakistan.
- Securing the fort was seen as cutting off the 'snake's head' and vital to bringing security to Helmand Province.
Ambush At Jugram Fort
- Zulu Company of Royal Marines attacked Jugram (Jugroom) Fort on 14 January 2007 and walked into an intense ambush.
- The fighting became a frantic withdrawal and the unit later realised Lance Corporal Matthew Ford was missing.