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Episode details

Radio 4,08 Sep 2025,14 mins

SeriesThe Fort

7. In the Zone

The History Podcast

Available for over a year

Precariously positioned on the side of two Apache attack helicopters Dave, Chris, Colin and Gary are flying straight into danger. Apaches are absolutely not supposed to land in the conflict zone, and as the helicopters take off, more helicopters provide crucial "top cover". We meet Charlotte Madison, a woman with a unique place in UK military history. A heavy bomber is tasked with creating a massive diversionary explosion for the crews of Ugly 50 and Ugly 51 - and the pilots and their passengers fly back to the Taliban stronghold under cover of a thick dust storm. Charlotte Madison spoke to the BBC in 2010. The Fort is told solely by current and former members of the Armed Forces. Produced by Kev Core

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