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Episode 1

Mayday tells the extraordinary real story of the man who organised the White Helmet and investigates claims that, far from being heroes, they are part of a very elaborate hoax.

When James Le Mesurier fell to his death in Turkey in 2019 he left behind a tangle of truths and lies. Mayday tells the extraordinary real story of the man who organised the White Helmets – rescuers who film themselves pulling survivors from bombed out buildings in rebel-held areas of Syria – and investigates claims that, far from being heroes, they are part of a very elaborate hoax. James Le Mesurier – his detractors say – was a British secret agent, pulling the strings. So when his body was found by worshippers on their way to morning prayers, there were a lot questions.

Produced, written and presented by: Chloe Hadjimatheou
Editor: Emma Rippon
Researcher: Tom Wright
Sound design and mix: Neil Churchill
Additional mixing Graham Pudifoot
Editing assistance: Robbie Wojciechowski
Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
Arabic translation and additional research: Vanessa Bowles, Abdul Kader Habak
Turkish researcher: Nevin Sungur
Narrative Consultant: John Yorke
Original music: Nick Mundy
End track: Zamilou by Bu Kolthoum

57 minutes

Last on

Fri 19 Mar 2021 21:00

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Broadcasts

  • Fri 13 Nov 2020 21:00
  • Fri 19 Mar 2021 21:00