Cold War Conversations

Latest Episodes:

Surveillance and shortages: A British teacher in 1960s Cold War Communist Romania (377) Nov 30, 2024

Show notes

In 1967 a young British professor found himself in Bucharest, Romania, under the most intriguing circumstances.

Ron Mackay shares his fascinating experiences as he navigated life and teaching in a communist country. When he set foot on Romanian soil, he was met with challenges and intrigue. The stark realities of life under a communist regime painted a picture of a world vastly different from his own. Yet, amidst the restrictions, he found beauty in the Romanian culture, architecture, and the resilience of its people.

Despite the oppressive environment, his students were eager to learn and engage, offering him a glimpse into their lives and aspirations. The lack of resources and the ever-present surveillance added complexity to his teaching experience.

The episode also explores his adventures beyond the classroom, from navigating the bustling streets of Bucharest to travelling through the picturesque Romanian countryside, his encounters with locals, fellow expatriates, and even a mysterious British engineer.

Buy the book here and support CWC https://amzn.to/3Om8kZt

Related episodes:

Cold War, Warm Hearts - Hitchhiking behind the 1960s Iron Curtain https://pod.fo/e/2098ae
A Childhood under the eye of the Secret Police https://pod.fo/e/a4730
My life laid bare through secret police files https://pod.fo/e/12e45f
A Hungarian childhood in Cold War Romania https://pod.fo/e/1190aa
Escaping from Cold War Romania https://pod.fo/e/11ad63
Emanuela - a Cold War Romanian Childhoodhttps://pod.fo/e/f0376
Reporting the 1989 Romanian Revolution https://pod.fo/e/1ea8c

Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode377/

The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history.

You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.

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0:00:01 Teaching in Cold War Romania

0:04:30 Cultural Exchange Mission in Romania

0:12:07 First Impressions of Bucharest

0:25:43 Living Under Surveillance in Romania

0:42:14 Interactions in Rural Romania

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Mission Iran: Special Forces Berlin & Operation Eagle Claw, JTF 1-79 (376) Nov 23, 2024

Show notes

Few operations in Cold War history capture the imagination quite like Operation Eagle Claw. I have the privilege of welcoming back James Stejskal, a Special Forces veteran, to delve into the intricacies of this audacious mission.

Operation Eagle Claw, was conceived as a daring rescue mission to free 52 US embassy staff being held hostage held in Iran. James was a member of Detachment A, a clandestine unit tasked with gathering intelligence and preparing for the mission. James reveals the undercover operations in Tehran, where operatives navigated hostile territory with nothing but their wits and

false identities.

The operation itself was fraught with difficulties from the onset and James walks us through the intricate phases of the mission, from the rendezvous at Desert One to the audacious plan to storm the embassy and foreign ministry in Tehran. He captures the sense of urgency and the meticulous planning that went into every detail, highlighting the commitment of those

involved.

For those intrigued by the complexities of Cold War operations and the human stories behind them, this episode is a must-listen. James's insights and personal reflections bring a unique perspective to a pivotal moment in history.

Buy the book here and support CWC https://bookshop.org/a/92195/9780063330603

Related episodes:

Special Forces Berlin - Clandestine Cold War Operations of the US Army's Elite, 1956-1990 https://pod.fo/e/19e5f
Den of Spies: The October Surprise - A Covert Cold War Operation https://pod.fo/e/283261
The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama with Ben Macintyre https://pod.fo/e/26909e

Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode375/

The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

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0:00:01 Operation Eagle Claw

0:18:47 Failed Rescue Operation and Escape Efforts

0:33:51 Joint Task Force 179 Iran Rescue

0:41:35 Podcast Updates and Thanks

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Den of Spies: The October Surprise - A Covert Cold War Operation (375) Nov 16, 2024

Show notes

In the late 1970s, the United States found itself at the centre of a crisis where 52 US Embassy staff were held hostage in Iran.

Our latest episode takes you on a journey through the tumultuous events of 1980, exploring the covert operation known as the “October Surprise” that allegedly influenced the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.

William Casey is at the heart of this story, a brilliant yet enigmatic figure who played a pivotal role in the Reagan campaign. Described as a master spy, Casey is said to have orchestrated a complex web of secret meetings and illegal arms sales, all aimed at manipulating 52 American hostages held captive in Iran to Ronald Reagan’s advantage.

Our guest, Craig Unger an investigative journalist with decades of experience, has written a new book on the subject Den of Spies: Reagan, Carter, and the Secret History of the Treason That Stole the White House.

Buy the book here and support CWC https://bookshop.org/a/92195/9780063330603

Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode375/

The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

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Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

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Surrounded and captured in the Korean War (374) Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

Today is Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in the UK and to commemorate I’ve gone back into the archive to remember and share vivid testimony from Korean War veteran Tommy Clough who sadly passed away a couple of weeks ago.

The Korean War was among the most destructive conflicts of the modern era, and one of the few times when the Cold War turned hot. There were approximately 3 million war fatalities and a larger proportional civilian death toll than World War II or the Vietnam War.

Tommy Clough is one of the last surviving of the battle of the Imjin River and was just 19 when the Gloucestershire Regiment were cut off from their brigade by more than 10,000 Chinese troops in 1951. Outnumbered and surrounded, they dug in on a hilltop for three days, repelling attack after attack until their ammunition ran out. The battle of the Imjin River was one of the most famous of the Korean War

We hear in detail Tommy’s experiences in the days up to the battle, as well as the desperate fighting to hold off the Chinese army as food, water and ammunition ran out.

Inevitably the Gloucestershire Regiment was forced to surrender and Tommy’s story continues, with the hardship and privation of the 500 miles march to their prisoner of war camp. Following an escape attempt, Tommy is held and handcuffed for 6 weeks in solitary confinement including a lengthy period held in a small cage.

It’s an incredible story of fortitude and resilience under the most extreme circumstances and I am so humbled and honoured to be able to share this story with you. I’d like to thank The History of War magazine for putting me in contact with the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and subsequently Tommy.

Videos and episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode374/

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Interview with an East German Border Guard (373) Nov 09, 2024

Show notes

Today is the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall and East German border opening in the autumn of 1989.

In this riveting episode, I speak with Dietmar Schultke, a member of the Grenztruppen, the East German Border Guards and delve into the life of those responsible for preventing escapes over the Berlin Wall and the East German Border.

Dietmar opens up about his life in the GDR, sharing personal stories of his recruitment into the border troops, the rigorous training he endured, and the psychological pressures he faced during his service.

Training in Eisenach prepared him for a potential third World War, with exercises in sharpshooting, combat, and gas mask drills. The psychological toll of such training was immense, as soldiers were constantly under surveillance, with one in ten being a Stasi informant.

The cultural impact of the time was not lost on Dietmar. He vividly recalls attending a Bruce Springsteen concert in East Berlin, an event that felt like a taste of freedom amidst the oppressive regime. The concert was a beacon of hope, yet, the return to the border was a stark reminder of the barriers that still existed.

Episode extras including links and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode373/

Guarding the Wall Podcast https://royalarmouries.org/objects-and-stories/stories/guarding-the-berlin-wall

Dietmar's web site https://www.dietmar-schultke.de

The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
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From Vulcan to Gannet: A Cold War career in the Royal Air Force Nov 02, 2024

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by the Avro Heritage Museum at Woodford near Manchester where I am a volunteer. Trevor Jackson is also one of the volunteers, but unlike me he’s a former Vulcan pilot who shares with me his extraordinary career.

From his early days with the Royal Air Force Cadet Force to flying iconic aircraft like the BAC Jet Provost, Folland Gnat , Vulcan, Gannett, and Canberra, Trevor provides fascinating insights into the life of a military aviator.

Discover the challenges and thrills of flying during the Cold War, the intricacies of Vulcan QRA scrambles, and landing on the pitching, heaving deck of an aircraft carrier. This episode is a must-listen for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike!

I highly recommend the Avro Heritage Museum. They’re the home of the only white Vulcan in the World as well as many other historical aircraft and cockpits. Visit the web site at https://www.avroheritagemuseum.co.uk/ for more details.

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode372

The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and viaa simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.

All our air power episodes in one convenient playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4QVY3bWNLFSd62iBkPzRh9?si=31342ec59eb54762

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

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Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

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Doorsteps of Hell - a US Marine platoon commander in the Vietnam War (371) Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

As Tom Williams fought the enemy, every day, without fail, he would record the day’s events in his diary. It is these diaries (which Tom has to this day), that enable him to tell the story of Vietnam in the late sixties/early seventies, like it really was.

I talk with Tom about his book “Doorsteps of Hell” where he offers an honest, unembellished account of a new officer in the US Marines - fighting and surviving in the mud-sucking rice paddies and leech-infested jungles of Vietnam.

In my conversation Tom brings to life the camaraderie, leadership, and the very essence of military expertise. Tom’s book is available at heartofamarineseries.com .

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode371

The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.

All our combat episodes in one convenient playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6j6YJmRWzt42kYiPGkcFfa?si=95e5366e4ad945a3

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

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Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

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How the Cold War almost destroyed European Football (370) Oct 18, 2024

Show notes

In the late 1960s European club football competitions were thriving However unexpected events in 1968 threatened its survival.

I delve into the fascinating world of European football during the Cold War era with Craig McCracken, a self-described peddler and purveyor of quasi obscure retro football nostalgia via the 'Beyond The Last Man' blog.

We explore the political tensions that influenced European football in the 1960s, and the dramatic events of 1968 when the Prague Spring was crushed by Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces.

Discover how these geopolitical events impacted clubs like Celtic, the Milan clubs, and Real Madrid, and the unprecedented decisions UEFA had to make. This episode is a gripping tale of football, politics, and the power struggles that shaped the beautiful game.

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode370

Craig's excellent blog https://beyondthelastman.com/

All our Cold War Sport episodes in one convenient playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2OoAtLN7sHYdCgCNhms1Kl?si=da05732a422a41f8

The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

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Nuclear Missions - a Canadian CF104 Starfighter Pilot's Story (369) Oct 11, 2024

Show notes

Flying at high speed and low level, RCAF pilot Allen French was at the sharp end of potential nuclear bombing missions during the Cold War.

Born at the dawn of the baby boomer era, Allen delves into his early inspirations, his father's service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the pivotal moments that led him to join the Air Force.

From training on the Canadair CT-114 Tutor to flying the iconic F-86 Sabre and CF-104 Starfighter, Allen shares firsthand accounts of Cold War tensions, nuclear deterrence strategies, and the challenges of high-speed, low-level navigation across Europe.

Around 50% of over 200 Canadian Starfighters were lost in accidents. You’ll hear about Allen’s near-death experience at a West German airbase and many other personal anecdotes that bring history to life.

Thanks to Bernardo Scheliga who put me in contact with Allen. He and Allen are volunteers at the Canadian Museum of Flight. You can find details here https://canadianflight.org/

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode369

All our air power episodes in one convenient playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4QVY3bWNLFSd62iBkPzRh9?si=31342ec59eb54762

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

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The KGB Spies Next Door (368) Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

In the sleepy suburb of Ruislip in London during the late 1950s, life was anything but exciting for Gay Search, a 15-year-old girl. Little did she know, her mundane existence was about to be shattered by a shocking revelation that would turn her world upside down.

This is the gripping tale of suburban espionage, the story begins with the seemingly ordinary Kroger family—Helen and Peter—who live just a stone's throw away from Gay.

However, beneath their friendly facade lay a dark secret. The Krogers were, in fact, Soviet spies, part of the infamous Portland Spy Ring.

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode368

All our spy episodes in one convenient playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40wb3AyJ6oUep10YKXLhtm?si=c72eba540bee4ba4

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod