Cold War Conversations

Latest Episodes:

Home Bases: Memories & Stories of US Military Bases in the UK (267) Dec 24, 2022

Show notes

Sean Kelly is the author of Home Bases: Memories & Stories of US Military Bases Around London which for the first time, puts the spotlight on the history of many of the US Military’s lesser-known command and support bases that were located either in or close to London.

The bases (often known as ‘Little Americas’) are furthermore brought to life in a series of ‘snapshot’ memories. We hear about the heroism of US personnel who were awarded the George Medal for bravery in rescuing people caught in the great floods of 1953 as well as including actor Larry Hagman who played JR Ewing in the TV series Dallas.

We talk about the memories of bases further afield such as Upper Heyford, Greenham Common, Sculthorpe, and Burtonwood.

0:00 Introduction and background of Sean Kelly

1:59 Sponsor: Call for donations

2:23 Guest Introduction: Sean Kelly

7:38 Sean Kelly's book "Home Bases" and the history of US military bases in London

15:20 Personal stories from US military bases

28:31 Transformation and current state of Greenham Common

34:11 Personal anecdotes from those who served on the bases

48:54 The peak of the Cold War in the UK and discussion about the Burtonwood base

58:24 The special relationship between the UK and the US and the importance of personal stories in understanding history

1:02:30 Where to Find Sean Kelly's Book and Contact Information

1:06:22 Podcast Extras and Support Information

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Buy the book here https://amzn.to/3V8959o

The battle to preserve Cold War history is ongoing and your support can provide me with the ammunition to continue to keep this podcast on the air. Via a simple monthly donation, you’ll become part of our community 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.

I am delighted to welcome Sean Kelly to our Cold War conversation…

Sean's websites

Home Bases https://www.facebook.com/ushomebases

7 North Audley https://www.facebook.com/7NorthAudley

Episodes referred to:

Greenham Common https://coldwarconversations.com/episode18/

Burtonwood https://coldwarconversations.com/episode74/

Upper Heyford https://coldwarconversations.com/episode65/

Further episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode267/

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Cold War Chieftain tank deployment at the East German Border (266) Dec 17, 2022

Show notes

We’re back with Alan Hodges, a Royal Tank Regiment Chieftain tank commander, and Mick Hadfield who was his 17-year-old gunner.

In this episode we talk in detail about their deployment within a kilometer of the East German border and their tasks should H Hour have come as well as emergency deployment from barracks.

There is no affection for their main training area at Soltau described as “the moon with a few trees and also in less polite terms. However, these training periods are made better by the regular appearance of Wolfgang, a German entrepreneur and British Army legend who was uncannily able to place his snack vans whenever the British Army deployed.

We also hear how the crew was also trained on how to evacuate the tank if it was hit as well as how to evade capture and resist interrogation.

It’s anecdotes galore again including a visit from a Swedish Major who unwisely was given the chance to drive Chieftain.

There’s also sadness as we remember those that never came back from exercises due to accidents. It’s the continuing story of the close bond that soldiers forge that still lasts to this day.

0:00 Introduction

2:37 Discussion of training procedures and deployment strategies

6:20 Recollection of training exercises and potential war scenarios

12:39 Experiences and preparations for potential emergency situations

19:17 Experiences with escape and evasion exercises

23:50 Reflections on Exercise Lionheart and Soltau training area

29:51 Discussion of casualties of Cold War training exercises

34:48 Reflections on the seriousness of training and camaraderie developed during service

44:47 Maintaining focus and motivation during training and visits to both sides of Berlin

49:17 Discussion about Cold War literature and potential film creation

51:14 Reality of military life and benefits of being stationed in Germany

54:02 Social activities in Germany and episode wrap-up

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Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community 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.

Extra videos and photos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode266/

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Crewing the Cold War Chieftain tank (265) Dec 10, 2022

Show notes

Alan Hodges was a Royal Tank Regiment Chieftain tank commander and troop SGT in West Germany. Mick Hadfield was his 17-year-old gunner. The affection between the two is still apparent even today and Mick still calls Al his army Dad.

Mick met Al in 1987 straight out of his armoured corp gunnery training at Catterick. They served for 3 years together in 1st Royal Tank Regiment in Hildesheim from August 87 to December 90.

They share detailed insights into the operations of the Chieftain, the training, the camaraderie of a crew as well as important details like how you go the loo in a tank..

As part of 1st Royal Tank Regiment they were at the time (the most forward-facing Tank unit in BAOR and given a 2-hour life expectancy. They were told that if the Soviet 3rd Shock army crossed the border, each Chieftain would have to knock out a minimum of 10 Soviet tanks before they got overrun.

0:00 Introduction

4:07 Mick's journey into the army and Al's family military background

10:04 Experiences with the Chieftain Mark 2 tank and its components

16:40 Structure of the tank regiment and regional recruitment

23:59 Training process for the Chieftain crew and simulation experiences

34:06 Cold War threat discussion and ammunition types

42:49 Physical experience of being in a tank and recalling incidents

47:25 Reality of fighting in AFVs and potential for motion sickness in a tank

57:04 Relationship between a crew and their tank, tuning for performance

1:02:40 Knowledge of the battleground and teaser for the next episode

1:03:30 Closing remarks and invitation to the Facebook discussion group

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Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community 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.

Extra videos and photos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode265/

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

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

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Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

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How East Germany doped its athletes (264) Dec 03, 2022

Show notes

In the early 1970s, the athletes of East Germany started to achieve incredible sports results, winning medals and setting new world records with astonishing frequency. For many years, their sporting supremacy was hailed as a triumph of the socialist government's commitment to scientific research and innovative training methods.

However, after the Cold War ended, the Stasi archives revealed a sinister secret behind the successes: a perverse doping system imposed by the government itself. Drugs were administered to young athletes, often without their consent, and the price their bodies are now paying is very high, both physically and mentally.

I talk with Joseph Tudor, whose new book Synthetic Medals reveals the events that led to the discovery of the state-doping system and the subsequent trial. It also explores the state's motives for this crime against its own people.

0:00 Introduction and Joseph Tudor's perspective on East German doping

2:04 Sponsor: Call to support the Cold War Conversations podcast

4:12 East Germany's adoption of artificial methods to enhance athletes' performance

10:43 Unveiling the East German 'athlete machine'

17:47 The International Olympic Committee's suspicions about East Germany's success

21:44 Prevalence and detection of doping in East German sports

26:05 Resistance and consequences against Stasi's involvement in sports

31:49 Discovery of State Plan 14.25, East Germany's state doping program

34:03 Legal challenges surrounding East Germany's doping program

38:39 The devastating side effects of doping drugs on athletes

45:30 Legacy of East German athletic success and the role of doping

52:37 Athletes returning their medals due to guilt of doping

56:13 Sponsor: Promotion of the book 'Synthetic Medals: East German Athlete's Journey to Hell'

57:05 Closing remarks and promotion of the Cold War Conversations store

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Extra episode info here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode264/

Buy the book here https://amzn.to/3gVZbtI and support the podcast.

==========================================================

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.

==========================================================

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

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

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

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

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The building of the Berlin Wall (263) Nov 26, 2022

Show notes

From the moment East Germany was formed in 1949, many of its citizens chose to leave to start a new life in the West. By the mid-1950s, the trickle had turned into a flood as large numbers rejected Walter Ulbricht’s Communist paradise. His ‘Workers’ & Peasants’ State’ could not afford to lose the skills and productivity of these key workers, so he proposed a radical solution - to physically fence in the whole population.

I speak with Andrew Long, the author of a series of books about Cold War Berlin as we explore the background and build-up to the building of the Berlin Wall, from the closing of the Inner German border to the momentous events of August 1961.

We examine in detail how Operation Rose, the operation to close the border between East and West Berlin, was planned and executed and look at how the West reacted.

0:00 Introduction

1:04 Formation and Exodus of East Germany

7:51 Dissent and Exodus in East Germany

15:39 The Unique Situation in Berlin and the Establishment of Air Corridors

18:11 Khrushchev's Ultimatum and the Role of Nuclear Deterrence

24:16 Arrival of JFK and the Renewed Ultimatum

33:27 Operation Rose and the Planning for the Berlin Wall

47:08 Situation at Checkpoint Charlie and Allies' Response

56:43 Propaganda and Defection Post-Border Closure

1:07:30 Rules of Engagement and Fortification of the Berlin Wall

1:11:23 Acknowledgement of Financial Supporters and Donation Call to Action

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Extra episode info here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode263/

Buy Andrew's books here https://amzn.to/3hI6N2Y and support the podcast.

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.

Photos and video extra here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode263/

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

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

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Guarding Rudolf Hess, Hitler's Deputy Führer (262) Nov 19, 2022

Show notes

Dave Phillips is a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London. The Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times.

Dave joined the British Army aged 16 into the Royal Irish Rangers. We hear of his early years in the Army in Northern Ireland and his posting to West Berlin.

In West Berlin Dave is part of the force that guarded Rudolf Hess, a leading member of the Nazi Party in Nazi Germany and appointed Deputy Führer to Adolf Hitler in 1933.

On 10 May 1941, Hess made a solo flight to Scotland, where he hoped to arrange peace talks with the British. He was arrested and stood trial at the 1946 Nuremberg trials of major war criminals. The court convicted him of crimes against peace and of conspiracy with other German leaders to commit crimes and was given a life sentence in Berlin’s Spandau Prison.

Dave describes interactions with Hess, as well as the guard duties and operation of the prison.

0:00 Introduction and Dave Phillips' early experiences in Berlin

1:04 The story of Rudolph Hess and his arrest

6:16 Dave's experiences in Berlin and Spandau Prison

15:38 A typical day for Hess in Spandau Prison and guarding duties

24:56 Hess's time at the Tower of London and conversations with him

28:59 Military training in Berlin and preparations for a potential invasion

36:00 Interaction with other occupying forces and West Berlin locals

39:44 Dave's return to Berlin years later and reminiscing about the fall of the Berlin Wall

45:16 Career progression, service in Northern Ireland and UN Peacekeeping

49:22 Dave's current role as a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London

52:54 Financial support and donations

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Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping 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.

Episode videos and photos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode262/

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

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

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

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From Cold War military drone development, to the deployment and command of the nuclear armed Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCM) in Europe (261) Nov 12, 2022

Show notes

We continue the story of Richard Stachurski from the previous episode. Part 1 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode260

In 1971 Richard left NASA and was assigned to the Drone/Remotely Piloted Vehicle Systems Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

From 1975-1978 Richard did a tour of duty with the Air Staff at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and between 1978-1981: he was Deputy Program Manager, Ground Launched Cruise Missile Program (GLCM) System Program Office-engaged in the adaptation of the Navy’s SLCM for use by the Air Force.

In 1981 he was assigned to the staff at USAFE Headquarters (Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany) responsible for the deployment of the GLCM to five European countries (England, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy).

Richard was then promoted in 1984 to Vice Commander, Commander, 487th Tactical Missile Wing, Comiso Air Station, Sicily where he was responsible for the missile wing's operational readiness, and his troops' welfare.

0:00 Introduction and background of Richard Stachurski

4:18 Rationale behind developing drone programs

13:12 Design and manufacture of the missile launcher and control center

17:34 Richard Stachurski's agreement to go to the Royal College of Defense Studies in London

34:45 Initial impressions of Comiso Air Base and roles at the base

41:10 Encounter with Russian special forces

45:30 Dealing with peace protesters and security protocol

46:49 The short-lived cruise missile program

51:59 The significance of the Apollo 11 mission

53:20 Cold War Conversations Store Promotion

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Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping 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.

Episode notes and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode261

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

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

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Nuclear missile launch control and Mission Control for the NASA Apollo Moon Missions (260) Nov 05, 2022

Show notes

Richard Stachurski joined the US Air Force in 1962, on the cusp of the Cuban Missile Crisis as a security police officer guarding nuclear-armed B-58 Hustler bombers.

Within two years he volunteered for the Minuteman nuclear missile program where he served as a Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander with the 68th Strategic Missile Squadron at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. Richard was the junior officer on a two-man crew in a launch control capsule buried beneath the South Dakota prairie who was charged with monitoring the status and launching if necessary ten Minuteman ICBMs.

In 1965 he was selected as one of 128 Air Force officers to be loaned to NASA to support the activation and operation of the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas. He worked his way up to being a Network Controller, who sat two consoles to the right of the Flight Director in the Mission Operations Control Room. He was responsible for all the ground systems that supported an Apollo mission and was selected as the lead Network Controller on Apollo 11 working on both the launch from Earth and the first-ever launch from the lunar surface.

0:00 Introduction and Career Overview of Richard Stachurski

2:33 Richard's Journey in the US Air Force and the Cuban Missile Crisis

9:25 The Minuteman System and Life in the Bunker

20:14 Launch Protocols and the Dynamics of Working as a Missileer

27:03 Richard's Transition to NASA and his Role in Apollo 11

34:29 Apollo 11 Launch Day, Landing, and Return to Earth

44:43 Richard's Experiences during Apollo 13 and Subsequent Missions

48:10 The Camaraderie and Humour in High-Stress Situations

50:00 Acknowledgements and Promotion of the Cold War Conversations Online Store

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Episode notes , inc photos and video here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode260/

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Britain's 1980s Cold War Dads Army/Home Guard - The Home Service Force Oct 28, 2022

Show notes

The Home Service Force or HSF was UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's Cold War version of the World War 2 Home Guard.

An almost forgotten unit, the HSF was established in 1982 and recruited from ex-regular Army, ex-territorial and ex-uniformed service personnel aged up to 60 years old. Its mission was to guard key points in the UK as the perceived threat from Warsaw Pact special forces increased towards the end of the Cold War.

I speak with Richard Coles, who served as an officer in the HSF Company of The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). He tells of the setup of the unit, the incredible characters he served with and details some of the exercises that he participated in.

0:00 Introduction and overview of the Home Service Force

2:38 Richard Cole's background and establishment of the Home Service Force

6:34 Recruitment and training process for the Home Service Force

13:51 Role and perceived threats of the Home Service Force

21:45 Diversity and roles within the Home Service Force members

29:12 Memorable characters and experiences within the Home Service Force

34:31 Career paths and attitudes towards promotion within the Home Service Force

38:35 Various training exercises and anecdotes from the Home Service Force

47:28 Disbandment of the Home Service Force and its irony

51:44 Richard Cole's service in 2 HAC companies and reflections on the bond between old soldiers

53:18 Sponsor: Episode extras, acknowledgements, and invitation to Facebook discussion group

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The Cold War Conversation continues in our Facebook discussion group and on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod

Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping 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.

I am delighted to welcome Richard Coles to our Cold War conversation…

Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode259

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

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

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An aircraft hijack to escape from the Soviet Union (258) Oct 21, 2022

Show notes

Back in the 1970s, migrating from the Soviet Union was an unattainable dream for many, particularly Jews wanting to leave for Israel. To leave the Soviet Union for another country, it was necessary to obtain exit visas. In practice, many people found them impossible to get.

On the morning of June 15, 1970, 16 Soviet Jews who had been refused exit visas appeared at Smolny Airport near Leningrad to hijack a plane. They posed as a group going to a wedding — hence the name of the operation.

The plan devised a year before the attempted hijacking, was quite straightforward. The hijackers would target a small aeroplane and book all the seats on it. They would commandeer the aircraft and leave the pilots unharmed on the landing strip, while one of the conspirators would take control of the aeroplane and fly it to Sweden.

I speak with filmmaker Anat Zalmanson-Kuznetsov whose film “Operation Wedding” reveals the compelling story of her parents, the leaders of the group.

0:00 Introduction and background on Soviet Union migration

7:22 The Struggle of Soviet Jews' Emigration

11:16 The Origin and Execution of Operation Wedding

17:03 The Arrests and Aftermath of Operation Wedding

24:36 Prison Conditions and International Reaction

30:17 Influences and Interventions: Golda Meir and Franco

33:03 Soviet Restrictions on Emigration and Its Impact

35:22 Release and Life Post-Prison for Anat's Parents

40:52 The Making of the Film "Operation Wedding"

42:49 Acknowledgement of Supporters and Closing Remarks

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