Cold War Conversations

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Cold War Royal Navy Diesel Submarine officer during the 1960s and 70s (167) Mar 13, 2021

Show notes

Commander Rob Forsyth joined submarines in1961. By March 1962 as a young officer, he joined HMS Auriga a 1945 vintage diesel submarine. Within 7 months the 22-year-old was loading live torpedoes and preparing for a war mission during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Robs tell of many fascinating incidents in his career including under-ice operations and an incident where Rob's captain made an error that almost resulted in the total loss of submarine and crew.

He also details what it was like to take the Submarine Commanding Officers’ Qualifying Course aka “The Perisher”. This six-month course is a prerequisite for the command of a submarine. Failure means your submarine career “perishes”.

I could really use your support to help me to continue to produce these podcasts. A monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon will really help, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

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I am delighted to welcome Rob Forsyth to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode167/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening.

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0:00 Introduction

1:15 Guest Introduction: Rob Forsyth, Royal Navy Veteran

7:15 Submarine Training and the Cuban Missile Crisis Experience

16:04 Recollection of Near-Miss Submarine Incidents

18:10 Deployment to Canada and Leisure Time in Bermuda

22:17 Lessons from Under Ice Operations and Handling Submarine in Icy Conditions

28:47 Work on Sound Propagation in Water and Anti-Submarine Training

33:47 Trimmed Down Submarine and Operation Differences in War and Peace Mode

37:33 Life in the Far East Fleet and Goodwill Visits

46:23 Experience of Perisher and the Realities of Submarine Command

1:00:41 Maintaining Morale and Teamwork During Crisis

1:05:00 Acknowledgment of the Patrons and Episode Conclusion

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Jan - Greenham Common Peace Protester (166) Mar 06, 2021

Show notes

Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp was a protest camp established in 1981 to protest against the deployment of USAF controlled Ground Launched nuclear armed Cruise Missiles at RAF Greenham Common in Berkshire, England.

On the eve of International Women’s’ Day 2021 I talk with Jan Castro-Fraser who chose to challenge the existence of nuclear weapons during the Cold War.

We talk about her experiences at Greenham Common Peace Camp and other demonstrations in the 1980s as well as how her experiences in the peace movement changed her, empowered her and made her who she is today.

If you are enjoying the podcast, you can show your support via a monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

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

I am delighted to welcome Jan to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode166/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening.

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0:00 Introduction and guest Jan Castro Fraser's experiences at Greenham Common Peace Camp

1:36 Appeal for financial support

6:19 Living conditions and political discussions at the peace camp

10:54 Activities, protests, and interactions with soldiers and police at the camp

15:50 Participation in the 14-mile human chain demonstration and the role of singing in protests

19:14 Reaction of locals, experiences with arrests, and court experiences

24:16 Reflections on the achievements of the Peace Movement and its lasting impact

28:56 Awareness and action on environmental issues and sharing history with younger generations

32:42 Memorable moments from Greenham and current stance on nuclear weapons

34:17 Acknowledgement of patrons and supporters

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The China civil war and the independence of Taiwan (165) Feb 27, 2021

Show notes

The events of 1949 in China reverberated across the world and throughout the rest of the century. That tumultuous year saw the dramatic collapse of Chiang Kai-shek's 'pro-Western' Nationalist government, overthrown by Mao Zedong and his communist armies, and the foundation of the People's Republic of China.

I talk with author Graham Hutchings who has written a vivid, gripping account of China in 1949 and the formation of an independent Taiwan. We discuss, the politics, the military campaigns, and the legendary Amethyst Incident where a British warship became embroiled in the Chinese Civil War.

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I am delighted to welcome Graham Hutchings to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode and a book giveaway in our episode notes which can also be found on this link. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode165

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated

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0:00 Introduction

1:02 Interview with author Graham Hutchings about the Chinese Civil War

10:32 Analysis of the Nationalist strategy and situation by 1949

17:58 British authorities' perspective on the civil war in Hong Kong

23:32 Exploration of the scale of the conflict and its impact on the lives of millions of people

26:11 Detailed discussion of the HMS Amethyst incident

30:00 Examination of the fall of the nationalist cause and the fate of the Guangxi leaders

34:37 Shift in the communist approach post-victory: from rural insurrection to urban administration

41:10 A look at a striking photograph in Graham Hutchings' book

44:44 Mao's relationship with the Soviet Union

49:00 America's effort to thwart Chinese invasion of Taiwan

52:11 Discussion on current tensions between China and Taiwan

54:01 Acknowledgement of Patrons and Supporters

2:03 How to help support the podcast

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The Happy Traitor - The Life of Soviet Spy George Blake (164) Feb 20, 2021

Show notes

Acclaimed author and journalist Simon Kuper, has written The Happy Traitor, the story of British spy and Soviet Union double agent George Blake, the last major British traitor of the Cold War.

In 1961, Blake was sentenced to forty-two years imprisonment – at the time, the longest sentence in modern British history. He had betrayed all the western spying operations that he knew about to the KGB. This included the names of hundreds of British agents working around the world. About forty of them are believed to have been executed. Blake is reckoned to have done as much damage to British interests as did his Moscow companions Kim Philby and Donald Maclean – perhaps more.

Today, his story is known only to a few experts, and only insofar as anything can be known for certain in the world of deceit that is spying. MI6 has never made its files on him public. Now that the master spy has died, Simon Kuper finally sets the story straight. He unravels who Blake truly was through a combination of personal interviews, research in many languages, and use of almost unseen Stasi archives. His illuminating biography tracks Blake from his beginnings as a teenage courier for the Dutch underground during the Second World War, to his sensational prison-break from Wormwood Scrubs, to his tranquil old age in a dacha outside Moscow, where Kuper caught up with and interviewed him.

There is more information in our episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode164/

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0:00 Introduction and Sponsor: Profile Books

1:27 George Blake's early life and recruitment into the Secret Intelligence Service

10:23 Blake's role in the early stages of the Cold War and conversion to Communism

20:38 Blake's betrayal, spying activities, and impact on Cold War dynamics

31:33 Discovery of Blake's betrayal and subsequent trial

40:21 Insights from Blake's speeches to the Stasi and his life in prison

46:11 Blake's escape and new life in Russia

54:45 Blake's remorse for his actions and admiration for Britain

56:30 Simon Cooper's personal connection with Blake

58:19 Conclusion and promotion of the book "The Happy Traitor: Spies, Lies, and Exile in Russia"

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From Foe to Friend - the British Army in Cold War Germany (163) Feb 13, 2021

Show notes

Germany has been at the heart of the British Army's story since 1945. After the Second World War, the Army helped rebuild a devastated and divided nation. It provided protection during the Cold War, and later used Germany as a base from which to deploy troops across the world.

Foe to Friend is a major exhibition at The National Army Museum in London that follows the lives of British soldiers in Germany over the past 75 years.

Enjoy an expert visit as Cold War Conversations co-host James takes you on a tour with the lead curator, Dr Peter Johnston

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I am delighted to welcome James and Dr Peter Johnston to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode163/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

0:00 Introduction

3:17 Introduction of James and Dr. Peter Johnston, and overview of the British Army's history in Germany

10:10 Discussion about the BrixMis car and other artifacts on display at the exhibition

16:05 Tales of bravery: Anthony Hall's exploration of a Soviet gunnery range

20:34 Testimonies from Lieutenant Colonel Dan Wilde and Michael Systems on the tense situation in Cold War Germany

25:10 The reality of life for British soldiers: Training, suits, and pamphlets

31:09 Living in the shadow of the Berlin Wall and the British military train

38:00 The evolution of weaponry and the role of the British Army in Germany

43:23 The impact of the Cold War on soldier and family life in Germany

51:25 Changes in Europe: A look at the maps from 1979 and 1991

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On Her Majesty's Cold War Nuclear Submarine Service (162) Feb 06, 2021

Show notes

Commodore Eric Thompson MBE is the author of the book “On Her Majesty’s Nuclear Service. He is a career nuclear submarine officer who served from the first days of the Polaris missile boats until after the end of the Cold War. He joined the Navy in the last days of Empire, made his first sorties in World War II type submarines, and went on to become the top Engineer in charge of the Royal Navy’s operational nuclear submarine force based at Faslane.

In this vivid personal account of his submarine operations, he reveals top-secret submarine patrols, hush-hush scientific trials, and a chat with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

It is essentially a human story, rich in both drama and comedy, like the Russian spy trawler that played dance music at passing submarines. There was never a dull moment. Behind the lighter moments was a deadly serious game. Eric’s chat reveals some the secretive life of submarines and the men who served on them.

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I’d like to thank some of our recent reviewers incldung Faye Dingaway, Syb 1, Cold War Gav and Romford Stu.

I am delighted to welcome Eric Thompson to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode162/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

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Advanced English studies in Moscow during the 1970s and 80s (161) Jan 30, 2021

Show notes

Vadim was at school in Moscow during the 1970s and 80s. He attended an Advanced English Studies School where all subjects were taught, however the focus was on English.

He provides us with insights into the setup of Soviet education as well as the school life, teaching methods and pop culture.

We hear how the British newspaper “Morning Star” was a key teaching aid for Soviet English students.

Now I know some of you skip this bit, but if you want to continue hearing these Cold War stories I’m asking listeners to pledge a monthly donation of at least $4, £3 or €3 per month to help keep the podcast on the air, although larger amounts are welcome too.

If you donate monthly via Patreon you will get the sought after CWC and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

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

Peter Ryan conducts the interview for us and I am delighted to welcome Vadim to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes, which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode161/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

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0:00 Introduction and Vadim's education in the Soviet Union

2:08 Interview with Vadim begins

7:26 The impact of usage on language proficiency and importance of language education in the Soviet Union

10:19 Influence and censorship of Western music and pop culture in the Soviet Union

18:21 Exposure to Western broadcasts: BBC, Radio Free Europe, and Voice of America

20:48 Access to English language literature in the Soviet Union

30:10 Censorship and perception of English-language movies

32:10 Interactions with native English speakers and international visitors at school

43:15 Communist ideology in Soviet Education

47:20 Shift in English education after Glasnost and Perestroika

49:02 Special thanks to Patreons

49:51 How to support Cold War Conversations podcast

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US Army Intelligence gathering in the unified Germany (160) Jan 23, 2021

Show notes

We continue the story of Bill, a US Army Intelligence Analyst with Combined Analysis Detachment-Berlin (CAD-B) from episode 127. Germany has now been re-unified and Russian troops have withdrawn from East Germany. Bill tells us of the little known story of continued US Army involvement in intelligence gathering alongside the German security services, the BND.

We hear about "Operation Giraffe", described as the largest intelligence service procurement campaign of the West since the end of World War II, how Russian sources recruited during the Cold War were managed and, how Britain’s MI6 was cut out of receiving the information they had received freely during the Cold War.

Bill tells us of a joint BND/CIA mission to monitor the disposal of Russian nuclear weapons.

It’s a fascinating look into the murky world of human intelligence gathering, corruption, and rivalry in the immediate post Cold War period.

I could really use your support to help me to continue to produce these podcasts. A monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon will really help and you will get the sought after Cold War Conversations coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

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

Thanks to all our latest supporters including Tim Simmons, Fredrik Lundberg, Mary J O’Grady, Robert Ritchie, and Katie Brown.

I am delighted to welcome Bill to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here.

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

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0:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode

1:50 Sponsor: Patreon and How to Support the Podcast

3:30 Bill's Story of Intelligence Gathering and Shift in Work Post Cold War

9:00 Fear of Soviet Agents within BND and Discussion on Rosenholz Files

14:11 CIA and BND's Joint Mission and Tracking Movement of nuclear warheads out of East Germany

18:52 Cooperation with the CIA, Role of Aldrich Ames, and Friction over Source Management

24:04 Potential Risks of Espionage and the Downsizing of the Unit

28:46 Arrest of BND Team Members for Espionage and the Subsequent Trial

33:38 Bill's Visit to Zossen-Wünsdorf, Former Soviet Forces Headquarters in Germany

38:33 Bill's Aspiration to Write a Book about CAD B and the Organization Post the Allied Missions

40:02 Sponsor: Acknowledgment of Sponsors and How to Support the Podcast

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A freedom fighter in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution (159) Jan 16, 2021

Show notes

Charlie was 19 in 1956. A trip home from work by tram ended up with him being thrust into the heart of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, a nationwide revolution against the Hungarian People's Republic and its Soviet-imposed policies, lasting from 23 October until 10 November 1956.

I’m in conversation with Charlie and his daughter Angela as Charlie describes how he and his friends attacked the Communist held Budapest radio station and graphically details his experiences and what he saw during those momentous days.

He also recalls his escape from Hungary and his later life in Wales and return visit to the country of his birth while it was still within the orbit of the Soviet Union.

I do need your help to allow me to find the time to continue producing and preserving these Cold War stories.

I’m asking listeners to pledge a monthly donation of at least $4, £3 or €3 per month to help keep the podcast on the air, although larger amounts are welcome too.

As a thank you you will get the sought-after Cold War Conversations drinks coaster and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

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

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Charlie and Angela to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode including photos and videos in our show notes, which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode159/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

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Witness to the Eastern Bloc revolutions of the 1980s with Professor Timothy Garton Ash (158) Jan 09, 2021

Show notes

Professor Timothy Garton Ash is a British historian, author, commentator and Professor of European Studies at Oxford University. Professor Garton Ash witnessed some of the most critical moments in the Eastern Bloc during the 1980s as these populations threw off Communist rule.

He provides us with vivid details of his time in East Germany, Gdansk, Poland where in 1980 the first free trade union in the Eastern Bloc was formed, and his time with then dissident Vaclav Havel when the Czechoslovak Communist government resigned in 1989.

Professor Garton Ash genuinely had a front row seat to history and provides us with fascinating and profound analysis of those incredible years.

I do really need your help to allow me to find the time to continue producing and preserving these Cold War stories.

I’m asking is for listeners to pledge a monthly donation of at least $4, £3 or €3 per month to help keep the podcast on the air, although larger amounts are welcome too.

If you donate monthly via Patreon you will get the sought after CWC and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

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

I am delighted to welcome Professor Garton Ash to our Cold War conversation…

UK listeners - Professor Garton Ash's books are available here

US listeners - Professor Garton Ash's books are available here

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode158/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.

Episode photo by By Daniel Vegel (www.vegeldaniel.com) - This file has been extracted from file: Timothy-Garton-Ash-Daniel-Vegel-CEU-Lecture-2017.jpg, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59301308

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0:00 Introduction and background of Professor Timothy Garton Ash

2:02 Donations and support options

3:23 Professor Timothy Garton Ash's experiences and research in East Berlin

12:37 Discussion on the Stasi file and its contents

20:05 The eruption of the Solidarity movement in Poland and the strikes in Gdansk

33:20 Professor Garton Ash's involvement in the Solidarity movement

39:00 The political climate in Poland during the 1980s and the journey towards freedom

43:59 Hungary's role in the fall of the Soviet block