Cold War Conversations
Cold War Conversations
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From Vulcan to Gannet: A Cold War career in the Royal Air Force
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 www.avroheritagemuseum.co.uk/ for more details.
Episode extras coldwarconversations.com/episode372
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Переглядів: 1 278

Відео

Doorsteps of Hell - a US Marine platoon commander in the Vietnam War (371)
Переглядів 17 тис.День тому
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” (www.heartofamarineseries.com/shop) where he offers an honest, unembellished account of a...
How the Cold War almost destroyed European Football
Переглядів 55514 днів тому
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. (beyondthelastman.com/) We explore the political ten...
Nuclear Missions - a Canadian CF104 Starfighter Pilot's Story (369)
Переглядів 3,9 тис.21 день тому
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 ico...
The KGB Spies Next Door (368)
Переглядів 4,1 тис.Місяць тому
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...
From Sydney to the Vietnam War: An Australian Soldier's Cold War Journey (367)
Переглядів 1 тис.Місяць тому
In this gripping episode of Cold War Conversations, we hear the remarkable first-hand account of John Brooker, an Australian veteran who takes us on a journey from the streets of Sydney to the battlefields of Vietnam. John shares his experiences from joining the Citizens Military Force (CMF) to his deployment with the Royal New South Wales Lancers and the regular army. He provides vivid details...
Unveiling Cold War Secrets: Hack Green Regional Seat of Government Bunker museum (366)
Переглядів 1 тис.Місяць тому
It's 40 years since the film Threads (ua-cam.com/video/vgT4Y30DkaA/v-deo.html) was shown on British TV. It portrayed the effects of a nuclear attack on the city of Sheffield, England and the eventual long-term effects of nuclear war on civilization. It therefore seems apt to publish a tour I had of the Hack Green Regional Seat of Government Bunker museum. (www.hackgreen.co.uk/) Nestled in the h...
The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama with Ben Macintyre
Переглядів 5 тис.Місяць тому
On April 30, 1980, six heavily armed gunmen burst into the Iranian embassy on Princes Gate, overlooking Hyde Park in London. There they took 26 hostages, including embassy staff, visitors, and three British citizens. I talk with Britain’s bestselling historian Ben Macintyre who has written a new book called “The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama”. (uk.bookshop.org/a/...
From Sheffield to Sandhurst: A Cold War Territorial Soldier's Memories (364)
Переглядів 2,1 тис.2 місяці тому
Chris is a former member of the Yorkshire Volunteers, part of Cold War Britain’s Territorial reserve Army. This episode is a treasure trove of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and reflections on military life, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in military history and the Cold War era. Chris’s journey into the military began with his interest in military subjects and history....
From East Berlin to Ireland: A Cold War Journey of Resilience (363)
Переглядів 1,5 тис.2 місяці тому
Juli begins by recounting her early years in East Berlin, a time marked by the tragic loss of her father. Drafted into the army just days before her birth, her father continually deserted to see his family, ultimately leading to his untimely death. This early loss left Juli and her mother to navigate a harsh landscape in East Germany alone. Life in East Berlin was a world of contrasts. Juli des...
BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines
Переглядів 7 тис.2 місяці тому
BRIXMIS and its operations behind enemy lines continue to fascinate the listeners of Cold War Conversations. In August 2024 I was honoured to be invited to the National Army Museum in London t (www.nam.ac.uk/) o interview Andrew Long, the author of BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines in East Germany. (uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781399067843) The ...
To Catch a Spy - How the Spycatcher Affair Brought MI5 in from the Cold (361)
Переглядів 47 тис.2 місяці тому
The Spycatcher affair remains one of the most intriguing moments in the history of British intelligence and a pivotal point in the public's relationship with the murky world of espionage and security. It lifted the lid on alleged Soviet infiltration of British services and revealed a culture of law-breaking, bugging and burgling. But how much do we know about the story behind the scandal? Tim T...
Excerpt of my interview with author Andrew Long at the National Army Museum in London.
Переглядів 2852 місяці тому
A short excerpt of my live-streamed interview of author Andrew Long at the launch of his new #BRIXMIS book at National Army Museum in London. Information on the book is here uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781399067843 Watch the full interview here. vimeo.com/948719418/8351c7c80a?share=copy
The longest-held prisoner of war in American history (360)
Переглядів 3,7 тис.2 місяці тому
Jack Downey was the longest-held prisoner of war in American history. He was a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years. I speak with Barry Werth the author of Prisoner of Lies - Jack Downey's Cold War. He details Downey’s story when the CIA recruited him as a new Yale graduate in the post-World War II years. In a violation of protocol, Downey took...
The Soviet Sixties (359)
Переглядів 1,6 тис.3 місяці тому
Beginning with the death of Stalin in 1953, the “sixties” era in the Soviet Union was just as vibrant and transformative as in the West. The ideological romanticism of the revolutionary years was revived, with a renewed emphasis on egalitarianism, equality, and the building of a communist utopia. Mass terror was reined in, great victories were won in the space race, Stalinist cultural dogmas we...
#flying the #ColdWar #usaf #F-111 #nuclear #bomber (358)
Переглядів 1,4 тис.3 місяці тому
#flying the #ColdWar #usaf #F-111 #nuclear #bomber (358)
Reporting on the 1989 Revolution in Romania and the Czechoslovak Velvet Revolution (357)
Переглядів 7163 місяці тому
Reporting on the 1989 Revolution in Romania and the Czechoslovak Velvet Revolution (357)
#mafia #spies and the #coldwar #Mafia and #CIA #plot to Kill #fidelcastro
Переглядів 1,8 тис.3 місяці тому
#mafia #spies and the #coldwar #Mafia and #CIA #plot to Kill #fidelcastro
#teachingenglish in #coldwar #eastgermany (355)
Переглядів 5803 місяці тому
#teachingenglish in #coldwar #eastgermany (355)
#coldwar #nuclearwar Missions and a #UFO sighting (354)
Переглядів 1,2 тис.4 місяці тому
#coldwar #nuclearwar Missions and a #UFO sighting (354)
#coldwar #canberra #jet #pilot #podcast (353)
Переглядів 2,2 тис.4 місяці тому
#coldwar #canberra #jet #pilot #podcast (353)
#mutiny in the East German Army (351) #coldwar #eastgermany #berlinwall
Переглядів 1,9 тис.4 місяці тому
#mutiny in the East German Army (351) #coldwar #eastgermany #berlinwall
Face to face with the Soviets at the #coldwar Reykjavik Summit between #PresidentReagan and Mikha...
Переглядів 6794 місяці тому
Face to face with the Soviets at the #coldwar Reykjavik Summit between #PresidentReagan and Mikha...
The President’s Kill List - Assassination and US Foreign Policy since 1945 (349)
Переглядів 2,3 тис.5 місяців тому
The President’s Kill List - Assassination and US Foreign Policy since 1945 (349)
The sinking of the USS Scorpion and the Velvet Revolution (348)
Переглядів 5605 місяців тому
The sinking of the USS Scorpion and the Velvet Revolution (348)
A #usa #diplomats Son in #coldwar #sovietunion , #nicaragua and #cuba (347)
Переглядів 1 тис.5 місяців тому
A #usa #diplomats Son in #coldwar #sovietunion , #nicaragua and #cuba (347)
#eastgerman #Army Bullying, Serving in a Brigade HQ and Military Exercises (346) #drafted #gdr #ddr
Переглядів 1,3 тис.5 місяців тому
#eastgerman #Army Bullying, Serving in a Brigade HQ and Military Exercises (346) #drafted #gdr #ddr
America's Cold War Scottish Bastion (345)
Переглядів 1,2 тис.5 місяців тому
America's Cold War Scottish Bastion (345)
The Challenges of a #christian #eastgerman #Childhood (344) #coldwar #eastgermany #religion
Переглядів 5546 місяців тому
The Challenges of a #christian #eastgerman #Childhood (344) #coldwar #eastgermany #religion
Commanding a #ColdWar #usnavy #Nuclear #Missile #Submarine #ssbn (343)
Переглядів 2,3 тис.6 місяців тому
Commanding a #ColdWar #usnavy #Nuclear #Missile #Submarine #ssbn (343)

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @bryanfrombuffalo7685
    @bryanfrombuffalo7685 День тому

    He definitely dont have to worry about a i. Copycatting his voice😂

  • @jamesbuckingham5771
    @jamesbuckingham5771 День тому

    Absolutely fantastic!!

  • @johnsowerby7182
    @johnsowerby7182 День тому

    Really happy to find this podcast, after your appearance with Johnathan from the Royal Armouries

  • @JustMyOpinion1010
    @JustMyOpinion1010 День тому

    There are better ways to 'fight for freedom' than to become a terrorist in your own country. Many white South Africans peacefully worked towards equality for all. We didn't get trained by Russians to join a terrorist group that planted car bombs and are STILL destroying our beloved country. You are NO hero lady!

  • @JustMyOpinion1010
    @JustMyOpinion1010 День тому

    Brutal racist regime. At least there were schools, there was working infrastructure and much lower crime. Things have really NOT improved for all the black South Africans under the ANC. My brother worked for National Intelligence for many years. He was laughing at all the new street names in Pretoria. Every 'freedom fighter' had a street named after him. My brother thought it was ironic because many streets were named after informants. Those "freedom fighters" were working with the 'white' government. Don't be fooled.

  • @repetiveredundancy
    @repetiveredundancy День тому

    Thanks!

  • @bobpatty2937
    @bobpatty2937 2 дні тому

    1966 Operation Swift N co.2nd Bat. “Big 3/5” hill 55 up in the corner by the fence.

  • @elyjane8316
    @elyjane8316 2 дні тому

    The auto bio of Markus Wolff was fascinating, though I agree he was definitely down playing some of it.

  • @Canadian_Skeptical
    @Canadian_Skeptical 3 дні тому

    Even though I am an agnostic, I've learned the value of Christianity.

  • @Hunter_Nebid
    @Hunter_Nebid 3 дні тому

    I write, bat, golf and shoot long guns left-handed, but I throw and shoot handguns righty. Go figure. P.S. 25% of U.S. Presidents are left-handed.

  • @scottpeterMA
    @scottpeterMA 4 дні тому

    Wonderful!

  • @MichaelDobbsbooks
    @MichaelDobbsbooks 4 дні тому

    My father, Joe Dobbs, served alongside Vassall at the British embassy in Moscow as a Russia expert. His main memory of Vassall was as bit of an oddball. Both Vassall and my father were enthusiastic amateur actors. They starred together in Harlequinade by Terrence Rattigan. There was a strong tradition of amateur theatrics at the embassy.

  • @The_Plastic_Ape
    @The_Plastic_Ape 4 дні тому

    Wonderful interview. The hour flew by.

  • @danielplantagenet8385
    @danielplantagenet8385 4 дні тому

    Having attended Cambridge in the 2010s I can tell you the left wing socialists are alive and kicking. Less charming and well spoken though. 😂

  • @ScottCogan
    @ScottCogan 6 днів тому

    I was stationed at upper heyford 20 tac wing from 1981 to 1983. Little America

  • @Canadian_Skeptical
    @Canadian_Skeptical 6 днів тому

    Keep this going!

  • @ggrunt3792
    @ggrunt3792 6 днів тому

    A1/9 Marines Operation Dewey Canyon winter of 69 0331 PH feb18 an appetite for adventure over a love of ease

  • @lifeinlimbo2186
    @lifeinlimbo2186 7 днів тому

    Damn...this man was one hell of a man before he became one hell of a man...

  • @FlyingDutchmanPodcast
    @FlyingDutchmanPodcast 7 днів тому

    I was at Wiesbaden 1/70th armor 1982-84

  • @tomsauer3830
    @tomsauer3830 7 днів тому

    I don't have any combat experience. My God, what you experienced was the "Footsteps to Hell." It sounded like a life and death game of chess out there.

  • @vxrdrummer
    @vxrdrummer 8 днів тому

    This channel should be cherished and preserved. It's amazing, very important and very special.

    • @ColdWarConversations
      @ColdWarConversations 5 днів тому

      Wow, thank you

    • @vxrdrummer
      @vxrdrummer 5 днів тому

      @ColdWarConversations no thank you. I'm working through as I was late to the party. There are a lot of interviews on here that are very important as part of Cold War history.

  • @repetiveredundancy
    @repetiveredundancy 8 днів тому

    Thanks!

  • @berniebonvoisin1695
    @berniebonvoisin1695 9 днів тому

    The Vietcong make them run and for real

  • @cum-gw4sm
    @cum-gw4sm 9 днів тому

    Lol grandpa pushed 7 pool balls 5 golf balls and 4 tennis balls up mommas but hole as shes passed out on the floor in the kitchen. Poppa pumping away in grandma uo stairs. Lol my family insane.

  • @neosneos3680
    @neosneos3680 9 днів тому

    US MILITARY

  • @pakers2128
    @pakers2128 9 днів тому

    the military is heaven for a micromanager. Bet he made a hell of a impression telling the men there is no more smoking in his unit--a realist would say no smoking in the field because the smell of smoke will lead the VC to our position, even if hiding the tip of the cig is 100% effective.

    • @richarddetriquet9642
      @richarddetriquet9642 9 днів тому

      Spoken like someone who never served or if by chance did serve was surely a REMF

    • @victorberard6186
      @victorberard6186 9 днів тому

      ​@@richarddetriquet9642 I'm sorry but I wasn't rearechelon mother fucker and what pakers2128 was solid. It was hell getting Mickey mouse stateside bumblebees or 2nd let's or Lt's that would micromanage every aspect they could until you remind d him that in the field, tl made the calls on the ground and would advise him to what ever degree needed that it would be wise for him to shut up and listen to lessons learned from the guys with some TI. That stateside training doesn't do dick for in country real world operations in a combat zone. As for smoking, we smoked our ass off in the rear but when we had a mission, fuck no. Not ever. Line units were different. Noise discipline was shit with so many guys, and smoking was accepted as a libe unit relied on fire power to deal with the enemy and to make up for the noise and smell discipline. I never ran into a Lt that would tell his whole platoon or squad they had to quit smoking period lol. What balls !!!! Lol. Maybe in a unit that is living with the local militia or defense force and you wanted NO foreign smells at all that could alert hardcore guerilla fighters in ANY country. Those certain guerilla units are hardcore and deadly. I mean no offense ina anything I have said. Have a good one

  • @steve-o5600
    @steve-o5600 9 днів тому

    Former Marine infantry Vietnam 1967 here. Would love to get a copy of this book but according to Amazon it's already out-of-print.

  • @MikeyMike-fb5hx
    @MikeyMike-fb5hx 9 днів тому

    This guy actually sounds like the real deal unlike some of these SOG TALES that sound like Fables.

    • @bryanfrombuffalo7685
      @bryanfrombuffalo7685 День тому

      Agree...and bin laden fakery...you know cuz they made movies and books to decieve you

  • @Americal-v6r
    @Americal-v6r 10 днів тому

    Wearing a colt 45 1911 shoulder harness.

  • @sportiboye
    @sportiboye 10 днів тому

    Ana Montes was a woman of conscience who finally recoiled at the US State Department's bullying of the Cubans, who largely welcomed the literacy and health-care that the 1959 revolution brought. The vindictiveness of the 50 yr. crippling embargo that keeps the country poor and constantly compromised doesn't seem to bother you one bit. Thomas Plagemann * SF, CA

  • @glenn6583
    @glenn6583 10 днів тому

    Thank you sir! I bet you were a good farmer too!

  • @nicohurter2973
    @nicohurter2973 10 днів тому

    With the ANC in power we have 73 murders per day.

  • @mariepercival3321
    @mariepercival3321 10 днів тому

    What a well told story, it was fascinating to hear from the point of view of a young girl. Her excitement at buying a pair of jeans. Also her adventurous spirit in travelling and then starting life in Ireland. Fascinating.

    • @ColdWarConversations
      @ColdWarConversations 10 днів тому

      Thanks for listening. It was an honour to record Juli’s story.

  • @retrofuturistic8
    @retrofuturistic8 11 днів тому

    Fascinating conversation and I think I will buy the book. The Pan European Picnic is an extremely fascinating event in an of itself. However, the author presented one of the most balanced, nuanced views of one of the world's most fascinating leaders -- love him or hate him -- Vicktor Orban -- even though it is clear that the author were he a Hungarian voter would not vote for Fidesz and Orban.

  • @JohnLee-y9l
    @JohnLee-y9l 11 днів тому

    This was Excellent, This Marine should be interviewed again! I'm sure there 100's more of stories where these few came from. "HUCK FINN ON STEROIDS"

  • @raymondfryar1533
    @raymondfryar1533 11 днів тому

    Wow, is that a full life or what. Lucky man!! And get all them guns too.

  • @jamesbuckingham5771
    @jamesbuckingham5771 11 днів тому

    Magnificent!!

  • @johnnowlan9963
    @johnnowlan9963 11 днів тому

    That war was about making money 💰💰💰💰 for the rich cowards back home 🫡

  • @JamesGoetzke
    @JamesGoetzke 11 днів тому

    Very interesting man. I'm ex navy. Went in right after Vietnam. Later on in life I had many friends that survived the war. Family as well. Quite a few died from their wounds years after the war ended. I go to the VA hospital now and we have less and less Vietnam veterans. What a crap war.

    • @patrickbrown897
      @patrickbrown897 9 днів тому

      "what a crap war" That's a phrase that's been often said I'm sure.

  • @trikyy7238
    @trikyy7238 11 днів тому

    These are the men who should be in charge, instead of the sad sacks called politicians.

    • @ManiSRao-bt3xw
      @ManiSRao-bt3xw 11 днів тому

      And then, you will blame the military officers for all your problems. No thanks !

    • @peytonnorris7244
      @peytonnorris7244 11 днів тому

      Yea to bad John McCain died! And John karry was screwed over both served McCain was a fighter pilot and Kerry was on a pt gun boat

    • @trikyy7238
      @trikyy7238 10 днів тому

      Oh, rather than politicians blaming me for all their problems? Sold.

    • @tomsauer3830
      @tomsauer3830 8 днів тому

      You're a p***y!​@@ManiSRao-bt3xw

  • @davefost
    @davefost 12 днів тому

    What a terrific interview! Thanks for posting this!

  • @Triestini
    @Triestini 12 днів тому

    You say the end of the Cold War however it was actually the end of the Communist regime in Russia. The Cold War itself will never end.

  • @davefost
    @davefost 12 днів тому

    Fascinating! A terrific interview. Thank you!

  • @Canadian_Skeptical
    @Canadian_Skeptical 14 днів тому

    Dead Champion!

  • @dashing568
    @dashing568 14 днів тому

    I’m the same age as Juli and grew up in far away Australia, oblivious to the living standards - the way of life - that the people living behind the Iron Curtain endured. The passage of time has informed and educated to an extent the standard of living, but it’s still sobering to hear it first hand from someone who has actually ‘lived’ it. Thanks for telling your story 👍

  • @johntranter1171
    @johntranter1171 14 днів тому

    Mel parry and John macalesse on the balcony, my heroes since being a young lad. Wish I could have met them both

  • @michaelholden5131
    @michaelholden5131 15 днів тому

    1-48th Inff Bn 2nd Bde 3th AD Gelnhausen FRG 73-75 operations specialist; 11th ACR was the first speed bumb then the Iron Brigade of 3AD in the gap. Was about 3hrs recall to rolling out the gates of the Kaserne for our scount platoon M-114's in 73. First Company would close intitial General Defense Positions (GDP) in approximate 3hrs time; only took on basic combat load onces in the 27 months I served with the Dragoons. The interviewer hit on the nightmare scenario when he mentioned Warsaw Pact rolling out of their Barracks and into a snap attack without any mobilization of reserves or bringing up 2nd echelon units. Lots of good menories of my service with US Army in Germany got a 50year old son born during our time there. German folks treated my Wife and Son like their own.

    • @ColdWarConversations
      @ColdWarConversations 15 днів тому

      Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m so glad it brought back some good memories. Ian.

  • @MikeSiemens88
    @MikeSiemens88 15 днів тому

    Ha, just found this one after having listened to the 104 nuke delivery episode. This series needs a bump.... surprised I'm the 1st to comment. I was a technician on the CF-104 & T-33 for 4 years in Baden Söllingen.

    • @ColdWarConversations
      @ColdWarConversations 15 днів тому

      Thanks for listening. Anything you can do to spread the word would be much appreciated! Ian.

  • @JohnLandau-rg4gh
    @JohnLandau-rg4gh 15 днів тому

    The circumstantial evidence strongly supports the view that Angleton was a Soviet double agent. It is probably the reason why Western intelligence has been crippled for years.

  • @liamosgood2070
    @liamosgood2070 16 днів тому

    Great interview and great Aussie accent. Well done gents!