Cold War Conversations

Kate is sent to Moscow in 1985 to write articles for The Morning Star, a left-wing British daily newspaper founded in 1930 as the Daily Worker by the Communist Party of Great Britain. She lives in a block of flats alongside Soviet citizens and enrols her 3 children in Soviet schools.

Three weeks after Kate arrives Mikhail Gorbachev comes to power and she finds herself having to cover the disorientating number of rapid reforms and attacks on the Soviet system by its leadership for a newspaper, that had always supported the Soviet Union.

Kate is fluent in Russian, speaks with Soviet citizens on the bus or at the shops, and visits every Soviet republic bar one of the then-largest countries on Earth. In 1986 she reported on the Chernobyl disaster and was one of the first journalists to arrive in the area.

Buy the book here https://www.bannisterpublications.com/product-page/twilight-of-the-soviet-union

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/

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

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

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

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction and background of Kate Clark

1:32 Journey to becoming a Moscow correspondent and life in Soviet Union

11:09 Placing Ket's children in Soviet schools and their adaptation

15:10 Bureaucratic challenges

18:08 Shopping habits and emergence of supermarkets in Soviet Union

21:00 Impact of Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership and his policies

33:34 Cultural accessibility, promotion and diversity in the Soviet Union

44:36 Covering the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath

57:17 Relations with the British embassy and dealings with Soviet security services

1:04:47 Visit to Afghanistan and reflections on its political challenges

1:09:31 Reflections on the collapse of the Soviet Union and the role of Yeltsin

1:15:30 Kate's book, "Twilight of the Soviet Union", and closing remarks

Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim participates in Kangaroo 89, a huge military exercise with the entire Australian Army using an area the size of Western Europe and we hear about the Australian equivalent of Wolfgang the Bratty Man who used to turn up on British exercises in Germany.

Tim was also part of an exchange program with the British Army and he describes his experiences there and the advantages and disadvantages between Leopard 1 and the British Challenger 1 tank

Tim also worked with the Bundeswehr where he had a fascinating encounter with a former East German tank commander. This is part two of my chat with Tim., Part one is episode 321 here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode321/

 Photos, videos and extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode324/

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/

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? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction

1:03 Kangaroo 89: Large-scale military exercise and logistical challenges

9:37 Leopard 1 vs Challenger 1: A comparison and discussion of their advantages

20:26 Evaluation of Russian/Chinese armoured vehicles and Soviet tanks

22:45 Discussion about the arms industry and British involvement in upgrading Iraqi tanks

28:28 Life in the field: Food, rations, and interaction with the local population

34:11 Night fighting capability of Leopard AS1 and limitations of infrared technology

39:24 Cold War tactics and concerns about signals intelligence

45:02 Exchange with the Bundeswehr and bonding with an ex-NVA senior NCO

51:59 Cold War-themed films recommendations and Australian contribution during the Cold War

54:02 Importance of individual Cold War stories and episode extras

55:00 Closing remarks and invitation to join the Facebook discussion group

Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since 1985, Ana Montes has been an asset of the Cuban intelligence service. In that time, she’s risen through the ranks to become one of the Pentagon’s most respected voices on Cuban affairs with easy access to classified documents.

Peter Lapp reveals Montez's tradecraft and how the FBI found the proverbial "needle in a haystack".

To learn more about the woman labelled "one of the most damaging spies in U.S. history" by America's top counter-intelligence official listen to episode 277.

 Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781915603326

Extra Photos and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode323

Enter the book giveaway here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/

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/

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

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

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

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction to Anna Montez and her role in the Cuban Intelligence Service

7:48 The process of identifying a spy within the US intelligence community

16:43 Introduction of Scott Carmichael and his role in the investigation

28:34 The potential involvement of Anna Montez's family in espionage

34:51 A mistake and the realities of surveillance

41:00 The importance of the Toshiba computer in Anna's arrest

52:22 Arrest of Ana Montez

56:18 The process of reaching an agreement with Ana Montez

1:03:16 Public perception and recognition of Ana Montez post-arrest

1:04:11 Introduction of the book giveaway

Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1966 most of Bridget’s friends, in their early twenties, were settling down with jobs and/or husbands…

She, on the other hand, set off alone to travel across Poland relying on the kindness of strangers. Fascinated by what she experienced she continued to wander the highways and byways of, Hungary Czechoslovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia for the next couple of years seeking out remote rural communities almost untouched by the passage of time...

Bridget travelled with virtually no money, however, this was not a problem but an opportunity: it enabled a rare and deep insight into the lives and experiences of ‘ordinary’ people in these Warsaw Pact countries.

We hear how she stumbles across remote German minorities, gets arrested by border guards and finds love in a youth hostel in Munich.

Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781915603326

Extra Photos and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode352/

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/

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

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

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

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction to the episode

3:06 Bridget's journey and adventures in Poland

12:18 Bridget's job in Germany and exploration of the iron curtain

15:56 Bridget's smuggling adventure in Slovakia and visit to Hungary

26:02 Bridget's journey to Yugoslavia and her experiences there

32:04 Socio-economic situation and life experiences in Slovakia

34:36 Encounter with West German border guards

37:16 Meeting Bill in Munich and travelling to Romania

43:30 Journey to Bulgaria and experiences there

48:34 Using travel diaries to write "Cold War, Warm Hearts"

53:01 Acknowledging financial supporters and engaging with listeners on Facebook

Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many of Tim’s family had served in WW1 and WW2 and from a young age, he was determined to follow their path.

Overcoming huge competition for places he became a driver of the Leopard AS1 MBT at 1st Armoured Regiment of the Australian Army.

Australia is largely ignored in most Cold War histories, however, we hear how the Australian Army prepared to fight the Musorians, a thinly disguised notional enemy which was obviously the Soviets or one of their satellites in everything but name.

Photos, videos and extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode321/

Part two of our chat is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode324/

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/

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? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction and Tim Whitford's early life and influences

7:48 Tim's involvement in the reserves and training details

12:16 Transition to the regular army and experience with basic training

19:41 First encounter with the Leopard tank and training experience

28:42 Comparison of Leopard and Centurion tanks

33:57 Posting to the 1st Armored Regiment and first deployment

43:41 NBC training and river forwarding capabilities of Leopard tanks

51:30 Reaction to the fall of the Berlin Wall and shift in military roles

55:09 Preview of Part 2 and recognizing financial supporters

Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack Wesolek was born in East Germany in 1966. His grandfather was a member of the Red Orchestra, a Communist Anti-Nazi resistance organisation in Germany during World War 2. He later became Chief of the Signals Service of the Volksmarine, the East German Navy. In the 1980s an East German Army signals regiment was named after him.

Jack’s father was an actor and we discuss how accurate the depiction of East German actors is in the film “The Lives of Others”.

At age 6 his parents divorce and Jack stays with his father and grandmother in Rostock where he learns more about his grandfather’s story, however, he is separated from his brother who goes to live with his mother.

Jack has an Uncle who was captured escaping from East Germany and was bought out by West Germany in the 1970s. At a clandestine meeting in Hungary they hatch a daring plan for Jack to escape across the Inner German Border, the fortified frontier between East and West Germany.  

Photos, videos and extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode320/

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/

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? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction and background of Jack Wesolek

3:19 Recollections of his father's actor friends

5:20 Jack's views on artistic freedom and family's political climate in East Germany

18:12 Life with grandmother and school experiences

32:20 Military training as part of school curriculum

37:48 Relatives in West Germany and uncle's imprisonment for attempted escape

41:12 Planning and preparation for escape to West Germany

1:00:43 The escape and crossing the border

1:04:33 First moments of freedom and reflections on life in East Germany

1:07:10 Registering as a refugee and first contact with family in East Germany post-escape

1:14:04 Stasi's interrogation and impact of Jack's escape on his family

1:20:36 Episode extras and closing remarks

Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 23rd Nov 1963 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea a detachment of US Air Force B-57 Canberra bombers were parked on an alert pad each with a live nuclear weapon in their bomb bay and ready to fly at a moment’s notice.

At 0400 klaxon horns aroused the crews from their slumber and they rushed to their waiting aircraft, for what they likely thought was just one more drill 

But this morning was different.

As the crew strapped themselves into their cockpits, they were told to await a signal to fly their war mission…

With targets in North Korea, China, and the Soviet Far East, the aircrews instinctively knew they would be flying one-way missions. But they had no idea as to why they were facing potential oblivion.

I talk with US Marine Veteran John F. Davies who has researched the little-known story of the military response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Extra episode info including videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode319/

Do you have any further information about this episode, contact John via email at JFD3vet "at"protonmail.com

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/

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? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction and background

1:34 John Davies' military service and reaction to JFK's assassination

6:38 Initial military reaction to JFK's assassination and subsequent actions

11:18 Events unfolding in Washington post JFK's assassination and transition of command authority

16:13 Dean Rusk's and Admiral Harry D. Felt's response to JFK's assassination

20:45 The military response in Europe and Strategic Air Command situation

26:21 Exceptions in the military response - Fort Bliss, Texas and Cuba

31:46 President Johnson's return to Washington and easing of crisis atmosphere

34:09 Changes in command and control post November '63 and handling of information

43:41 Reflections on the importance of telling this story and predictions on Kennedy's continued presidency

46:29 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and Facebook discussion group

Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin was born in Wigan in North West England and joined the RAF as an apprentice in 1956 with only 3 O Levels. He came top of his course but was posted into supplies at RAF St Mawgan. However, he quickly became in charge of their clothing stores and via a fortuitous route became a trainee pilot.

By May 1963 he joined the RAF V Force as a Vulcan pilot and served with 44 Squadron where Vulcan crews were being converted to low-level flying.

He describes the challenges of low-level flying, Vulcan handling, and the immense power of the Vulcan’s engines and training in Canada.

We also hear about the different methods of nuclear bomb release, what it was like to be on Quick Reaction Alert, and his targets in the Soviet Union.

Kevin also flew a number of the Queen’s birthday flights up the Mall and describes a near collision on one of these events in cloud.

He also remembers some of his colleagues who never came back from missions.

Extra episode information including videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode318/

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/

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? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction and Background of Kevin

3:35 Kevin's Journey from Corporal Supplier to Vulcan Pilot

9:49 Kevin's Experiences and Training as a Vulcan pilot

18:20 Low-Level Flying, and Navigating

23:43 Quick Reaction Alerts and Nuclear Bomb Release

29:57 Post-Bomb Release Plans and Popular Media Depictions

33:22 Incidents, Implications, and Personal Views on nuclear Weapons

37:33 Responsibility of a Vulcan's Crew and recalling past incidents

39:17 Kevin's experience with Other V Bombers and survival training

42:06 Kevin's participation in Bombing Competitions and Closing Remarks

Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew McNeile decided to travel through Eastern Europe in a yellow MG Midget Sports car, a ​car ​that's ​going ​to ​stand ​out ​no ​matter ​where you are!

He recalls his adventures travelling through East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Yugoslavia

He talks about the warmth and friendliness of people, challenges with petrol quality, and an accidental visit to a nudist beach.

Peter Ryan is your host today and I’m delighted to welcome Andrew McNeile to our Cold War Conversation…

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/

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? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

Episode cover photo by kind permission of Oxyman https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MG_Midget_Orange_S.jpg

0:00 Introduction and overview of the episode's guest, Andrew Nielle

0:31 Andrew's journey through Eastern Europe in a yellow MG midget sports car

4:21 Reaction of Andrew's family and friends to his travel plans

7:13 Planned itinerary for the journey through Eastern Europe and Turkey

10:01 Describing the border crossing experience into the East Bloc from Germany

16:05 Reflections on the separation between East and West Germany and the construction of the Berlin Wall

24:25 Unexpected nudist beach experience in Romania

28:12 The challenges of travelling by car in Eastern Europe

32:19 Favourite country visited during the road trip: Czechoslovakia

35:57 Relief of returning to the West and impressions on Soviet rule

37:11 Closing remarks

Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week is the 40th anniversary of the Able Archer NATO Exercise where it is reckoned that the Soviet Union and NATO almost started a nuclear war.

1990 an investigation by the US President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, culminating in its highly secret report “The Soviet ‘War Scare’” The detailed PFIAB report concluded that the U.S. “may have inadvertently placed our relations with the Soviet Union on a hair trigger”.

The following is an audio version of the talk I delivered to the Manchester Military History Society in October 2023. 

Documents, videos, and other extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode316

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/

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? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction and overview of the episode

1:14 Comparison of the 1983 crisis and the Cuban missile crisis

2:38 Detente and the state of US/Soviet relations in the 1970s & early 80s

4:24 Introduction Ronald Reagan and his policies

5:25 Introduction to Yuri Andropov and his policies

8:56 Soviet intelligence Operation Ryan's purpose and indicators

12:49 Fleetex 83 US naval exercise appears to confirm Soviet suspicions that US is planning an attack

16:33 The downing of Korean Airlines Flight 007

22:30 Incidents soon after the Korean Airlines shootdown

26:08 Soviet early warning system warns of US missile attack

30:06 The US military intervention in Grenada

34:21 Brigadier General Leonard H Perroot's role in averting a nuclear war during Able Archer 83

41:43 Double agent's contributions to Western intelligence

51:26 Controversy about how close we came to nuclear war around Able Archer

54:30 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and continuation of Cold War conversation on Facebook

Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices