Cold War Conversations

Cold War Conversations

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Cold War Conversations episodes

  • Serving in a Cold War Danish Reconnaissance Squadron (315)

    Denmark joined NATO as a founding member in 1949. However, it originally laid down limitations to NATO membership, effectively excluding the country from full military integration. The conditions were threefold: no non-Danish bases, no nuclear warheads, and no Allied military activity on Danish territory.

    Bo Hermansen served in a conscript reconnaissance platoon of the Danish Jutland Dragoon Regiment during the 1980s. His squadron was part of the divisional reconnaissance for the Danish Jutland division which was tasked to move into the north of West Germany and link up with West German units to stop a Warsaw Pact advance into Jutland.

    Bo describes Denmark’s political stance during this period where the election of President Reagan in the US and his policies regarding defence caused some concern in Denmark and elsewhere in Europe. We hear of his unit’s tactics against the Warsaw Pact, the exercises he participated in, the rivalry between units, and why a Danish tank was painted pink!

    It’s a fascinating view into the organisation and tactics of one of the lesser-known members of NATO.

    Extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode315

    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 to the episode and guest Bo Hermansen

    7:31 Bo's decision to join the military and family reactions

    12:33 Training, challenges, and transition to a professional soldier

    19:46 Role and composition of the 5th Battalion of the Jutland Dragoon Regiment

    28:42 Preparations for war: Major exercises and deployment practice

    35:16 Relations with the Germans and other international troops during the Cold War

    43:45 Importance of history and ethos in the Jutland Dragoons

    51:32 Transition to green and black paint for Danish vehicles: Controversies and anecdotes

    1:00:09 Escape and survival training in the Danish Army

    1:08:06 Dedication to Bo's platoon and episode extras

    1:08:33 Closing remarks

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

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

    1 hr 15 min
  • The Cold War Atomic Spies (314)

    On 29 August 1949 at 7:00 a.m. the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb. 

    The test stunned the Western powers. American intelligence had estimated that the Soviets would not produce an atomic weapon until 1953, while the British did not expect it until 1954.

    The speed at which the Soviet Union developed their bomb was due a network of spies from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada who gave the Soviet Union the necessary information to develop an atomic bomb

    They were motivated by a range of factors. Some, such as ideology or a belief in communism, were committed to advancing the interests of the Soviet Union. Others were motivated by financial gain, while some may have been coerced or blackmailed into spying. 

    I speak with author Andrew Long who has written “Secrets of the Cold War – espionage and intelligence operations from both sides of the Iron Curtain” which covers this story and many others.

    Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781526790255

    Book Giveaway info here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/

    Extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode314/

    Other episodes

    Interview with a KGB agent trained by two of the Atomic Spies https://coldwarconversations.com/episode140/

    The Portland Spies https://coldwarconversations.com/episode138/ & https://coldwarconversations.com/episode139/

    Ottawa Soviet defector Igor Gouzenko https://coldwarconversations.com/episode194/

    Ethen Rosenberg https://coldwarconversations.com/episode184/

     Guy Burgess & The Cambridge 5 https://coldwarconversations.com/episode148

    Kim Philby’s granddaughter recollections https://coldwarconversations.com/episode228/

    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 to the podcast and the topic of the Soviet Union's first atomic bomb

    1:13 The history of atomic physics and the conceptualization of the atomic bomb

    6:34 Collaboration between the US and the UK on the atomic bomb project and its aftermath

    11:24 Espionage and the role of spies in the Soviet Union's acquisition of atomic technology

    20:50 The Cambridge Five and how Cairncross broke the story to the Soviets about the atomic bomb project

    33:33 The contribution of Ted Hall and George Koval to Soviet Intelligence

    38:27 British spy Klaus Fuchs's role at Los Alamos and his ideological motivations

    51:49 Fuchs's contribution to the Los Alamos setup and the plutonium bomb

    59:12 Post-war movements of the atomic spies and the unraveling of the Soviet Spy network

    1:10:02 The arrest and conviction of Klaus Fuchs and the Rosenberg case

    1:15:29 The fate of the spies and the impact of atomic espionage on the Cold War and global power dynamics

    1:25:14 Introduction to Andrew's book and closing remarks

    1:26:20 Podcast outro and acknowledgments

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

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

    1 hr 34 min
  • Spying on NATO from a Cold War East German Army radio monitoring base Part 2 (313)

    This is the second part of my chat with Thomas who worked in a secret East German radio monitoring base.

    He describes how a BRIXMIS or another Allied Military Liason Mission vehicle had once got into the base and what the East German Army was told about MLM capabilities.

    When the officers aren’t around he and his comrades listen to Western radio and watch Western TV.

    Gorbachev is now in power and liberalisation has now started in the Soviet Union and the East German government worries about contamination. Thomas describes his participation in the Dresden protests and is totally ​shocked ​by ​police brutality against East German citizens.

    We talk about the opening of the Wall and the decline in NVA discipline as East Germany starts to implode in the march to reunification. We also hear about the surprising contents of his Stasi file. 

    Extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode313/

    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.

    0:00 Introduction

    1:21 Thomas's Stasi file and military liaison mission experiences

    11:30 Perception of NATO and potential for invasion

    18:06 Exposure to Western media and culture

    22:39 Unrest and start of the rebellion in East Germany

    34:20 Closure of the Czech border

    49:04 Shared experiences with American and Czech soldiers

    55:38 Recollection of the day the Berlin Wall came down

    1:02:55 First experience visiting the West and adapting to Western lifestyle

    1:12:27 Transitioning back to civilian life and the reunification of Germany

    1:27:13 Joining the Cold War Conversations Facebook discussion group

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨


    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

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

    1 hr 34 min
  • Spying on NATO from a Cold War East German Army radio monitoring base Part 1 (312)

    Born in 1968 in East Germany Thomas had a "normal socialist" but happy childhood in a small town near Dresden. His family was viewed as exotic at that time as his mother had Hungarian citizenship which allowed her to travel to West Berlin.

    He was conscripted into the East German Army and signed up for 3 years as an Unteroffizier (NCO) instead of one and a half years of compulsory service.

    After training he is posted to a radio reconnaissance battalion based on the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere near the inner German border. The unit was tasked with monitoring NATO surface-to-air missile batteries such as Patriots, and Nike Hercules, tracking NATO air traffic in Western Europe, and listening to air-to-ground transmissions.

    Thomas describes the isolated life on the mountain and harsh winters with lots of snow. The base was protected with a high-voltage double fence and sentries. With good visibility, Thomas could see the enemy on a similar mountaintop monitoring station on the other side of the border.

    Extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode312/

    0:00 Introduction and background of Thomas

    7:21 Thomas' schooling and impact of politics on education

    16:23 Thomas's decision to join the army and experiences in Hungary

    24:21 Living close to West Berlin and parents' experiences in West Germany

    32:35 Experiences at the border and considering escape from East Germany

    38:16 Thomas' drafting into the East German army

    44:47 The drafting process and training in East Germany

    50:42 Life at the outpost and working with the Czech Army

    1:01:41 Social life, restrictions, and interactions with locals

    1:09:15 The struggle to access Western media and relationship with officers

    1:13:15 Acknowledgement of financial supporters

    1:13:33 Closing remarks and teaser for next week's episode

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨


    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

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

    1 hr 20 min
  • Cold War US Army tank gunner serves with a Bundeswehr Panzer unit (311)

    Mark joined the US Army on January 6th, 1981, and went to Ft Knox KY for Basic and Armor training. He graduated in April 1981 and was selected as Instructor Tank commander and trained the next cycle of recruits till August 1981.

    Mark was posted to West Germany in September 1981 and was assigned to 1st 37th Armor 1st Armored Div based in Katterbach. When he arrived they were just turning in their M60A2s for the M60A3s. Mark was made a gunner on C-22 as an E-2 private which is rare.

    He was also picked to serve with a 1st 304th Bundeswehr PZ unit in Leopard 1A4s in 1982 and describes some fascinating details of the differences between the Bundeswehr and the US Army.

    In 1982 his friend Dean McCoy was killed in a military accident and Mark experienced PTSD for the last 30 years as a result. We dedicate this episode to the memory of Sammy Dean McCoy who died on March 18th 1982 aged 21. 

    0:00 Introduction and Background of Mark

    3:11 Mark's experiences in West Germany

    9:59 Life expectations and preparations in case of a Soviet Invasion

    14:44 Comparison Between Leopard and M60 A3 Tanks, and German and American Tank Training

    20:18 Interactions with other national armies and demonstrations of West German firepower

    25:36 Escape, Evasion, and Gunnery training

    30:42 Naming of tanks and preparation for chemical Warfare

    36:24 Differences between Army Life in West Germany and Fort Knox

    39:15 Memorable and tragic incidents during service in West Germany

    47:34 Discussion on the Book "Red Army" by Ralph Peters and Mark's PTSD

    54:12 Podcast Closing Remarks

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    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

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

    1 hr 1 min
  • Uncovering Cold War Soviet secrets with the USAF and NSA (310)

    Tim served in the USAF and the NSA from 1975 to 1988 during some of the most tense periods of the Cold War.

    This included stints at the US Air Force Electronic Warfare Center at Kelly AFB, Texas, and RAF Chicksands, in the UK working on SIGINT collection of USSR/Warsaw Pact/Other targets.

    He also served as part of the Cryptologic Support Group, Strategic Air Command HQ, Offutt AFB, Nebraska providing SIGINT briefings to SAC leadership on worldwide events

    In 1983 he transferred to the NSA and later GCHQ, Cheltenham, Glos 1984-1988.

    We hear about how the first indications that something was amiss the morning Chernobyl reactor exploded in 1986, the day the cleaners answered the secure phone at SAC HQ, and how at GCHQ the US and British intelligence share information as part of the UKUSA Agreement.

    0:00 Introduction and Tim's background in the US Air Force

    5:12 Understanding electronic warfare and data gathering at Kelly Air Force Base

    16:58 Posting at RAF Chicksands in Bedford, UK, and monitoring for changes in regular patterns

    25:52 The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the Iranian hostage crisis

    36:19 Able Archer alerts and other instances of signals intelligence at Strategic Air Command, Nebraska

    44:16 Incident of the KAL007 Korean airliner and US Navy exercise incidents

    57:08 Misinterpretation during a briefing on a recon flight of TU-95 bear bombers and gathering intel on the Soviet Union

    1:01:18 Constant pressure to provide intel on Soviet leadership and missile alerts during Soviet drills

    1:05:34 Transition from Air Force to NSA and role at the NSA

    1:14:08 Tracking Chinese air defense and transition to GCHQ

    1:22:08 U.S. stance during the Falkland conflict and witnessing the Chernobyl reactor explosion

    1:30:59 Anecdote about NSA bureaucracy and language proficiency test

    1:34:21 Closing and thanks to supporters

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    Extra episode info here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode310/

    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/

    Thanks to listener Phil Curme for introducing me to Tim. You can read his blog here walkingthebattlefields.com

    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

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

    1 hr 42 min
  • REME Keeping the British Army on the road during the Cold War (309)

    Aged 16 Chris joined the British Army apprentice school in Arborfield, at Princess Marina College. He was trained as a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers otherwise known as REME.

    We talk about life expectancy in war scenarios, experiences with crash-out exercises, and life as a British soldier in West Germany

    Chris also served Post-Wall Berlin with the Military Police and describes an interesting “secret” job he was involved in.

    The episode was recorded at one of the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker Living History Weekends where Chris is one of the re-enactors. His advice has proved valuable to the other re-enactors as he is someone who was there… 

    It’s a great down-to-earth account of a sometimes forgotten part of the British Army, without whose support they wouldn’t have been able to operate. 

    0:00 Introduction and Chris's early life and decision to join the British army

    3:05 Life expectancy in war scenarios and crash out exercises

    4:40 Casualties on exercises and in training

    9:25 Encounters with Soviet military liaison units and inspections by the Warsaw Pact

    13:59 Living with the constant threat of conflict and its mental toll

    15:53 De-escalation of tensions and the opening of the Berlin Wall

    19:45 Life in Berlin post-Wall

    20:31 Best aspects of serving in the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR)

    23:57 Differences between the RAF and the Army

    26:03 Closing remarks

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    Extra episode info here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode309/

    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

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

    32 min
  • Gunfire in the Woods: A foiled escape and imprisonment in Cold War East Germany (308)

    This is part two of Henrik’s story. You can hear the first part in episode 307. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode307

    It’s the late 1980s and Henrik and his friends plan to escape from East Germany via Czechoslovakia.

    Henrik provides a very vivid account of their discovery by Czechoslovak border guards in a forest near the Austrian border. He describes the moment the guards open fire to get them to stop.

    Henrik is separated from his friends and held in various Czechoslovak prisons, before being flown back to East Germany. There he is interrogated for a number of months before being placed on trial.

    After his conviction for Republikflucht or "desertion from the republic" he is held on in a rough criminal prison in Dresden before being moved to a work camp.

    The prison and work camp has two types of prisoners, politicals and criminals. There he is exposed to the hardcore criminals of the GDR, violent criminals, murderers and neo-Nazis.

    0:00 Introduction and recap of the previous episode

    1:31 Interview with Henrik: Early plans and journey to Czechoslovakia

    7:40 Arrest on the border and early imprisonment experiences

    17:21 Transfer to Prague and encounter with the East German Stasi

    28:23 Arrival at the Secret Service prison in Dresden and coping in prison

    46:59 Interrogations and dealing with the Stasi

    1:00:18 Family visits, communication in prison, and considering a change of mind

    1:13:08 Reflections on the Stasi's approach and trial

    54:36 Life in remand prison and public humiliation during transport to Rakowitz work camp

    1:00:06 Living conditions, daily life, and experiences in Rakowitz work camp

    1:10:54 Announcement of amnesty and release from prison

    1:14:00 Post-release observations on the social climate in East Germany

    1:23:18 Closing remarks and outro

    Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode308

    Special thanks to Jonny Whitlam for introducing Henrik to CWC. You can book his excellent Berlin tours here https://www.whitlams-berlin-tours.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

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

    1 hr 30 min
  • Growing up in Cold War East Germany's Valley of the Clueless (307)

    Henrik was born in the late 1960s near Dresden in East Germany. The area was sarcastically known as the Tal der Ahnungslosen or Valley of the Clueless, as the area generally was not able to receive TV from West Germany from the mid-to-late 1950s.

    He describes his childhood growing up in a Uranium mining area. His mother was a teacher and his father was required to be a member of the Communist Party as his role at the university involved in map making which was classified as secret work.

    It’s not until he is 8 or 9 that Henrik realises there is another Germany and as he gets older he gets into Western music as he can still pick up West German radio. In 1983 his favourite grandmother moved to the West and started to bring him Western clothing and vinyl records.

    At 15 or 16 he seriously starts to think about how he can get to the West. Compulsory service in the National Peoples Army beckons increasing his urgency in finding a way to leave.

    In 1988 Henrik receives an unexpected postcard from Spain from a friend who had been sentenced for 2 years for trying to escape and this begins to crystallise Henrik’s plans.


    0:00 Introduction and background of Henrik

    10:47 The role of Western radio and music in shaping Henrik's perception of the West

    19:21 Importance of Western contact for East German citizens

    29:45 Music censorship in East Germany

    35:19 Henrik's first thoughts of leaving East Germany

    47:34 Henrik's gap year and work in a data processing factory

    52:08 News about friends sentenced for trying to escape

    1:02:24 The impact of his escape on his family

    1:06:24 Comparison of Stasi and Gestapo tactics

    1:07:45 Closing remarks, mention of episode extras and soundtrack


    If Henrik's life was made into a movie he says this would be the soundtrack… https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3eJFR6QJebyv2S16Dqyhoc?si=072a284d83dc4410

    Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode307

    Special thanks to Jonny Whitlam for introducing Henrik to CWC. You can book his excellent Berlin tours here https://www.whitlams-berlin-tours.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/

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

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

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

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

    Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

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

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

    1 hr 15 min
  • Flying the Cold War A10 Tankbuster Part 2 (306)

    You are listening to part 2 of my chat with Joe who joined the USAF in 1981 and was trained to fly the A10 Warthog a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft designed to provide close air support to ground forces by attacking tanks, armoured vehicles, and other ground targets. Part 1 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode305/

    In 1985 Joe is sent to 92nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at RAF Bentwaters in the UK, just over 50 miles from where his father served in World War 2.

    His role was to fly the A10 over West Germany and attack Warsaw Pact ground forces should the Cold War turn hot.

    We hear about the perils of flying the A10 at only 100 feet in mist and rain, whilst navigating with a map on your knee in the days before GPS was available. 

    Joe also recounts visiting the Inner German border and driving to his wartime target sectors to see what they looked like from the ground. He describes how they trained for landing on West German autobahns as well as their tactics against enemy aircraft.

    Joe also flew the Royal Air Force’s VTOL fighter, the Harrier, and tells of the challenge of managing the controls and his respect for the Royal Air Force.

    0:00 Introduction and Joe Andrew's deployment to UK

    1:35 Visiting the inner German border and discussion on potential kill zones

    3:29 Practice landing on autobahns and durability of A-10's undercarriage

    6:17 Low-level navigation and situational awareness in Europe

    10:59 Practice bombing, missile firing, and liaisons with the army

    15:00 Air to air defense, maneuvering training, and target acquisition

    17:32 Managing information and plotting targets while flying

    20:45 Tactics for air-to-air combat and likely survivability rate in conflict

    27:44 Training for escape and evasion if shot down, and use of countermeasures

    34:45 Joe Andrew's experiences with combat SAR alert and flying the Harrier

    44:00 Extras and acknowledgements for the podcast's financial supporters

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    Visit the RAF Bentwaters Museum here https://www.bcwm.org.uk/

    Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode306

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

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

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    50 min

About Cold War Conversations

From the publisher's feed

"Listening to even one episode of "Cold War Conversations" will make this sprawling, potentially intimidating period of history feel vivid and compelling." The New York Times

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