Cold War Conversations

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis is reckoned to be one of the most perilous events in history, when the World faced a looming nuclear collision between the United States and Soviet Union. During those weeks, the world gazed into the abyss of potential annihilation.

I speak with Sir Max Hastings whose new history  Abyss: The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 tells the story from the viewpoints of national leaders, Russian officers, Cuban peasants, American pilots and British disarmers. The period is brought to life with eye-witness interviews, archive documents and diaries, White House tape recordings, and top-down analysis. More than purely a focus on the 13 days of the crisis, the book provides context through the Cold War experiences of Fidel Castro’s Cuba, Nikita Khrushchev’s Russia, and Kennedy’s America. 

Among the areas we discuss are how Cuba became a crisis, the failure of intelligence on both sides, and those nail-biting Thirteen Days in which Armageddon beckoned.

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

0:00 Introduction and discussion on the Cuban missile crisis

7:35 Examination of the decision-making approaches during the Cuban Missile Crisis

15:07 Analysis of Jack Kennedy's political considerations and the missile gap myth

25:58 Comparison of Nikita Khrushchev's wisdom and Putin's actions in Ukraine

33:30 Analysis of fear's role in decision-making during the Cuban missile crisis

40:29 Discussion on the portrayal of military leaders in the Cold War

43:05 Exploration of communication failures and the impact of technology during crises

48:08 Cultural context and perspectives of the missile crisis era

52:10 Personal memories and humor in the face of the missile crisis

57:05 Conclusion and details about Max Hastings' book, "Abyss"

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Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode255/

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Fred Haise was one of the three astronauts on the ill-fated Moon mission when a design fault caused an oxygen tank to explode mid-mission putting the Apollo 13 crew in mortal danger on April 13th, 1970. This was the seventh crewed mission in the Apollo space program and the third meant to land on the Moon.

Now as you can imagine I’m genuinely excited to be speaking with one of the Apollo astronauts. Fred and I talk about his life and his almost accidental entry into flying. We cover his admission into the astronaut programme, the family impact, and as you can imagine go into some detail about his experiences on the Apollo 13 mission. 

Many of you will know of this mission via the Film “Apollo 13” starring Tom Hanks, and Fred shares his views on the film and corrects some of the inaccuracies.

Buy Fred's new book Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut's Journey and support the podcast here https://amzn.to/3DvCRzN

0:00 Introduction

6:14 Fred Haise's journey to becoming an astronaut and role in Apollo 11

16:39 Selection and preparation for Apollo 13 mission

32:41 The Apollo 13 crisis: the explosion, aftermath, and survival

51:21 Critical maneuvers to correct trajectory back to Earth

1:03:42 Activation of the command module and return journey

1:11:12 Splashdown and immediate aftermath

1:18:48 Analysis of Apollo 13 film and Fred Haise's book 'Never Panic Early'

1:25:17 Episode extras, acknowledgment of financial supporters, and closing remarks

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

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

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

I am delighted to welcome Fred Haise to our Cold War conversation…

Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode254

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 All audio/video/photos courtesy of NASA.

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Richard Blevins enlisted aged 18 in the US Army in March of 1987. He completed Basic Training & Military Police School training in July of 1987 and was posted to West Berlin as a United States Military Policeman. 

He describes his selection for Berlin duty while at Rhine-Main AFB in Frankfurt and his first journey across East Germany on the US Duty train to West Berlin. 

Richard’s first year consisted of patrol duties and combat training as well as serving at Checkpoints Bravo and Charlie as the assistant to the Non-commissioned Officer in Charge. 

He also got selected as a traffic accident investigator in 1988 where he would patrol with the West Berlin Police and respond to all car accidents involving US military, dependents, and civilian workers as well as West German nationals. 

Richard also describes how he heard the news on November 8th, 1989, that Erich Honecker had lifted all travel restrictions on East Germans starting at midnight. 

He is a close friend of Michael Rafferty who appeared in episode 13 with his account of the last days of Checkpoint Charlie. Don’t miss Michael’s video of 1980s Berlin in the episode notes.

0:00 Introduction with Richard Blevins

5:00 Richard's journey to Berlin and first encounter with Soviet troops

15:00 Contrasting West and East Berlin and living conditions

25:00 Richard's assignment to 3rd platoon: Patrol duties, training, and interactions with Royal Military Police

35:00 Liaising with Soviets and training with British units

45:00 Duties at checkpoints Bravo and Charlie

55:00 Living near the Berlin Wall and its transformation post-fall

1:05:00 Friendship with Michael Rafferty and plans to revisit Berlin

1:10:00 Security measures for soldiers and interactions with locals

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

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

If a 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 really helps us get new guests on the show.

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

Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode253

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MZ was an East German motorcycle manufacturer located in Zschopau, Saxony. The acronym MZ stands for Motorenwerke Zschopau GmbH (German for Zschopau engine factory). 

In the 1980s MZ was regarded by the British motorcycle press as producing ugly and old-fashioned (if worthy) motorcycles however, there was a hard-core set of UK fans who loved this relatively, cheap and easy-to-repair bike.

Julian Howe was a big fan of the MZ bike. He tells of a bizarre honeymoon of fellow MZ club members which involved MZ bike fans from across the UK touring Western Europe and the Warsaw Pact Countries. 

From sharing drinks with border guards to being on the receiving end of CS gas in Krakow it’s a tour through late 1980s Europe on the back of a two-stroke MZ motorbike.

0:00 Introduction and background on MZ motorcycles

1:21 Call for donations and testimonial from a supporter

5:28 The journey begins - crossing the border into East Germany

11:26 Interaction with an East German border guard and reflections on environment

15:20 Entering Poland and experiences with locals

22:19 Crossing through Czechoslovakia into Hungary and visit to a private museum

26:12 Visit to Prague and interactions with locals

29:37 Return journey through East Germany and humorous encounter at the border

33:47 Julian's most memorable experience from his trip and favorite media recommendations

38:29 Closing remarks and appreciation for financial supporters

39:02 Encouragement to join the Facebook group and continue the conversation

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

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

If a 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 really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Julian Howe to our Cold War conversation…

Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode252

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This is the 2nd part of my interview with Lt Col. Stephen Harrison, MBE who served for two years as a full-time Touring Officer with BRIXMIS. The tours were hazardous three-man, vehicle-borne patrols collecting intelligence on the Warsaw Pact forces in East Germany for up to five days and nights over a series of four-month patrolling periods. 

In this episode, we hear of Stephen’s imprisonment in a Soviet Army gaol, following detention in a Soviet Army garrison town as well as East German and Soviet Army press coverage about his activities. 

Stephen’s speciality was using his language skills to engage and befriend opposition troops and thereby gaining valuable intelligence. He used to go into bars frequented by Soviet officers and recalls one particular drunken night in Potsdam.. 

We also hear about his visit to the infamous World War 2 prison camp of Colditz castle where he befriends the staff enabling other BRIXMIS tours to visit regularly.

Stephen also shares details of the top-secret Operation Tomahawk, a particularly unpleasant mission which may not be for those of a sensitive disposition.

In later years Stephen obtained his Stasi file which reveals that the surveillance on him was far closer than he’d ever believed.

0:00 Introduction and Stephen Harrison's role in BRIXMIS

10:21 Stephen's arrest and time in a Soviet military cell

15:48 Stephen's role as interpreter and socializing with Soviet officers

22:53 Stephen's experiences during town and cultural tours

27:38 Stephen's Stasi files and the accuracy of their reports

33:25 Stephen's work and dealing with detentions

38:49 Operation Tomahawk: Exploiting Soviet military rubbish tips

47:57 Reflecting on the human side of intelligence gathering

49:45 Podcast end notes, acknowledgments and donation information

50:15 Invitation to join the Cold War Conversations Facebook group

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

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

If a 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 really helps us get new guests on the show.

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

Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode251/

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

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

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There is nothing like hearing history from those that were there...

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Lt Col. Stephen Harrison, MBE served for two years as a full-time Touring Officer with BRIXMIS. These Tours were hazardous three man, vehicle-borne patrols collecting intelligence on the Warsaw Pact forces in East Germany for up to five days and nights over a series of four-month patrolling periods. 

They lived in the field and did not carry weapons while Soviet and East German troops were nearly always armed, and their ever-present sentries carried live ammunition. The Tours operated in the closest proximity to these hostile and aggressive Warsaw Pact troops whose orders permitted them to use whatever force necessary, including opening fire, to protect the property they are guarding.

We hear in detail about Stephen’s experiences in these demanding and frequently dangerous situations, as well as how he used his language skills to engage and befriend opposition troops gaining valuable intelligence which made him a particular threat to the Soviets.

Don’t miss part 2 here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode251/

0:00 Introduction and Background of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Harrison

2:19 How to Donate to Cold War Conversations

5:27 Stephen's Experiences and Roles During the Cold War

15:05 Techniques and Strategies Used on Tours

23:14 Emergency Situations and Adaptations During Tours

30:10 Interactions with East German Population and Soviet Troops

41:13 Encounter with Soviet Air Defense System and Other Incidents

47:39 Reflections on Risk-Taking during Operations

47:58 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements of Financial Supporters

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

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

If a 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 really helps us get new guests on the show.

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

Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode250/

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

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

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

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

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A young Claudia Bierschenk lived at the edge of a world called the GDR, in a village surrounded by hills, valleys and thick forests. 

Her great uncle lives in the Forbidden Zone, the area where the East German border is a few metres away from West Germany. This is where the villages are like ghosts towns and inhabitants need special permits to enter.

Claudia provides a vivid and unique description of entering the Forbidden Zone for the first time after being granted special permits to visit her Great Uncle on his 80th birthday. His house is the last house before the final border fences and Claudia describes up close to the fences, while her grandfather tells her about “rabbit discos”…

We also hear more of her life in this isolated area, including strange sports activities and Claudia’s experience of being trained as a 12-year-old Para medic.

We end the episode talking about how she and her family experienced the momentous events of 1989 when the border opens, and East Germans are free to cross into West Germany. 

Claudia has distilled these stories into a book, Never Mind, Comrade, published by Tangerine Press

Don’t miss our previous episode with Claudia here https://pod.fo/e/137f1e

0:00 Introduction

1:00 Life and experiences in East Germany featuring Claudia Biashek

10:07 Claudia's family history during World War 2

17:10 Claudia's journey to the restricted zone and first sight of the Berlin Wall

25:35 Claudia's family decision to emigrate and the fears associated

34:35 Claudia's experience during the opening of the borders and crossing into the West

44:27 Adaptation to life in the West

46:00 Introduction to Claudia's book, "Nevermind Comrade"

46:24 Acknowledging financial supporters of the podcast

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

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

If a 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 really helps us get new guests on the show.

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

Enter the draw to win a copy of the book here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode249/

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Radio GDR

If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.

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

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 A young Claudia Bierschenk lived in a village surrounded by hills, valleys and thick forests at the edge of a world called the GDR. It could be beautiful, but the Iron Curtain runs through it, like a tectonic plate separating East and West and Claudia from her West German relatives. 

She tells of her life in this isolated area, of village life, far away from the socialist showpiece of East Berlin, where there are only two types of yoghurt in the village store.

In a series of snapshots, we re-live her childhood of secretly watching West German TV, learning “Marxism-Leninism for kids” at school, and the rare joy of a phone call from the West.

We also hear of her parents’ challenges. For her father, it’s his home village, but he is criticised for his liberal views and for wearing Western braces to school. Locals see her mother as an outsider, and she yearns for a life in the West with her sister in West Berlin.

Claudia has distilled these stories into a book, Never Mind, Comrade, published by Tangerine Press. Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781910691700

0:00 Introduction and Claudia Bierschenk's early life in the GDR

6:50 Claudia's family occupations and life in a small town

14:08 Education and the system of punishment and reward in East German schools

24:06 Viewing Western television and maintaining contact with relatives in West Germany

33:07 Claudia's family experiences with the Berlin Wall and escape attempts

38:42 School experiences and navigating discussions in East Germany

44:13 Tightening of border controls and holidays in Hungary

49:56 After school activities and sports under the ideology ofEast Germany

51:30 "Nevermind Comrade" book by Claudia Bierschenk

52:00 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and call to action

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

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

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

I am delighted to welcome Claudia Bierschenk to our Cold War conversation…

Listen to the 2nd part of this interview here. https://pod.fo/e/1395f8

Extra episode info here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode248

All photos are © Claudia Bierschenk.

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

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

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Radio GDR

If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.

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

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

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In 1961, members of the Alabama Air National Guard secretly took part in the failed invasion of Cuba by U.S.-backed Cuban exiles known as the Bay of Pigs. This was a covert attempt by the United States to overthrow the Soviet-allied Cuban government of Fidel Castro. 

Pete Ray was one of eight Alabama guardsmen who flew combat missions on April 19th 1961, which resulted in the deaths of Pete and three members of the Alabama unit. U.S. President John F. Kennedy later acknowledged America's involvement but denied that American military personnel had entered Cuban territory. It was not until 1987 did the U.S. revealed that eight ANG members had indeed flown into Cuban airspace. 

We hear from Pete Ray’s daughter Janet, who tirelessly worked to find out the truth of what happened that day despite the best efforts of the CIA, the Cubans, and the US government to obstruct her investigations.

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

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

If a 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 really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Janet Ray to our Cold War conversation…

Photos and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode247/

0:00 Introduction to the podcast and the story of the Bay of Pigs invasion

2:32 Guest Introduction: Janet Ray, daughter of Pete Ray

4:22 Pete Ray's involvement in the Bay of Pigs invasion

9:34 Aftermath of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the government's cover-up

15:03 Impact of the mercenaries' deaths on their families

18:52 The fear and paranoia in the families following the Bay of Pigs invasion

22:55 Janet's investigation into her father's death and resistance from the CIA

31:58 Janet's interactions with the Bay of Pigs pilots and Fidel Castro

47:15 The truth about Pete Ray's death and the return of his body

55:58 Wrap up and closing comments by Ian Sanders

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Paul continues his story with his recruitment into the Army Air Corps. It’s initially delayed with a tour providing airfield repair in West Germany and then the Falklands, but finally, he’s at training at Middle Wallop, the home of the Army Air Corps. 

He describes the training including underwater escapes, flying and navigation. As a Gazelle crewman, his role was navigator, observer and co-pilot. We hear of exercises including the lesser-known Railex/Probex, a US, French and British exercise to re-open a land corridor to West Berlin should the links be closed by Warsaw Pact forces and the British Frontier Service.

Paul’s story is again full of great anecdotes and the dangerous reality of flying low-level missions in a single-engine aircraft including a forced landing with a General on board.

0:00 Introduction and Paul's recruitment into the army air corps

1:30 Sponsor: Call for donations and listener testimonial

8:08 Discussion on practice drills and Paul's deployment to the Falklands

20:02 Surviving training and posting back to Germany

24:17 Transition to a new hangar and memorable encounter with Apache helicopters

28:34 Flying the inner German border and interception of unauthorized flights

33:42 Exercise Railex Probex: A combined US, French, and British exercise

44:08 Winning the Rolls Royce Trophy and personal experiences in the army air corps

54:24 Reflecting on the dangers of the job and the forgotten casualties of the Cold War

58:33 Importance of timing for the general's travels and emergency landing due to engine failure

1:13:59 Return to the Corps of Royal Engineers and posting back to Germany

1:21:16 Paul's sunshine tour in Gibraltar and final tours

1:21:48 Closing remarks and appreciation for patrons

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

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

If a 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 really helps us get new guests on the show.

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

Photos and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode246/

Don’t miss our previous episode where Paul joins the Army as a boy soldier in the Royal Engineers here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode245/

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