Home Bases: Memories & Stories of US Military Bases in the UK (267)

Sean Kelly is the author of Home Bases: Memories & Stories of US Military Bases Around London which for the first time, puts the spotlight on the history of many of the US Military’s lesser-known command and support bases that were located either in or close to London.

The bases (often known as ‘Little Americas’) are furthermore brought to life in a series of ‘snapshot’ memories. We hear about the heroism of US personnel who were awarded the George Medal for bravery in rescuing people caught in the great floods of 1953 as well as including actor Larry Hagman who played JR Ewing in the TV series Dallas. 

We talk about the memories of bases further afield such as Upper Heyford, Greenham Common, Sculthorpe, and Burtonwood.

0:00 Introduction and background of Sean Kelly

1:59 Sponsor: Call for donations

2:23 Guest Introduction: Sean Kelly

7:38 Sean Kelly's book "Home Bases" and the history of US military bases in London

15:20 Personal stories from US military bases

28:31 Transformation and current state of Greenham Common

34:11 Personal anecdotes from those who served on the bases

48:54 The peak of the Cold War in the UK and discussion about the Burtonwood base

58:24 The special relationship between the UK and the US and the importance of personal stories in understanding history

1:02:30 Where to Find Sean Kelly's Book and Contact Information

1:06:22 Podcast Extras and Support Information

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Buy the book here https://amzn.to/3V8959o

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I am delighted to welcome Sean Kelly to our Cold War conversation…

Sean's websites

Home Bases https://www.facebook.com/ushomebases

7 North Audley https://www.facebook.com/7NorthAudley

Episodes referred to:

Greenham Common https://coldwarconversations.com/episode18/

Burtonwood https://coldwarconversations.com/episode74/

Upper Heyford https://coldwarconversations.com/episode65/

Further episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode267/

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