Cold War Conversations

I speak with Aden Magee who operated as the commander of a highly specialized Counterintelligence (CI) unit in West Germany during the last decade of the Cold War.We talk about his book The Cold War Wilderness of Mirrors - Counterintelligence and the U.S. and Soviet Military Liaison Missions 1947–1990. This is a rare book that details some never-before documented accounts of the Soviet Military Liaison Mission (SMLM) in West Germany and the U.S. Military Liaison Mission (USMLM) in East Germany and shows how they were microcosms of the Cold War strategic intelligence and counterintelligence landscape. I also discuss with Aden how the book shows the impact of CIA Director James Angleton’s legacy which restricted counterintelligence operations long after his departure. Buy the book and help support the podcast.UK listeners buy hereUS listeners buy hereWhat do you think the podcast is worth to you? Single or monthly donations really help keep the podcast on the air.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation.I am delighted to welcome Aden Magee to our Cold War conversation…Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations0:00 Introduction and discussion about weapons cache sites and suitcase nukes0:17 Introduction to guest Aden McGee and his new book about strategic intelligence and counterintelligence during the Cold War2:05 Sponsor: Podcast donations and mention of the Cold War Conversations Facebook group3:47 Importance of documenting Cold War stories and in-depth discussion on the Soviet military liaison missions10:35 Rotation of tours in East Germany and their intelligence collection capabilities14:47 US's approach to counterintelligence and the importance of the USMLM's collection asset19:04 Soviet's stance on guarding their SMLM/SOXMIS post and the normalization of ramming and shooting incidents under international law24:14 Access to the Soviet military liaison mission compound and its implications28:35 Likelihood of more covert activities by the Soviet military liaison mission34:32 U.S. intelligence betrayals to the Soviets and the impact on the Cold War53:42 Soviet penetration agents in the FBI and CIA and case of KGB Colonel Yachenko1:00:32 Lack of urgency in addressing the mole issue within the CIA and the damaging impact of Aldrich Ames' betrayal1:06:21 Conclusion and introduction of Aden Magee's book "The Cold War Wilderness of Mirrors"1:06:57 Sponsor: Acknowledgement of the show's patrons and call to action for listener support1:07:25 Closing remarks and goodbye from host Ian SandersTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ron Knight served in the Royal Marines on HMS Belfast during the Korean War of 1950-53. He was a gunner and describes the shore bombardments and how his gun was used in anti-aircraft defence. We also hear Ron describe life aboard the Belfast during this periodRon also served with the Royal Marine Commando during the Malayan Emergency which was a guerrilla war fought in the Federation of Malaya between Communist pro-independence fighters against the armed forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth between 1948 and 1960.He shares details of the dangers of jungle warfare including from their own air force! I’m asking listeners to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and 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, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Ron Knight to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode195/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.Please leave a review.If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a written review.0:00 Introduction and Ron Knight's early life and training2:35 Ron Knight's experiences in the Royal Marines and HMS Belfast9:01 Discussing air attacks on HMS Belfast and life on board17:42 Royal Marines' shore raids and interactions with American forces20:20 Shift in relations with Japan and interactions with Chinese and North Korean POWs21:45 Encounter with Typhoon Ruth and its impact on HMS Belfast26:58 Incident of a man overboard and transfer to 45 commando29:23 Ron Knight's experiences in the Korean and Malayan jungles38:20 Communication, safety measures and recognizing friendly units in the jungle43:39 Reflecting on dangerous moments in service and transition to HMS Victory51:13 Outro and Patron AcknowledgementTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Igor Gouzenko exposed Soviet intelligence's efforts to steal nuclear secrets as well as the technique of planting sleeper agents. The "Gouzenko Affair" is often credited as a triggering event of the Cold War, with historian Jack Granatstein stating it was "the beginning of the Cold War for public opinion" and journalist Robert Fulford writing he was "absolutely certain the Cold War began in Ottawa".I talk with Andrew Kavchak the author of Remembering Gouzenko: The Struggle to Honour a Cold War Hero and Evy Wilson, the daughter of Igor and Svetlana Gouzenko. If you are enjoying the podcast, you can show your support via a monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and 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 Andrew and Evy to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode194/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.0:00 Introduction and Background of Igor Gouzenko2:41 Interview with Andrew Kavchak and Evie Wilson begins13:55 Aftermath of Gouzenko's Defection and the Following Trials23:30 Introduction of Evie Wilson, Daughter of Igor Guzenko33:55 Wilson Family's Relocation and Life in the Greater Toronto Area43:33 Evie's Discovery of Her Family's Unique Situation and Origin52:36 The Incident of the Wilsons' Mailbox Getting Blown Up1:00:22 Evy Wilson's Life and Relatives in the Soviet Union1:04:26 Andrew Kavchak's Journey to Commemorate the Gouzenko StoryTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Shreve was a USAF F111 pilot based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK. We hear about his early USAF career as a fighter pilot, then we move onto his transfer to the F111 and how he was trained to carry out nuclear as well as conventional missions against the Warsaw Pact forces in Europe. He describes his low-level training missions to attack targets in the Soviet Union and East Germany and recalls a near-fatal incident amongst the Scottish lochs.Rick was also part of one of the crews that flew on Operation El Dorado Canyon, the operation to bomb Libya in April 1986 in retaliation for the West Berlin discotheque bombing ten days earlier.Rick gives you a frank view of his role in the USAF and his approach to the huge responsibilities he carried.In his later career, he flew civil airliners with Pan-Am and recalls how he was astonished to fly over the Warsaw Pact airfield he had been tasked to attack in the event of war…If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and 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, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Rick to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information including photos and videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode193/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.0:00 Introduction and Rick Shreve's initial experiences in the Air Force10:00 Rick's experiences with debriefing, training evaluations, and handling nukes16:18 Rick's transfer to RAF Lakenheath and differences between flying an F 111 and the F4 Phantom26:24 Noise complaints, rules for flying in different countries, and Rick's training in escape and evasion37:27 Details of a nuclear mission and Rick's view on dropping a nuclear weapon46:04 Operation El Dorado Canyon: The 1986 bombing of Libya56:11 Role as the Nuclear Alert Force Commander at Lakenheath1:00:33 Salty Nation: Preparing for operational readiness inspections1:13:48 Rick Shreve discusses dangerous flying incidents and the mindset of military pilots1:19:46 Rick Shreve's transition to Pan Am and his involvement in Desert Storm1:24:13 Reminder for listeners to visit our Facebook discussion groupTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week it's the 60th anniversary of the flight of Gherman Titov on Vostok 2. The forgotten 2nd cosmonaut overshadowed by the exploits of his friend Yuri Gagarin.Titov’s 25.3 hours and 17 orbits flight was much more ambitious than Gagarin’s and more dangerous. It was also a very political flight, intending to distract the world from the building of the Berlin Wall a number of days later. However, there’s more to Titov than his flight, he was different character to most of the Soviet cosmonauts with a love of pre-Soviet literary classics and enjoying his own company.He was also one of the most colourful characters of the Soviet space program leading a wild life back on Earth with various car crashes and scrapes. I’m sure regular listeners will be pleased to hear we have Stephen Walker back, the author of Beyond: The Astonishing Story of the First Human to Leave Our Planet and Journey into Space.Do check out our previous episode on Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode172/I’m asking listeners to support my work and enable me to continue recording these incredible stories. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.I am delighted to welcome Stephen Walker back to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode192Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.0:00 Introduction and overview of German Titov's character0:45 The political implications of Titov's groundbreaking flight2:20 Guest introduction: Stephen Walker3:53 The Cold War context of Titov's flight7:22 Titov's rebellious nature and the cosmonaut program's rule-breaking26:37 Training for Titov's mission, Vostok 229:24 The significance and firsts of Titov's 25-hour mission35:14 Titov's life post-mission: fame, scandal, and tragedy42:13 The technical issues and risks of Titov's mission47:38 Titov's role in the Soviet Moon mission and the Spiral project52:23 Reflections on Titov's legacy and closing remarksTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Evan McGilvray has written a number of books on Poland as well as biographies. He is well versed in Poland and Polish society and away from the usual locations of Krakow and Warsaw.Evan first visited Poland in 1986, 5 years after the declaration of martial law which triggered the suppression of the free trade union Solidarity in December 1981. He visited some friends he had made via correspondence, who lived in the city of Łódź. He provides us with a great insight away from the intelligentsia as his friends were workers. We hear in some detail how the communist party was perceived, life as a worker, as well as views on Lech Walesa and Solidarity.In the 1990s Evan interviewed General Jaruzelski, who as First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party (aka the communist party) gave the martial law order in 1981 and remained head of state until 1989. Extra info, and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode191/If you are enjoying the podcast please tell your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved before they are lost. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Peter Ryan is our host today and I am delighted to welcome Evan McGilvray to our Cold War conversation…If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.0:00 Introduction3:00 Interview with Evan McGilvray: His interest in Poland and first impressions16:45 Life in Poland: The average worker, shopping, self-sufficiency, and popular culture26:16 Surveillance and influence of the Catholic church in Poland29:07 Impressions and interactions with the communist regime in Poland33:05 Impressions of the Soviet Union and Russian forces in Poland36:21 Impressions of Lech Walesa in Poland and his transition to mainstream40:19 Contacts with solidarity in Poland and encounters with General Jaruzelski44:56 General Jaruzelski's efforts to correct the record49:33 Reminder to check out extra information and videosTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On November 18, 1965, U.S. Navy pilot Willie Sharp ejected from his F-8 fighter after being hit while positioned over a target in North Vietnam. With a cloud layer beneath him, he did not know if he was over land-where he would most certainly be captured or killed by the North Vietnamese or over the Gulf of Tonkin. As he ejected, both navy and air force aircraft were already heading toward him to help. Thanks to Dennis DeFreitas and his Youtube video of Willie’s shootdown available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md9oNlLYEr8Co-host James Chilcott speaks with former military flight test engineer Eileen A. Bjorkman, who has written “Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin A Story of the U.S. Military's Commitment to Leave No One Behind” The book includes nail-biting descriptions of air combat, flight, and rescue as Bjorkman places Willie Sharp's story in the larger context of the U.S. military's bedrock credo-No Man Left Behind-and calls attention to the more than eighty thousand Americans still missing from conflicts since World War I. She also explores the devastating aftershocks of the Vietnam War as Willie Sharp struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder.Buy the book and support the PodcastUK listeners buy the book here https://amzn.to/3rtpJDeUS Listeners buy the book here https://amzn.to/3zwLVPAIf you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and 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 Eileen Bjorkman to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information and details of our book giveaway here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode190/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. T0:00 Introduction and Overview of the episode2:47 Guest Introduction: Eileen Bjorkman6:37 Combat Search and Rescue during the Vietnam War11:53 Willie Sharp's Mission and Rescue Operation28:56 Willie's Ejection, Descent, and Capture40:31 Willie's Escape and Confrontation with Fishermen47:17 Final Rescue Operation and Post-Rescue Plans52:04 Improvements in Rescue Operations during the War1:02:08 Reflection on Dramatic Events and Acknowledgment of Patrons1:03:21 Encouragement to Join Facebook Discussion Group and Closing RemarksTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The French Forces in Berlin were the units of the French Armed Forces stationed from 1945 until the end of the Cold War-era in West Berlin according to the agreements of the Yalta Conference and Potsdam Conference. The troops were the French counterparts to the United States' Berlin Brigade and the United Kingdom's Berlin Infantry Brigade in the city. Philippe was stationed in Berlin from 1972 to 1973 with the French army for his military service. He did not volunteer and was not too happy at first, but started enjoying life outside of the “Quartier Napoleon” as it was called, near the Tegel airport.His role was in Signals intelligence and during the day he listened to FM radio transmissions of the East German Army as well as the Soviets (GFSA). If you are enjoying the podcast, you can help me to keep producing these episodes by a small monthly donation via Patreon, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and 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, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Philippe to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode here.  https://coldwarconversations.com/episode189/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.0:00 Introduction and Philippe's experience in Berlin4:58 Philippe's training and move to Landau13:43 Philippe's posting to Berlin and initial impressions18:15 French counterintelligence's investigation into Philippe's relationship22:35 The French sector in Berlin and tensions with American interests28:42 French military lifestyle in Berlin33:53 Attitude of Berlin locals towards foreign soldiers38:39 Sightseeing and political discussions in East Berlin46:30 Leaving Berlin and life after service50:31 Communication and encryption methods during the Cold WarTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We continue Drea Hahn’s story with her family’s escape to Austria and the realities of being a refugee. In 1986, under the pretext of a “ski trip” to Yugoslavia Drea’s family escaped to Austria. We hear about the sadness of being unable to tell anyone they were leaving and how her relatives were summoned to the police station to be detained for questioning. They didn’t communicate with anyone at “home” until 1989 or 1990 because it was too dangerous.Once, in Austria, there was no certainty that that Drea’s family wouldn’t be handed back to Czechoslovakia as Austria was neutral and the government was keen to stay on good terms with their neighbours.Drea’s family were in Austria for about 2 years living in a single room with a shared bathroom. We hear from her about the challenges of life as a child refugee in rural Austria.In 1988 permission was granted to emigrate to the US and we hear of their elation when they arrive.Extra info, photos and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode188If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a written review in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ I am delighted to welcome Drea Hahn back to our Cold War conversation…If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.0:00 Introduction to Drea Hahn's family's escape from Czechoslovakia1:27 Listener support and testimonials8:08 Comparison of individual and family escapes from the Eastern Bloc12:04 Access to STB files and the decision to escape19:20 Planning and executing the escape to Austria27:36 The tense border crossing and seeking asylum in Austria33:07 Adjusting to life as refugees in Austria41:28 Visit from grandparents and the Czechoslovakian government's persuasion program45:48 Journey to America and initial days in the new country51:03 The fall of the Berlin Wall and the Velvet Revolution: Impact and decisions57:50 The role of Cold War Conversations podcast in uncovering personal historiesTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Drea Hahn was born in Czechoslovakia in 1980 in Teplice. Her mother was a secretary and her father was an engineer but refused to join the communist party and this was a source of tension in Drea’s family. She was partly raised by her grandparents and her grandmother shared stories about growing up in “the Protectorate”, the name given to the area of Czechoslovakia occupied by the Germans in World War 2. Drea tells of a typical Czech childhood – her school friends, fond memories of school trips, and summers at their chata (country house).A more sinister side of life was getting in trouble for being a chatty kid and being cautioned with the phrase “walls have ears”.Extra info, and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode187/If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a written review in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/I am delighted to welcome Drea Hahn to our Cold War conversation…If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.0:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Drea Hahn0:47 Request for listener support2:29 Drea's fascination with everyday history and her decision to share her experiences7:54 Drea's family background during World War 215:14 The presence and regulation of religion in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War17:47 The impact of socialism and communism on daily life21:35 Misconceptions about the isolation of the Eastern Bloc30:56 Drea's parents' wedding and her birth33:29 Ideological teachings in school and the fear of non-conformity38:16 Travel restrictions and permits within Eastern Bloc countries44:13 Membership in the Communist Party and the associated documentation47:50 Teaser for the next episode48:26 Acknowledging the supporters and patrons of the podcastTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices