Cold War Conversations

9.07 a.m., April 12, 1961. A top-secret rocket site in the USSR. A young Russian sits inside a tiny capsule on top of the Soviet Union’s most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile and blasts into the skies. His name is Yuri Gagarin. And he is about to make history. We speak with Stephen Walker author of “Beyond” a new book that tells the thrilling story behind that epic flight on its sixtieth anniversary. Drawing on extensive original research and the vivid testimonies of eyewitnesses, many of whom have never spoken before, Stephen unpacks secrets that were hidden for decades and takes you into the drama of one of humanity's greatest adventures. Now I thought I knew Gagarins’s story, but discovered so much more after reading this book. The episode just scratches the surface and there is so much more in the book itself, Stephen and I could have talked for hours. This podcast wouldn’t exist without the generous support of our Patreons If you are enjoying the podcast, and want to continue to hear it please support me via a small (or large) monthly donation. 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 Stephen Walker to our Cold War conversation…There are a book giveaway and further information on this episode in our episode notes here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode172/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.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.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 Introduction4:19 The significance of the first man in space and misconceptions10:14 The Soviet Union’s involvement in the space race18:37 The KGB's insistence on having a bomb onboard the spacecraft27:58 The secrecy of the Soviet space program33:44 The Myth of the Lost cosmonauts38:22 Gagarin's landing and the unravelling of decades-long lies52:20 Gagarin's demeanour during the launch and the aftermath of the landing1:02:01 The decision to leapfrog the Soviets in the space race and Gagarin's life post-space mission1:10:21 Closing and acknowledgements of patronsChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In April 1966, a state-of-the-art Soviet aircraft, the Yak-28P crashed into the British Sector of West Berlin. This intelligence gift to the Allied forces resulted in a tense confrontation with the Soviet forcesWe speak with historian Bernd von Kostka of the Allied Museum in Berlin-Dahlem who has researched this story for his upcoming book Capital of Spies: Intelligence agencies in Berlin during the Cold War which he co-authors with Sven Felix Kellerhoff.The book will be published in October in the US and in December 2021 in GB.This podcast wouldn’t exist without the generous support of our Patreons so if you are enjoying the podcast, you can show your support via a small (or large) monthly donation. 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’d like to thanks Beam2, Woodhead4780 and Tree Fella. for their 5-star reviews on Apple Podcasts I am delighted to welcome Bernd 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/episode171If 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.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.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 crash of Soviet interceptor in British sector of Berlin0:49 Interview with historian Bernd von Kostka and discussion on his upcoming book2:34 Overview of Cold War Berlin in 1966 and frequent overflights by Soviet aircraft7:06 Examination of the Yak 28p crash site and its significance14:44 Analysis of the Soviet Union's limited control in West Berlin and the tense standoff at the crash site18:06 Debunking of common rumors surrounding the crash and discussion on the aftermath20:23 British attempts to extract secrets from the crashed aircraft and discovery of the radar equipment23:22 Negotiations and handover of the wreckage to the Soviets30:19 Exploring the impact and memory of the incident in Germany and the Soviet Union37:20 Posthumous honors for the pilots and introduction to the book "Capital of Spies"41:06 Acknowledgement of the patrons and invitation to join the Facebook discussion group41:50 Closing remarksChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We speak with Chris Summers who as a 22 year old was sent by his employers to East Germany in a Ford Escort to install British factory machinery. He provides us with interesting insights into life in the provinces of the GDR. Long term listeners of the podcast will recognise one of Chris’s colleagues was Tim, husband of Antje who was our guest in episode 82 “A Cold War Romance” available here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode82/Chris was also sent to Poland, the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia where he tells what he saw and experienced in the latter half of the 1980s.   If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to contribute at least $3 USD 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 Chris Summers 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/episode170/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.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated Radio GDRIf 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/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations0:00 Introduction and toast anecdote0:50 Interview with Chris Summers about his work with Detexamat in East Germany15:39 Experiencing nightlife in East Germany20:26 Independent tourism during the Cold War26:31 Installing equipment and training locals in East Germany38:59 Chris Summers' work experiences in Poland and Russia45:57 Experiences in Soviet factories and Georgian culture49:09 Unique experiences and restrictions in the Soviet Union54:45 Chris Summers' work in Czechoslovakia56:33 Tim's wedding and Ancher's arrival in the UK59:36 Wrap up and donation informationChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Soviet Tours is a Berlin-based tour operator focussed on off-the-beaten-path destinations across the globe. Their core area, as the name suggests, lies mainly in and around the former USSR. From the mystic forests of Central Siberia to the austere peaks of the High Caucasus, from the scorching deserts of the Soviet Stans to the windswept steppes of Southern Russia. We talk with the founder of Soviet Tours Gianluca Pardelli. He is a Berlin-based photojournalist, adventurer and travel author who is fascinated by that enigmatic country that was once known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.  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.Image by Arsenyi Kotov https://www.instagram.com/northern.friend/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 background of Gianluca Pardelli4:07 The birth of Gianluca's interest in the Soviet Union8:01 Unique itineraries offered by Soviet Tours13:41 Ethics of photographing locals during tours18:45 The remote autonomous republics in the former Soviet Union24:03 Soviet Tours' expansion into Africa27:12 Short tours and volunteer programs33:56 Favorite region of the former Soviet Union35:46 Contact information for Gianluca Pardelli and Soviet Tours36:14 Acknowledging patrons and sponsorsChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our conversation with Rob Forsyth continues when he became Executive Officer - and in command on occasions - of HMS Repulse, a Polaris nuclear missile submarine.We hear in detail the challenges of command on these boats, their launch procedures and the conversations Rob had with his captain about the circumstances when they might refuse to launch the missiles.Rob tells of many fascinating incidents including a very close encounter with the Malin Head AGI, a notorious Soviet Spy trawler. We also hear about his promotion to “Teacher” or instructor for the Submarine Commanding Officers’ Qualifying Course aka “The Perisher” and his command of HMS Sceptre, a nuclear powered "hunter-killer" submarine.In the last section of our conversations, Rob tells us why his views on the British nuclear deterrent have changed. You can read more here http://www.whytrident.uk/I could really use your support to help me to continue to produce these podcasts. A monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon will really help, 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 Rob Forsyth 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/episode168/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.Thank you very much for listening. 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 overview of the episode0:59 Rob Forsyth's experiences on HMS Repulse, a Polaris nuclear missile submarine5:43 Missile tests and weapons system readiness routine11:19 Life on a submarine: staying active, alert, and coping with challenges17:06 The psychological aftermath of patrols: crew members' struggles23:47 Post-launch plans and moral implications of a nuclear attack31:55 Anecdotes and stories from Rob's time with HMS Repulse36:04 Rob's transition to a Perisher teacher and his experiences49:42 Rob's command of HMS Sector and encounters with Soviet submarines1:00:15 The financial and operational cost of Trident, and the UK's nuclear policyChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Commander Rob Forsyth joined submarines in1961. By March 1962 as a young officer, he joined HMS Auriga a 1945 vintage diesel submarine. Within 7 months the 22-year-old was loading live torpedoes and preparing for a war mission during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis.Robs tell of many fascinating incidents in his career including under-ice operations and an incident where Rob's captain made an error that almost resulted in the total loss of submarine and crew.He also details what it was like to take the Submarine Commanding Officers’ Qualifying Course aka “The Perisher”. This six-month course is a prerequisite for the command of a submarine. Failure means your submarine career “perishes”.I could really use your support to help me to continue to produce these podcasts. A monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon will really help, 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 Rob Forsyth 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/episode167/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.Thank you very much for listening. 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 Introduction1:15 Guest Introduction: Rob Forsyth, Royal Navy Veteran7:15 Submarine Training and the Cuban Missile Crisis Experience16:04 Recollection of Near-Miss Submarine Incidents18:10 Deployment to Canada and Leisure Time in Bermuda22:17 Lessons from Under Ice Operations and Handling Submarine in Icy Conditions28:47 Work on Sound Propagation in Water and Anti-Submarine Training33:47 Trimmed Down Submarine and Operation Differences in War and Peace Mode37:33 Life in the Far East Fleet and Goodwill Visits46:23 Experience of Perisher and the Realities of Submarine Command1:00:41 Maintaining Morale and Teamwork During Crisis1:05:00 Acknowledgment of the Patrons and Episode ConclusionChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp was a protest camp established in 1981 to protest against the deployment of USAF controlled Ground Launched nuclear armed Cruise Missiles at RAF Greenham Common in Berkshire, England.On the eve of International Women’s’ Day 2021 I talk with Jan Castro-Fraser who chose to challenge the existence of nuclear weapons during the Cold War.We talk about her experiences at Greenham Common Peace Camp and other demonstrations in the 1980s as well as how her experiences in the peace movement changed her, empowered her and made her who she is today. 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 Jan to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode166/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.Thank you very much for listening. 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 guest Jan Castro Fraser's experiences at Greenham Common Peace Camp1:36 Appeal for financial support6:19 Living conditions and political discussions at the peace camp10:54 Activities, protests, and interactions with soldiers and police at the camp15:50 Participation in the 14-mile human chain demonstration and the role of singing in protests19:14 Reaction of locals, experiences with arrests, and court experiences24:16 Reflections on the achievements of the Peace Movement and its lasting impact28:56 Awareness and action on environmental issues and sharing history with younger generations32:42 Memorable moments from Greenham and current stance on nuclear weapons34:17 Acknowledgement of patrons and supportersChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The events of 1949 in China reverberated across the world and throughout the rest of the century. That tumultuous year saw the dramatic collapse of Chiang Kai-shek's 'pro-Western' Nationalist government, overthrown by Mao Zedong and his communist armies, and the foundation of the People's Republic of China.I talk with author Graham Hutchings who has written a vivid, gripping account of China in 1949 and the formation of an independent Taiwan. We discuss, the politics, the military campaigns, and the legendary Amethyst Incident where a British warship became embroiled in the Chinese Civil War.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 Graham Hutchings to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode and a book giveaway in our episode notes which can also be found on this link. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode165If 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 on Facebook.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated 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 Introduction1:02 Interview with author Graham Hutchings about the Chinese Civil War10:32 Analysis of the Nationalist strategy and situation by 194917:58 British authorities' perspective on the civil war in Hong Kong23:32 Exploration of the scale of the conflict and its impact on the lives of millions of people26:11 Detailed discussion of the HMS Amethyst incident30:00 Examination of the fall of the nationalist cause and the fate of the Guangxi leaders34:37 Shift in the communist approach post-victory: from rural insurrection to urban administration41:10 A look at a striking photograph in Graham Hutchings' book44:44 Mao's relationship with the Soviet Union49:00 America's effort to thwart Chinese invasion of Taiwan52:11 Discussion on current tensions between China and Taiwan54:01 Acknowledgement of Patrons and Supporters2:03 How to help support the podcastChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Acclaimed author and journalist Simon Kuper, has written The Happy Traitor, the story of British spy and Soviet Union double agent George Blake, the last major British traitor of the Cold War.In 1961, Blake was sentenced to forty-two years imprisonment – at the time, the longest sentence in modern British history. He had betrayed all the western spying operations that he knew about to the KGB. This included the names of hundreds of British agents working around the world. About forty of them are believed to have been executed. Blake is reckoned to have done as much damage to British interests as did his Moscow companions Kim Philby and Donald Maclean – perhaps more.Today, his story is known only to a few experts, and only insofar as anything can be known for certain in the world of deceit that is spying. MI6 has never made its files on him public. Now that the master spy has died, Simon Kuper finally sets the story straight. He unravels who Blake truly was through a combination of personal interviews, research in many languages, and use of almost unseen Stasi archives. His illuminating biography tracks Blake from his beginnings as a teenage courier for the Dutch underground during the Second World War, to his sensational prison-break from Wormwood Scrubs, to his tranquil old age in a dacha outside Moscow, where Kuper caught up with and interviewed him.There is more information in our episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode164/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 Sponsor: Profile Books1:27 George Blake's early life and recruitment into the Secret Intelligence Service10:23 Blake's role in the early stages of the Cold War and conversion to Communism20:38 Blake's betrayal, spying activities, and impact on Cold War dynamics31:33 Discovery of Blake's betrayal and subsequent trial40:21 Insights from Blake's speeches to the Stasi and his life in prison46:11 Blake's escape and new life in Russia54:45 Blake's remorse for his actions and admiration for Britain56:30 Simon Cooper's personal connection with Blake58:19 Conclusion and promotion of the book "The Happy Traitor: Spies, Lies, and Exile in Russia"Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Germany has been at the heart of the British Army's story since 1945. After the Second World War, the Army helped rebuild a devastated and divided nation. It provided protection during the Cold War, and later used Germany as a base from which to deploy troops across the world. Foe to Friend is a major exhibition at The National Army Museum in London that follows the lives of British soldiers in Germany over the past 75 years. Enjoy an expert visit as Cold War Conversations co-host James takes you on a tour with the lead curator, Dr Peter JohnstonIf 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 James and Dr Peter Johnston 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/episode163/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 Introduction3:17 Introduction of James and Dr. Peter Johnston, and overview of the British Army's history in Germany10:10 Discussion about the BrixMis car and other artifacts on display at the exhibition16:05 Tales of bravery: Anthony Hall's exploration of a Soviet gunnery range20:34 Testimonies from Lieutenant Colonel Dan Wilde and Michael Systems on the tense situation in Cold War Germany25:10 The reality of life for British soldiers: Training, suits, and pamphlets31:09 Living in the shadow of the Berlin Wall and the British military train38:00 The evolution of weaponry and the role of the British Army in Germany43:23 The impact of the Cold War on soldier and family life in Germany51:25 Changes in Europe: A look at the maps from 1979 and 1991Chapters 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