Cold War Conversations

In this second episode with Don Snedeker we talk to him about his time after his tour of Vietnam when he served in West Germany. From 1974 to 1986 Don served in a number of roles but most noticeably he was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fulda, one of the locations where it was assumed that Warsaw Pact units would attack through. He also trained as a Foreign Area Officer specialising in Western Europe and studied at the German Armed Forces Staff College in Hamburg.From 1991 to 1992, Don headed the Inspectors and Escorts branch conducting conventional arms control inspections and confidence-building visits in the former Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact countries.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 are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Co-host James conducts our chat and I am delighted to welcome Don Snedeker 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/episode146/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 Introduction4:26 Explanation of the Fulda Gap and its strategic importance11:28 Comparison of missions in Vietnam and Germany15:53 Discussion of the social life and community in Germany20:41 Don Snedeker's career after Fulda and his work at Fort Monroe, Virginia24:31 Don Snedeker's role transition post fall of the Berlin Wall28:38 Don Snedeker's conversation with an East German Air Defense Colonel35:55 Don Snedeker's interactions with Soviet officers44:27 Don Snedeker's experience during German unification47:47 Ian Sanders wraps up the episode and directs listeners to additional resources48:50 Special thanks to patronsChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barry Mullen was a Navigator Radar on the legendary Royal Air Force nuclear bomber, the Vulcan.The Navigator Radar (Nav Radar) had the responsibility for coordinating bombing from the aircraft.This role was performed entirely via instrumentation and was achieved via the ground-facing radar and the Navigation Bombing System a direct successor of the WW2 H2S system used in aircraft such as the Lancaster. This allowed accurate bombing from 57,000 feet down to an incredibly low height of 250 feet.Barry served during the 1970s and candidly shares his experiences. He tells us about his time at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus during the Turkish invasion as well as the detail of his mission scenarios, both conventional and nuclear. He also shares information about his escape and evasion training as well as much more. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to contribute about $3, £3 or €3 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 and you 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.Back to today’s episode, we had a little bit of a problem with the audio, but I do think what Barry shares is worth hearing and I hope that doesn’t affect your listening too much. I am delighted to welcome Barry Mullen 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/episode145/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 Introduction and Barry's initial experiences with target study1:14 Barry Mullen's journey to becoming a navigator and his training experiences7:55 Difficulties encountered during training and training for high level and low level attacks11:25 Barry's posting in Akrotiri, Cyprus and Cold War missions in Cento15:17 The Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and Barry's experience during the invasion20:25 Squadron's role post-invasion and Barry's return to England22:43 Barry's training and experiences in Canada and the United States29:49 Barry's posting as an instructor at Scampton and selection for the Vulcan display crew34:19 Nuclear weapon simulator checks and discussions on nuclear deterrence47:00 Flying other aircraft besides the Vulcan and the most dangerous situation during service50:06 Closing remarks and promotionsChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode, we talk again with Paul Grant, author of "Coercion" the fourth book about the Schultz family who live in Berlin. His books are set at the end of the Second World War and the start of the Cold War. Coercion is set in 1962 against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall while it is still barbed wire and a fragile wall. Escape attempts are frequent and these attempts are the major theme of Paul’s latest book.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 are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Co-host James conducts our chat and I am delighted to welcome Paul Grant 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/episode144/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.Help Support the podcast by shopping at Amazon.https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/books/12447630031/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_books&tag=cwcp-21Help support the podcast with a CWC mug or maybe a t-shirt?https://www.redbubble.com/people/Coldwarpod/shop?asc=uRadio 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 of guest, Paul Grant, and his book "Coercion"2:06 Sponsor: Call for financial support and podcast merchandise promotion6:44 The state of Berlin in 1962 as a book setting and the Berlin Wall15:02 The role of West Berlin Police and the American Allies18:50 Real-life stories from the Cold War period21:23 Introduction to the characters and plot of "Coercion"28:12 Research methods and the importance of historical accuracy in historical fiction34:54 Exploration of the legitimacy of the DDR in the early 1960s40:16 Germany's approach to dealing with its Cold War past48:22 Upcoming projects from Paul Grant52:28 Acknowledgement of the podcast's financial supportersChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the first of two episodes we have following Don Snedeker’s experiences through the Cold War. In this episode, we hear about his time in Vietnam and the book he has written entitled "The Blackhorse in Vietnam: The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam and Cambodia, 1966–1972”.Don was born in Brooklyn New York but followed his Father’s postings around the globe as an ‘Army brat’. Don was commissioned into the Armour branch of the US Army in February 1969 and by December he had been posted to Vietnam initially assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) but later joining the 1st Armoured Cavalry Regiment (Blackhawks) serving as an armoured cavalry platoon leader and as a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol platoon leader. He was awarded a Bronze Star with ‘V’ for Valour, a Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.Buy Don's book and support the podcast here https://amzn.to/3nAj7RaIf 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 are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Co-host James conducts our chat and I am delighted to welcome Don Snedeker to our Cold War conversation…There is further information and a book giveaway in our show notes, which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode143/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. 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 historical context1:29 Don Snedeker's early life, military career, and family history7:35 Reflection on preparedness for war and the role of armored cavalry in Vietnam15:48 Long range reconnaissance missions and jungle warfare25:20 Tactics used in combat and earning military honors27:19 Writing the book "The Black Horse in Vietnam" and its impact35:06 Experience returning home from Vietnam and personal memories39:38 Visiting Vietnam post-war and personal reflections43:57 Unique characteristics and advantages of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam55:17 End of interview and closing remarks by Ian SandersChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s episode is brought to you by Osprey publishing and we’re speaking with Michael Napier, the author of “In Cold War Skies – NATO and Soviet airpower 1949-89”. Michael also flew the Tornado during the Cold War and served during the 1980s at 14 Sqn and 31 Sqn at RAF Brüggen in West Germany where he talks about nuclear QRA, low-level training in Germany, Canada and Exercise Red Flag in the US plus lots more. His book is packed with first-hand accounts of operational flying during the Cold War as well as stunning photos.You can buy the book and support the podcast on this link https://amzn.to/3bELNDaIf you want to support our work in preserving Cold War history then only about $3, £3 or €3 per month helps keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter and you 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 Michael Napier to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode in our show notes,plus a book giveaway which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode142/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 Introduction and guest Michael Napier's personal experiences during the Cold War3:12 Discussion about Michael Napier's RAF career and counter air plans6:07 Insight into the training and exercises during the Cold War13:08 Reflection on the end of the Cold War and fraternizing with former enemies16:22 The genesis and structure of Michael Napier's book on the Cold War21:44 The advancement of aircraft technology and intelligence gathering during the Cold War27:34 The cyclic nature of history, military organization, and the comparison of aircraft32:22 The Arab Israeli war's impact on warfare tactics and the evolution of different aircraft40:06 Researching for the book and neutrality of nations during the Cold War47:30 The human cost of the Cold War and preserving the stories of the era53:13 Review of "In Cold War Skies: NATO and Soviet AirPower, 1949" and book giveaway54:42 Closing remarks and appreciation to listeners and financial supportersChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is part 2 of our chat with Jack Barsky who spent ten years as an undercover KGB agent in the United States.He is the longest surviving known member of the KGB illegals programme that operated during the Cold War.In this episode we talk about his first days in the US, his mission and how he managed build his cover enabling him to live and work as a US citizen. He honestly and candidly talks about the impact his secret life had on those closest to him and the moment of his arrest by the FBI.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 are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/I am delighted to welcome Jack Barsky 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/episode141/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 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 Jack Barsky's life as a KGB agent2:18 Support for the Cold War Conversations podcast8:18 Living undercover in the United States15:15 Communication methods with the KGB18:13 Shift in mission and life as a computer programmer24:27 Impact of family life on his mission32:11 Discovery of Jack's identity and confrontation with the FBI40:20 Revealing his past to his family44:51 Reunion with his abandoned son and friendship with FBI agent49:22 Reflections on his decisions and the impact of his past51:15 Closing remarks and acknowledgements to patronsChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve seen the TV drama series, “The Americans” you’ll be fascinated by this episode. Albrecht Dittrich was an East German graduate student and a true believer in the Communist cause when he was recruited by the KGB in 1970. He spent ten years as an undercover KGB agent in the United States.He is the longest surviving known member of the KGB illegals programme that operated during the Cold War.In this episode we talk about his first days his early life in East Germany as well as his recruitment and training in Berlin & Moscow. It’s an amazing insight into the mind and personality of a secret agent and the immense pressures he was under in the 10 years he served his KGB masters.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 are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/I am delighted to welcome Jack Barsky to our Cold War conversation…UK Fans can buy Jack's book here & support the podcast https://amzn.to/2FKAbmjUS Fans can buy Jack's book here & support the podcast https://amzn.to/3hLQoVsThere’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/episode140/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 or click here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/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 Introduction of Jack Barsky and his relationship with the KGB1:25 Jack Barsky's recruitment and training by the KGB2:06 Fundraising request for the podcast2:36 Jack Barsky's early life and education in East Germany11:41 Barsky's journey to becoming a KGB agent36:15 The romanticization of spies and the reality of spy life in East Germany51:00 The dangers, risks, and impacts of being a spy37:05 Jack Barsky's belief in the socialist ideal and the tenets of Marxism40:02 Jack Barsky's training mission to West Berlin and intensive training in Moscow59:48 Jack Barsky's transition to a new identity in the US1:00:38 Closing remarks by Ian Sanders and additional content information.Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the 2nd episode with Trevor Barnes, the author of “Dead Doubles, a new book on the Portland Spy Ring, one of the most infamous espionage cases of the Cold War.The story continues with the dramatic arrest of three of the KGB spies outside the Old Vic theatre in London and the discovery of the amazing espionage career of the Krogers, the innocent-looking couple in suburbia…We also talk about the revelation that the Portland spy ring was larger than thought and that at least two members escaped capture.UK Fans can buy the book here & support the podcast https://amzn.to/2Gp50gDUS Fans can buy the book here & support the podcast https://amzn.to/3jHRpiyIf 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 and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/I am delighted to welcome Trevor Barnes to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode in our show notes,plus a book giveaway which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode139/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 or click here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpodThank 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 Introduction and arrest of Gordon Lonsdale2:26 Interview begins with Trevor Barnes: Background on the arrest of Lonsdale, Houghton, and Gee15:13 The arrest of Gordon Lonsdale, Houghton, and Gee: Discussion on the Krogers' arrest and espionage equipment33:29 Discovery of further espionage equipment: The Krogers' false identities and their histories as spies38:02 Court case: Attempts to turn Lonsdale and identifying his real name46:43 Negotiations with Lonsdale and the Krogers: The deal offered to Lonsdale54:50 Establishing Lonsdale's real identity: Unveiling the true identity of Konon Molody1:02:27 Discussions on Molody becoming a double agent for the British: The futile negotiations with Molody1:04:31 Spy swap: Molody's journey to freedom and the spy exchange at the Glienicke Bridge1:12:22 Details on the wider ring of spies controlled by Lonsdale: Successful penetration of the Porton Down research centre1:23:03 Acknowledgement of financial supportersChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we talk with Trevor Barnes, the author of “Dead Doubles, a new book on the Portland Spy Ring, one of the most infamous espionage cases of the Cold War.In 1960 it was discovered that crucial secrets from the world-leading submarine research base at Portland in Dorset were being stolen by a British man and his mistress. The couple were tailed by MI5 'watchers' to a covert meeting with a Canadian businessman, Gordon Lonsdale. The unsuspecting Lonsdale in turn led MI5's spycatchers to an innocent-looking couple in suburban Ruislip called the Krogers…UK Fans can buy the book here & support the podcast https://amzn.to/2Gp50gDUS Fans can buy the book here & support the podcast https://amzn.to/3jHRpiyIf 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 and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/I am delighted to welcome Trevor Barnes to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode in our show notes,plus a book giveaway which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode138/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 Introduction and Background of Trevor Barnes1:03 Overview of the Portland Spy Ring and Trevor Barnes' book "Dead Doubles"9:14 Investigation and Surveillance of the Krogers and Portland Spy Ring13:32 Missed Opportunities and Gender Bias in the 1950s25:24 Introduction to Rafter Technology Used for Surveillance32:54 MI5's Surveillance Strategy and Role of Women35:30 Moral Dilemmas Faced by MI5 During the Investigation37:22 Investigation into the Search Family43:04 Trevor Barnes' Approach to Historical Accuracy in His Book46:44 Closing Remarks and AcknowledgmentsChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the 2nd part of our conversation with Major General Sir Robert Corbett, KCVO, CB who was the last Commandant of the British Sector in Berlin.We join as I ask what were the British Army’s plans in the event of a Warsaw Pact invasion of West Berlin. We also talk about the momentous night of 9th November 1989 and a fascinating tale of a situation, which if handled differently could have sent the history of that night in a very different direction...Sir Robert also recollects his experiences at the Checkpoint Charlie closure ceremony and at the Tag der Deutschen Einheit when on 3 October 1990 the two Germanies were officially reunified.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.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 back Major General Sir Robert Corbett 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/episode137/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 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 Major General Sir Robert Corbett's experience in West Berlin7:17 British army's plans and readiness for a potential Warsaw packed invasion13:15 Major General Sir Robert Corbett's visits and experiences in East Germany23:01 Recollection of the moment the Berlin Wall opened and the ensuing chaos28:34 Interactions with Soviet soldiers and the changing relationship with East German border guards36:37 Soviet reaction to the unfolding events and the bond between enemy soldiers41:18 Major General Sir Robert Corbett's ongoing connection with Russia and Berlin44:03 The departure of British troops from Berlin and the change in their status47:05 The close-call confrontation at Checkpoint Charlie in 1961 and stories about German reunification51:36 Reflections on the peaceful resolution of the Cold War and the importance of recording Cold War historyChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices