RAF

From Vulcan to Gannet: A Cold War career in the Royal Air Force

This episode is brought to you by the Avro Heritage Museum at Woodford near Manchester where I am a volunteer. Trevor Jackson is also one of the volunteers, but unlike me he’s a former Vulcan pilot who shares with me his extraordinary career. Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsBecome a Patron! From … Read more

Low Flying the USAF F-111 Nuclear Bomber

Hi there, due to personal circumstances I’ve been unable to produce a new episode this week, however, you will be aware of the many gems in the back catalogue and I have chosen one of my favourites today which is a rip-roaring story of service in the USAF with Rick Shreve an F111 pilot which … Read more

Cold War Nuclear Bombing Missions and a UFO Encounter

Cold War RAF pilot Jeremy Lane, shares his gripping experiences, from nuclear bombing missions to a close encounter with a UFO. Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Amazon MusicListen on Podcast AddictBecome a Patron! He was trained to fly the Canberra aircraft on nuclear bombing missions and describes how the American weaponry they would … Read more

Cheltenham Schoolboy to Cold War Canberra Jet Pilot

For many, the dream of flying begins in childhood, staring up at the sky and wondering what it would be like to soar among the clouds. Jeremy Lane’s fascination for aviation was nurtured by countless childhood hours watching aircraft at Staverton Airport and North Weald. He shares his experiences flying the Jet Provost and later, … Read more

V-Bombers: Britain’s Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War

V-Bombers: Britain’s Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War is a new book by Dr Tony Redding that takes a deep dive into Britain’s V-bomber force’s operational nuclear war role. Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsBecome a Patron! Tony reveals the intense preparations and the stark realities faced by the aircrews, who lived … Read more

The lazy schoolboy who became a Cold War Vulcan pilot

Kevin was born in Wigan in North West England and joined the RAF as an apprentice in 1956 with only 3 O Levels. He came top of his course, but was posted into supplies at RAF St Mawgan.  However he quickly became in charge of their clothing stores and by a fortuitous route became a … Read more

Defending RAF Gatow – Britain’s airbase in Cold War Berlin

Trevor Howie’s role at RAF Gatow was advising the Station Commander on Station defence during times of war, tension or terrorist threat as well as the defence of 26 Signals Unit at the Teufelsberg listening post.   Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsBecome a Patron! RAF Gatow’s western side was located right … Read more

Guarding Britain’s nuclear weapons and RAF Akrotiri during the Cold War

Following his RAF Regiment officer training Trevor Howie was posted to 34 Sqn at Raf Akrotiri in Cyprus, commanding  C Flight. The RAF regiment was effectively the Royal Air Force’s infantry, providing ground defence for air operations. Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsBecome a Patron! 34 Sqn had a dual role of … Read more

Cold War British Army fighting tactics in West Germany

Frank Baldwin was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1979 and served for ten years, rising to the rank of Major. The first battlefield study he planned was in 1989 for HQ 4th Armoured Division. Since then, he has been a guide or historian for over 200 realities of war tours, battlefield studies and staff … Read more

Flying into nuclear mushroom clouds

Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Google Podcasts Squadron Leader John Robinson AFC (ret’d) was an RAF pilot who was tasked to fly into the mushroom clouds of nuclear bomb tests to capture samples at Operation Buffalo at Maralinga in 1956, and Operation Grapple, at Christmas Island in 1957. He tells of his recruitment … Read more