From Sheffield to Sandhurst: A Cold War Territorial Soldier's Memories (364)

From Sheffield to Sandhurst: A Cold War Territorial Soldier's Memories (364)

Chris is a former member of the Yorkshire Volunteers, part of Cold War Britain’s Territorial reserve Army. This episode is a treasure trove of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and reflections on military life, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in military history and the Cold War era. Chris’s journey into the military began with his interest in military subjects and history. He joined the Army Cadet Force before university and later, the Officer Training Corps at Sheffield University. As a reserve unit, training included handling World War II vintage weapons including the venerable Bren gun. Chris’s training involved long days and nights of exercises and lectures. He recalls an incident at the School of Infantry in Warminster where he inadvertently came under live fire. Despite his initial lack of physical prowess, Chris’s perseverance and dedication saw him through, eventually leading to his decision to pursue a commission as an officer. After training and assessment at Sandhurst, Chris was commissioned as a second lieutenant. The transition from private soldier to officer was challenging, particularly as he had to command men who previously outranked him. However, Chris’s determination and growing confidence helped him establish himself as a capable leader. Looking back, Chris reflects on the camaraderie, the challenges, and the humorous moments that defined his military service. He also discusses the reality of PTSD, sharing insights from a friend who served in Iraq. Related episodes Britain's 1980s Cold War Dads Army/Home Guard - The Home Service Force https://pod.fo/e/14aea3 Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode364 Want to hear more military stories of the Cold War? Here are all our military episodes in one convenient playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/22Tf4FcjFWQB1Jh4hpYJDg?si=d1cac1f026fb4783 The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episoder(442)

Eyes at the Edge of the Iron Curtain - Life in a 1960s British Reconnaissance Regiment (434)

Eyes at the Edge of the Iron Curtain - Life in a 1960s British Reconnaissance Regiment (434)

This is the 2nd part of the story of Miles, a British National Service conscript during his military service in the late 1950s. I’d like to give special thanks for the Norfolk Tank Museum for highli...

13 Des 20251h 3min

What was Cold War British Army Conscription really like?  (433)

What was Cold War British Army Conscription really like? (433)

We hear the fascinating story of Miles, a British National Service conscript during his military service in the late 1950s. I’d like to give special thanks for the Norfolk Tank Museum for highlighti...

6 Des 202559min

The Berlin Airlift - Victories, Myths, and the Berlin Blockade (432)

The Berlin Airlift - Victories, Myths, and the Berlin Blockade (432)

The Berlin Blockade was one of the first major international crises of the Cold War when the Soviet Union blocked the Western Allies' railway, road, and canal access to the sectors of Berlin under Wes...

27 Nov 20251h 8min

Surrounded and outnumbered 8-1 : A forgotten story of the Korean War (431)

Surrounded and outnumbered 8-1 : A forgotten story of the Korean War (431)

This is the largely untold story of Task Force Faith, the U.S. Army soldiers who although outnumbered 8-1 by Chinese troops fought valiantly during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War. ...

22 Nov 202559min

Shaking Hands with China’s Second Most Powerful Man (430)

Shaking Hands with China’s Second Most Powerful Man (430)

Bill Hodes was an American school child in 1950s Revolutionary China and this is the second part of his story. Among many stories we hear how he had the unique opportunity to meet one of China's mo...

15 Nov 202554min

An American Childhood in 1950s Revolutionary China (429)

An American Childhood in 1950s Revolutionary China (429)

Bill Hodes was a red diaper baby, a baby born to Communist parents. Bill shares stories about his parents, Bob and Jane Hodes, both convinced communists who were active in civil rights movements durin...

8 Nov 202557min

The German Democratic Republic The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State (428)

The German Democratic Republic The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State (428)

Ned Richardson- Little has written a new book titled The German Democratic Republic: The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State. It offers a differentiated picture of the communist state with a sophistica...

1 Nov 20251h 11min

Trust but Verify: When the Soviets Came to South Dakota (427)

Trust but Verify: When the Soviets Came to South Dakota (427)

I continue chatting with Dennis Greene about his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career. Dennis is made Senior Flight Comma...

24 Okt 20251h 3min

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