Nuclear Missions - a Canadian CF104 Starfighter Pilot's Story (369)

Nuclear Missions - a Canadian CF104 Starfighter Pilot's Story (369)

Flying at high speed and low level, RCAF pilot Allen French was at the sharp end of potential nuclear bombing missions during the Cold War. Born at the dawn of the baby boomer era, Allen delves into his early inspirations, his father's service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the pivotal moments that led him to join the Air Force. From training on the Canadair CT-114 Tutor to flying the iconic F-86 Sabre and CF-104 Starfighter, Allen shares firsthand accounts of Cold War tensions, nuclear deterrence strategies, and the challenges of high-speed, low-level navigation across Europe. Around 50% of over 200 Canadian Starfighters were lost in accidents. You’ll hear about Allen’s near-death experience at a West German airbase and many other personal anecdotes that bring history to life. Thanks to Bernardo Scheliga who put me in contact with Allen. He and Allen are volunteers at the Canadian Museum of Flight. You can find details here https://canadianflight.org/ Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode369 All our air power episodes in one convenient playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4QVY3bWNLFSd62iBkPzRh9?si=31342ec59eb54762 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/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ 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

Avsnitt(443)

A Black US Basketball  Virtuoso in Cold War Poland (396)

A Black US Basketball Virtuoso in Cold War Poland (396)

The Communist Polish press called it "Kentomania!"—the excitement surrounding a 23 year old, called Kent Washington who made history as the first American—and the first Black American—to sign a profes...

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Agent Zo - From War Hero to Enemy:  When Cold War Poland  Turned on Its Own (395)

Agent Zo - From War Hero to Enemy: When Cold War Poland Turned on Its Own (395)

In a world where history often overlooks the contributions of women, ​the story of ​Agent ​Zo stands out as a beacon of bravery and resilience. ​I spoke with ​Claire ​Mulley about her book ​Agent ​Zo:...

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I speak with Jon Benjamin who recounts his meetings with Margot Honecker, the unrepentant architect of East Germany’s education system and widow of GDR leader Erich Honecker then living in exile in Ch...

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The Cuban Missile Crisis Suicide Missions (393)

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Richard F Kaufman is the author of A One-Way Trip to Death A Survivor’s View of Cruise Missiles in the Cuban Missile Crisis In the 1950s he served in the Korean War, where he was shot down and provid...

22 Mars 202555min

Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny, and the Making of a Chess Grandmaster (392)

Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny, and the Making of a Chess Grandmaster (392)

Susan Polgar is the author of Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny, and the Making of a Grandmaster. Born to a poor Jewish family in Cold War Budapest, Susan Polgar had the odds stacked against her g...

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The Keys to Armageddon: A Cold War Nuclear Missile Officer's Story (391)

The Keys to Armageddon: A Cold War Nuclear Missile Officer's Story (391)

Jim is a former Minuteman nuclear missile officer who served in the US Air Force. Throughout the episode, Jim shares first-hand accounts of life in the launch control centre. From evaluations to the...

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The Secret History of Britain's Cold War Nuclear Experiments (390)

The Secret History of Britain's Cold War Nuclear Experiments (390)

The race to build a British nuclear bomb sucked thousands into its vortex, who are still dealing with the effects of radiation today: veterans, widows, children, scientists and indigenous people, all ...

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Surviving the Fastnet Sailing Disaster with a British Prime Minister (389)

Surviving the Fastnet Sailing Disaster with a British Prime Minister (389)

David recounts his experiences sailing with former British Prime Minister Edward Heath, offering a unique glimpse into the life of a man who once led a nation. From the camaraderie on board to the c...

22 Feb 202540min

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