Bombs, Berlin & Peacekeeping: A Paratrooper's Cold War Story Pt 1 (383)

Cold War Conversations

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 11 January 2025

⏱️ 60 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

David Mackay is a former Cold War special forces officer and author of Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War. He returns by popular demand to share his compelling journey through military service in the British Army's Parachute Regiment. From his humble beginnings in Scotland to his experiences in the Parachute Regiment, David recounts tales of courage, leadership, and the harsh realities of conflict. Hear about his time in Northern Ireland, the challenges and adventures of United Nations Peacekeeping in Cyprus, and service in Cold War Berlin. Discover how these experiences shaped his perspective on life, leadership, and the world. Join me for an unforgettable exploration of military life and its enduring impact. All our combat episodes in one convenient playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6j6YJmRWzt42kYiPGkcFfa?si=95e5366e4ad945a3 Buy David's book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781849955546 Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode383/ 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 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 BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations 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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:06.3	This episode is brought to you by Sun Express Airlines.
0:10.3	Planning your next get-way, early bird offers are here.
0:13.7	Flights to Turkey from just 5999, perfect for couples escaping the daily grind.
0:19.4	Soak up the sun in Italiaalya or explore Ismere's
0:22.4	vibrant streets. Why settle for tea time when happy hour in Turkey awaits? These nonstop flights
0:28.5	won't last long. So book now, tan later at sunexpress.com. I said to my platoon sergeant, I said, what's that smell?
0:40.0	And I said, I've smelt it before, so that's burning people.
0:43.8	You know, boom, see it smells like bacon.
0:46.5	You know, it's quite horrific to say it.
0:48.3	But that's what it was.
0:49.4	And it's stuck in my head for the rest of my life.
0:52.3	If I'm anywhere near a sort of barbecue thing, pork chops or something, that immediately,
0:58.6	but that's my PTSD.
1:00.1	That's the thing comes by all the time.
1:03.7	This is Cold War Conversations.
1:06.8	If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to first-hand Cold War history accounts.
1:13.9	Do make sure you follow us in your podcast app so that you don't miss out on future episodes.
1:20.2	Author and Parachute Regiment veteran David Mackay returns to share his compelling journey through military service. From his humble beginnings
1:29.5	in Scotland to his experiences in the parachute regiment, David recounts tales of courage, leadership
1:36.2	and the harsh realities of conflict. Hear about his time in Northern Ireland, the challenges
1:41.6	and adventures in Cyprus and service in Cold War Berlin.
	...

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