Home Bases: Memories & Stories of US Military Bases in the UK (267)

Cold War Conversations

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 24 December 2022

⏱️ 70 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Sean Kelly is the author of Home Bases: Memories & Stories of US Military Bases Around London which for the first time, puts the spotlight on the history of many of the US Military’s lesser-known command and support bases that were located either in or close to London. The bases (often known as ‘Little Americas’) are furthermore brought to life in a series of ‘snapshot’ memories. We hear about the heroism of US personnel who were awarded the George Medal for bravery in rescuing people caught in the great floods of 1953 as well as including actor Larry Hagman who played JR Ewing in the TV series Dallas. We talk about the memories of bases further afield such as Upper Heyford, Greenham Common, Sculthorpe, and Burtonwood. 0:00 Introduction and background of Sean Kelly 1:59 Sponsor: Call for donations 2:23 Guest Introduction: Sean Kelly 7:38 Sean Kelly's book "Home Bases" and the history of US military bases in London 15:20 Personal stories from US military bases 28:31 Transformation and current state of Greenham Common 34:11 Personal anecdotes from those who served on the bases 48:54 The peak of the Cold War in the UK and discussion about the Burtonwood base 58:24 The special relationship between the UK and the US and the importance of personal stories in understanding history 1:02:30 Where to Find Sean Kelly's Book and Contact Information 1:06:22 Podcast Extras and Support Information Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Buy the book here https://amzn.to/3V8959o The battle to preserve Cold War history is ongoing and your support can provide me with the ammunition to continue to keep this podcast on the air. Via a simple monthly donation, you’ll become part of our community 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. I am delighted to welcome Sean Kelly to our Cold War conversation… Sean's websites Home Bases https://www.facebook.com/ushomebases 7 North Audley https://www.facebook.com/7NorthAudley Episodes referred to: Greenham Common https://coldwarconversations.com/episode18/ Burtonwood https://coldwarconversations.com/episode74/ Upper Heyford https://coldwarconversations.com/episode65/ Further episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode267/ 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 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.
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1:09.7	Sean Kelly is the author of HomeBases, Memories and Stories of U.S. military bases around London,
1:16.6	which for the first time puts the spotlight on the history of many of the U.S. military's lesser-known command and support bases that were located in or close to London.
1:27.1	The bases, often known as Little Americas,
1:29.7	are furthermore brought to life in a series of snapshot memories.
1:33.9	We hear about the heroism of US personnel
1:36.4	who were awarded the George Medal for bravery,
	...

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