The lazy schoolboy who became a Cold War Vulcan nuclear bomber pilot (318)

Cold War Conversations Podcast

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 18 November 2023

⏱️ 48 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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 via a fortuitous route became a trainee pilot. By May 1963 he joined the RAF V Force as a Vulcan pilot and served with 44 Squadron where Vulcan crews were being converted to low-level flying. He describes the challenges of low-level flying, Vulcan handling, and the immense power of the Vulcan’s engines and training in Canada. We also hear about the different methods of nuclear bomb release, what it was like to be on Quick Reaction Alert, and his targets in the Soviet Union. Kevin also flew a number of the Queen’s birthday flights up the Mall and describes a near collision on one of these events in cloud. He also remembers some of his colleagues who never came back from missions. Extra episode information including videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode318/ 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? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 0:00 Introduction and Background of Kevin 3:35 Kevin's Journey from Corporal Supplier to Vulcan Pilot 9:49 Kevin's Experiences and Training as a Vulcan pilot 18:20 Low-Level Flying, and Navigating 23:43 Quick Reaction Alerts and Nuclear Bomb Release 29:57 Post-Bomb Release Plans and Popular Media Depictions 33:22 Incidents, Implications, and Personal Views on nuclear Weapons 37:33 Responsibility of a Vulcan's Crew and recalling past incidents 39:17 Kevin's experience with Other V Bombers and survival training 42:06 Kevin's participation in Bombing Competitions and Closing Remarks Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ 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.
0:05.9	Timothy Shalame is Bob Dylan and a complete unknown.
0:09.4	If anyone who's going to hold your attention on the state, you have to kind of be a freak.
0:13.9	Critics agree it's outstanding on every level. Five stars.
0:19.1	Shalemay is a revelation.
0:20.8	What do you want to be?
0:21.9	Whatever it is, they don't want me to be.
0:23.8	Now nominated for the Golden Globes for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor, Edward Norton.
0:29.3	A Complete Unknown.
0:30.6	Ladies and gentlemen, Bob Bill!
0:32.5	In Cinema's January 17, rated 15.
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0:53.7	This is Cold War Conversations. If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to first-hand Cold War history accounts.
1:03.6	Do make sure you follow us in your podcast app or join our emailing list at cold warconversations.com.
1:12.6	Kevin was born in Wigan in northwest England and joined the R.A.F. as an apprentice in
1:18.1	1956 with only three O-Levels. He came top of his course and was posted into supplies at
1:25.4	R.E.F. St. Morgan. However, he quickly became in charge of their
1:29.0	clothing stores and via a fortuitous route became a trainee pilot. In May 1963, he joined the
1:36.6	RAF V Force as a Vulcan pilot and served with 44 Squadron, where Vulcan crews were being
	...

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