A boy soldier in the Cold War Royal Engineers (245)

Cold War Conversations

Paul joined the Royal Engineers in 1977, aged 16 as an apprentice. We hear of his experience of joining the army at such a young age and being away from home for the first time.

After initial training his first posting was to Osnabruck in 1979. Shortly after his arrival Paul is appointed to the challenging role of driver to the Squadron Sergeant Major

With participation in exercises such as Crusader 80 and Active Edge Paul describes in detail the role of Royal Engineers in Cold War Germany, including mine laying, bridge demolition and fixed defence construction.

Paul’s story is full of great anecdotes and tales of the reality of life in the British Army of the Rhine.

Don’t miss our next episode where Paul joins the Army Air Corps and becomes an Aircrewman Observer on Gazelle helicopters along the Inner German Border.

0:00 Introduction to Paul's journey in the Royal Engineers

1:30 Request for support to keep the podcast running

2:31 Paul's early life and decision to join the army

9:14 Paul's arrival in Osnabruck and his role as a Land Rover driver

29:00 Paul's experiences in Germany and developing an affinity for the country

38:20 Preparation and expectations for exercise Crusader 80

47:00 Cooperation with German farmers during the exercises

59:00 The humanity of the Sergeant Major and the challenges of dispatch riders

35:33 Transition to engineering tasks during the Crusader 80 exercise

42:20 Paul's transition to support troop and working with REME workshop

51:01 Paul's career move and application for the Army Air Corps

52:56 Ian Sanders: Closing thoughts and reminders

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I am delighted to welcome Paul to our Cold War conversation…

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