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Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards - America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War
Loot Price: R514
Discovery Miles 5 140
You Save: R54
(10%)
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Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards - America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War
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List price R568
Loot Price R514
Discovery Miles 5 140
You Save R54 (10%)
Expected to ship within 9 - 15 working days
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The American military presence in Scotland during the Cold War was
greater than in either of the World Wars, bringing with it the
largest peace-time number of foreign military personnel in
Scotland’s history. This military power was delivered by
individuals – the forgotten heroes. They worked to high standards
of professionalism and most had no true concept of the danger they
faced from the Soviet threat. This reality was only ever confronted
during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The author, a former Cold
War special forces officer, brings his personal expertise into
play, examining this intriguing story by reaching out to more than
one hundred veterans and expert witnesses. Their contributions
cover the nitty-gritty end of history, not high-end diplomacy. This
fast-moving account of their endeavours, often in long working
conditions, highlights the value of teamwork, training and
determination. It is clear that Scotland would have been a Soviet
target of necessity once the American bases were established.
Scotland was of great importance to the United States during the
Cold War and this research shows that, for more than thirty years,
Scotland was the capstone in Washington’s early Cold War
strategy. Scotland was an active centre of US strategic operations
and the vital importance of its geographic position is clearly
demonstrated as each location is examined, and its benefits listed.
There were six significant bases, the most important being
America’s only nuclear-armed submarine squadron in the Holy Loch.
He details the operations which were carried out by the large radio
spy stations (SIGINT) at Kirknewton, Thurso and Edzell. And he
reveals for the first time America’s most bizarre intelligence
gathering activity of the early Cold War, which also took place in
Scotland. Overall, this book provides an important addition to the
conventional US/UK Cold War narrative. The United States
desperately needed the assistance Scotland provided and the author
presents a convincing narrative that Scotland was at the epicentre
of the Cold War’s most terrifying episode – the Cuban Missile
Crisis. Kennedy’s success was greatly assisted by these Scottish
bases which provided him with the firepower and intelligence to
outwit Khrushchev. One section of the book deals with the visit of
JFK’s top advisor to Holy Loch – a story that has never been
revealed before. It emphasises the simple fact that Scotland’s
role was a game changer. An interesting theme throughout the book
is the espionage effort mounted by the KGB against these bases. The
author has interviewed senior intelligence officers and their input
is revealing. These were exciting times for the young Americans who
crossed the ocean to serve their country and this is their Cold War
story.
General
Imprint: |
Whittles Publishing
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Release date: |
June 2023 |
Authors: |
D. G. MacKay
|
Dimensions: |
240 x 170mm (L x W) |
Pages: |
224 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-84995-554-6 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
1-84995-554-9 |
Barcode: |
9781849955546 |
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