Britain and the Bomb

The author draws upon insights from the laboratories,the military,popular culture and from politicians to make sense of a complex time and to challenge some widely-held perceptions that Britain in the 1960s lost her technical ambition and ability.
The story pivots around a single day in April 1965 when the recently-established Labour government very publicly cancelled the much-vaunted TSR2 nuclear strike bomber, causing dismay among aviation enthusiasts.
The author looks at how Britain saw the role of nuclear weapons, providing insights for the decisions that now lie ahead for Britain in the twenty-first century.
The book takes us back to a time of British boffins, supersonic test pilots, mods, rockers and Cold War spies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2019
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

Britain and the Bomb is a captivating story from the Cold War era, highlighting remarkable technological ambition and the transition of the nuclear deterrent from the Royal Air Force to the Royal Navy. The author draws upon insights from various sources, including laboratories, the military, popular culture, and politicians, to provide a comprehensive understanding of a complex time and to challenge prevailing perceptions that Britain lost its technical ambition and ability in the 1960s. Rather than portraying industrial chaos and short-termist leadership, the book presents a story of shrewd and pragmatic moves in the chess game of the Cold War. It explores Britain's perspective on nuclear weapons and offers valuable insights for the decisions that lie ahead for Britain in the twenty-first century. The story revolves around a pivotal day in April 1965 when the newly established Labour government abruptly canceled the highly anticipated TSR2 nuclear strike bomber, causing disappointment among aviation enthusiasts. The passing decades have done little to diminish the controversy and the pervasive sense of nostalgic melancholy surrounding a lost Britain. What truly transpired with the TSR2 and, more importantly, what occurred in the years that followed? This book delves into the intricate details of the TSR2 project, examining the political, military, and technological factors that shaped its development and eventual cancellation. It also explores the broader implications of the decision to cancel the TSR2 and its impact on Britain's defense and technological capabilities. Through a combination of historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and expert insights, the book offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in British history and its lasting consequences.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 239 x 171 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849953894