Cold War Kent

During the Cold War, Britain played a significant role in NATO and was a target for Soviet attack. Kent was home to many important military bases and installations, which were abandoned and in some cases demolished or redeveloped. This book seeks to rediscover these sites and explain their purpose.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

For nearly forty-five years after the conclusion of the Second World War, the world held its breath as the specter of an even more terrible and devastating conflict loomed over it. Britain played a significant role in what became known as the 'Cold War.' As a senior member of NATO with its own independent nuclear deterrent, the country was also a target for Soviet attack. Unlike the early years of the previous world wars, the country was not faced with the prospect of an enemy invasion; however, it was faced with the probability of attack by nuclear-armed missiles and bombs. Kent played an important role during the Cold War as it was still the home to many important military bases and installations. Following the demise of the Soviet Union, most of these installations fell out of use and were abandoned and in some cases demolished or redeveloped to make way for housing and industrial estates, whilst others have been repurposed or restored as museums. This book seeks to rediscover some of those sites and explain the purpose they served.

The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension and conflict that lasted from the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union, had a profound impact on the world. Britain, as a key player in NATO and with its own independent nuclear deterrent, found itself at the forefront of this global struggle. While the country was not directly threatened with an enemy invasion, it faced the constant fear of nuclear attack from the Soviet Union.

In response to this threat, Britain invested heavily in its military infrastructure, building numerous military bases and installations across the country. These sites were vital in the defense of Britain and the NATO alliance, and played a crucial role in the Cold War's early years.

However, as the Cold War began to wind down, many of these installations fell out of use and were abandoned or demolished. Some were repurposed for housing and industrial estates, while others were restored and turned into museums.

One of the most significant military bases in Kent was RAF Manston, located in the southeast of the county. RAF Manston was a major airbase that played a key role in the NATO air campaign during the Cold War. It was home to a number of aircraft, including the Vulcan bomber and the Phantom fighter jet.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, RAF Manston was closed down and sold to a private developer. The site was redeveloped for housing and industrial estates, but many of the original buildings and structures were preserved. Today, RAF Manston is a popular tourist destination, with visitors able to explore the historic buildings and learn about the site's role in the Cold War.

Another important military base in Kent was RNAS Yeovilton, located in the southwest of the county. RNAS Yeovilton was a Royal Navy base that played a key role in the defense of the British Isles. It was home to a number of aircraft carriers, including the HMS Ark Royal and the HMS Illustrious.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, RNAS Yeovilton was closed down and sold to a private developer. The site was redeveloped for housing and industrial estates, but many of the original buildings and structures were preserved. Today, RNAS Yeovilton is a popular tourist destination, with visitors able to explore the historic buildings and learn about the site's role in the Cold War.

In addition to these military bases, Kent was also home to a number of other important military installations, including the Royal Navy's Portsmouth Dockyard and the Army's Canterbury Barracks. These installations played a vital role in the defense of Britain and the NATO alliance, and were key in the development of the country's military technology and capabilities.

However, as the Cold War came to an end, these installations began to decline. Many of the buildings and structures were abandoned or demolished, and the sites were redeveloped for housing and industrial estates.

Despite the decline of these military installations, the legacy of the Cold War in Kent remains strong. The sites are a testament to the bravery and dedication of the men and women who served in the military during this period, and to the importance of the NATO alliance in the defense of the free world.

Today, these sites are a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who are interested in learning about the history of the Cold War and the role that Britain played in it. They are also a reminder of the importance of peace and security, and of the need to work together world together to prevent the recurrence of conflict and violence.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 165 x 233 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445695419