The RAF in Cold War Germany

In 1945, Britain was hard-pressed to maintain a military presence in Germany and review its relationship with the USSR. In 1948, the Soviet Union attempted to starve West Berlin, but the RAF maintained a constant vigil with nuclear-armed aircraft on station. The Iron Curtain descended across the continent, and the RAF was to maintain a constant vigil for the next four decades.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Fonthill Media Ltd

In May 1945, as the war in Europe drew to a close, Britain found itself compelled to participate in the occupation of defeated Germany. The nation, already grappling with financial difficulties, faced the challenging task of sustaining a military presence on the continent while also managing its commitments across the Mediterranean, Middle, and Far East. As the immediate post-war years unfolded, Britain and other Western powers began reassessing their relationship with the Soviet Union, the dominant victor in the East. A pivotal moment occurred in 1948 when the Soviet Union attempted to starve the people of West Berlin, hoping to force the Western allies to relinquish control. Despite a valiant and unwavering effort to provide the city with the bare minimum of materials and food, the Soviet siege ultimately ended in 1949. However, the consequences were profound, as the Iron Curtain descended across the continent, marking the beginning of a four-decade period of heightened tension and military readiness. The RAF, equipped with nuclear-armed aircraft, remained on constant standby, poised to respond to any Soviet aggression. Meanwhile, politicians worked tirelessly to maintain peace, navigating a delicate balance between appeasement and deterrence.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781558423