Cold War Conversations

Britain's 1980s Cold War Dads Army/Home Guard - The Home Service Force

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Episode notes

The Home Service Force or HSF was UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's Cold War version of the World War 2 Home Guard.

An almost forgotten unit, the HSF was established in 1982 and recruited from ex-regular Army, ex-territorial and ex-uniformed service personnel aged up to 60 years old. Its mission was to guard key points in the UK as the perceived threat from Warsaw Pact special forces increased towards the end of the Cold War.

I speak with Richard Coles, who served as an officer in the HSF Company of The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). He tells of the setup of the unit, the incredible characters he served with and details some of the exercises that he participated in.

0:00 Introduction and overview of the Home Service Force

2:38 Richard Cole's background and establishment of the Home Service Force

6:34 Recruitment and training process for the Home Service Force

13:51 Role and perceived threats of the Home Service Force

21:45 Diversity and roles within the Home Service Force members

29:12 Memorable characters and experiences within the Home Service Force

34:31 Career paths and attitudes towards promotion within the Home Service Force

38:35 Various training exercises and anecdotes from the Home Service Force

47:28 Disbandment of the Home Service Force and its irony

51:44 Richard Cole's service in 2 HAC companies and reflections on the bond between old soldiers

53:18 Sponsor: Episode extras, acknowledgements, and invitation to Facebook discussion group

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I am delighted to welcome Richard Coles to our Cold War conversation…

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