What was the role of Britain's Air forces in the years of the Cold War? Primarily it was maintaining our defences and deterrence against the USSR, and other roles included managing our withdrawal from former colonies, humanitarian aid and peacekeeping, homeland security, and intervention in some global territorial conflicts. Although the United Kingdom was a western power allied to the United States though organisations such as NATO, the two countries were at odds over the UK's continuing stake in its former empire and both had competing interests in the world's reserves such as Middle East oil. The Suez crisis in 1956 saw the British and French collaborating to recapture the canal while the situation between Israel and Egypt remained unstable, and British prestige was threatened by US offers of aid to the Arab states to counter the spread of Communism. However, a revolt in Lebanon and a coup in Iraq finally led the British and Americans to take action in concert, co-opting Shackleton aircraft of 42 and 204 Squadrons for transport, while the Beverleys of 84 squadron based at Khormaksar were also mobilised. The author returns to the middle East and the two Gulf Wars at the end of the period covered, with the US now at the centre of operations following the Lockerbie bombing. Somalia and Kenya were at war in the 1960s, though no offensive sorties were flown by the RAF, and the four east African British colonies granted independence in this period, Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, all saw mutinies against their new regimes. Homeland security was focused particularly on northern Ireland, where Sioux, Scout and Lynx helicopters were deployed for reconnaissance and surveillance. The Falklands War of 1982 was largely a naval engagement, but was supported by Sea Harrier and Buccaneer aircraft and a range of helicopters. For each Cold War engagement the author offers an historical overview, maps, photos, text boxes, and a comprehensive list of the aircraft involved, with details of the base and dates of deployment. 19.6 x 24.6 cm, 418pp, numerous photos in black and white and colour, tables.
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