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

<p>The Home Service Force or HSF was UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher&apos;s Cold War version of the World War 2 Home Guard. </p><p><br/>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.<br/><br/></p><p>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.   </p><p><br/>The Cold War Conversation continues in our <a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod'>Facebook discussion group </a>and on Twitter <a href='https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod'>https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod</a></p><p><br/><b><em>Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping preserve Cold War history. </em></b></p><p><br/><b><em>Just go to </em></b><a href='https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/'><b><em>https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/</em></b></a></p><p><br/>If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.</p><p><br/>I am delighted to welcome Richard Coles to our Cold War conversation…</p><p><b>Episode notes here</b><a href='https://coldwarconversations.com/episode259/'><b> https://coldwarconversations.com/episode259</b></a></p><a rel="payment" href="https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/">Support the show</a><p><br/><b><em>Support the project! </em></b><a href='https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/'><b><em>https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/</em></b></a></p> <p><b>Follow us on Twitter here </b><a href='https://twitter.c