This special episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Imperial War Museum London, in October 2025.

I speak with Colin Ferguson, a veteran from the British Army‘s covert Special Observation Post Troop.

This "stay behind" Special OP Troop consisted of selected soldiers in 6-man patrols whose task was to dig in large underground hides known as "mexe" shelters along the inner German border. They would then allow the main Soviet forces to pass over them before deploying to two smaller observation posts (Ops) where they would engage the enemy with the long-range guns and rockets of the British Army.

We speak in detail about selection, training and deployment. Do check out Colin’s podcast, “The Unconventional Soldier”, which offers first-hand accounts of past conflicts, military history, book and film reviews, plus guests, dits and digressions.

Episode extras ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode440

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Cold War British Army "stay behinds" - Live at the Imperial War Museum London (440)