About this episode

Mark Thompson shares his experiences growing up as the child of Royal Air Force personnel during the Cold War, reflecting on his life in Malta and Germany.

Mark Thompson shares his captivating journey as the child of Royal Air Force personnel during the Cold War. From the moment his parents met in Singapore to their adventures across various military bases, Mark's stories are filled with nostalgia and insight. Mark's father, a skilled electrician, joined the Royal Air Force and was posted to different locations, including Malta and Germany. His childhood memories revolve around the vibrant life he experienced on these bases, from playing with friends to witnessing Vulcan bombers flying overhead. He recalls the joy of living in Malta, where he played on building sites and enjoyed family outings to Kalafrana, a recreational area for military personnel. The conversation takes us to Germany, where Mark shares more about his life at RAF Laarbrück and Bruggen. With his father's work on flight simulators. The camaraderie among RAF families created a unique childhood experience, filled with adventures and the occasional mischief. Mark’s reflections on his upbringing reveal a deep appreciation for the opportunities he had, despite the challenges of moving frequently and saying goodbye to friends. He candidly shares his thoughts on how…

People in this episode

Host: Ian Sanders

Guest: Mark Thompson

Topics covered

• RAF childhood
• military life
• nostalgia
• Cold War experiences
• family dynamics
• international living

Keywords

• Royal Air Force
• Cold War
• Malta
• Germany
• childhood memories
• military bases
• nostalgia
• RAF families
• Vulcan bombers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Royal Air Force

Places: Malta, Germany, Singapore, RAF Laarbrück, Bruggen, Kalafrana

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