The Need For British Army Cold War Stay-Behind Patrols
About this episode
This episode discusses the British Army's Cold War stay-behind patrols and honors Major General Tony Stone's contributions to the unit.
CONTENT I was saddened to hear this week of the death of Major General Tony Stone CB. The Unconventional Soldier Podcast was created to preserve the history of the Special OP Troop, now known as 4/73 (Special Observation Post) Battery, the British Army's long-range Surveillance and Target Acquisition patrols unit. Tony Stone founded the unit in 1982 and remained one of its strongest supporters throughout both his military career and his retirement. Even towards the end of last year, he was still taking the time to meet successful students coming off the patrols selection course, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the unit and its people. In this episode, we discuss one of the Cold War's most remarkable military concepts: the plan to counter a potential Warsaw Pact invasion of West Germany using stay-behind patrols. We explore how specially selected soldiers would occupy concealed underground observation posts, allowing enemy forces to pass overhead before directing artillery fire onto them. We also discuss the demanding selection process, the unique mindset and technical skills required, and the specialist equipment, MEXE hides and observation posts that made these operations…
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