Mainstream Cold War historians usually concentrate on the key politicians, international crisis and the threat of nuclear weapons. However, little attention has been paid to the influence of Britain’s senior military leaders on defence policy, of whom he was a notable example. Bill argues that Slessor is an unsung Cold War strategist who played the pivotal role in making British Nuclear deterrence a physical reality. Slessor’s very active involvement ensured the implementation and build-up of the RAF’s complement of strategic jet bombers. It was Slessor who first coined the phrase ‘The ‘V’ Force’. That policy of defence through nuclear deterrence established the bedrock of British strategic defence thinking that continues to the present day.  

Bill will take us through the ‘smoke and mirrors’ that was Cold War strategy together with it’s political manoeuvring. Through the use of photographs, charts and maps Bill will seek to reinforce his belief that Sir John Slessor was truly a prime influence in formulating Britain’s airborne nuclear deterrent and the means to deliver it.

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