Events for Saturday 15th May 2021
On This Day in History
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Red Army begins its withdrawal from Afghanistan
15th May 1988Following almost a decade of fighting, the final troop withdrawal began on May 15th 1988, and ended on February 15th 1989. Due to the interminable and inconclusive nature of the war, the conflict in Afghanistan has often been referred to as the Soviet equivalent of the United States' Vietnam War.
Further Reading
The Battle for Afghanistan(Paperback)
by Mohammad Yousaf
This is the story of the defeat of Soviet Russia's forces in Afghanistan by a guerrilla force known as the Mujahideen, heavily backed by Pakistan and the USA. The Mujahideen paved the way for the Taliban regime, to exist having all but defeated the Russian Army in the late 80's.… Read more...
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Britain dropped it's first live thermonuclear bomb
15th May 1957Weighing about 4,545 kg, the bomb exploded with a force of 300 kilotons, a yield far below the prediction. Despite this, Britain deemed "Operation Grapple" a success and broadcast to the world that the UK had the resolve and the capability to protect her own democracy and that of her Commonwealth.
Further Reading
Dropping Britain's First H-Bomb(Hardback - 160 pages)
by Kenneth Hubbard OBE DFC AFC
On 15 May 1957/58 Vickers Valiant V-Bomber XD818 under the command of Wg Cdr Kenneth Hubbard, OC 49 Squadron RAF, dropped Britain's first live thermonuclear bomb. The success of Operation Grapple broadcast to the world that the UK had the resolve and the capability to protect her own democracy and… Read more...
Only £19.99 at Pen & Sword Books.