Beyond the Battlefield - Steve Bonde’s Story of Service in a Cold War World

Veterans Voices UK

Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Steve Bonde, a Yorkshire lad whose path led from the northern hills to the corridors of the Foreign Office, only to be called back for National Service at the height of the 1960s Cold War. With a gift for languages and a drive to serve, Steve’s life took him from London’s vibrant streets to pivotal diplomatic posts behind the Iron Curtain and across continents — from the Middle East to the remote corners of Africa.

Beginning with his christening on the day World War Two was declared, Steve’s story is a tapestry of unique experiences. In this episode, we explore his time during National Service on the Inner German Border, the challenges he met in his Foreign Office career and the defining moments that shaped his perspective and legacy during one of the most politically charged eras of the past century.