Exercise Lion Bert, 1962

Exercise Lion Bert was first discussed in December 1962, nine months prior to its commencement. The Commander-in-Chief of Central Europe gave an outline of the objectives of the exercise to the exercise planners. Of particular importance was practising an expedient transition from a peace to wartime posture with command staff functions and a strong forward defence. One of the phases of the exercise included a live flying practice of nuclear "programs" and air defence for the central region air forces, with the pretence of general war breaking out across Europe. [CDEX01041].