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Iwasnt even thought of in 1961 so i cant comment.
but i do remember it coming down :-D
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Dear Errol, Karen and Ronald
Hello
Thank you for adding your personal stories.
Always appreciated.
Errol, I will try to get a copy of the book at my local library.
Thank you.
Take gentle care all
Best wishes
Elizabeth, EOS
xx
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I was serving as a young Lance Corporal with the Armoured Engineers in Hohne, Germany, when the Wall went up. I was Squadron duty clerk that night and remember having to collect a classified, (think) Op Immediate signal from the signals centre and deliver it to the OCs (Officer Commanding) house pronto.
The Squadron went on a war footing and apart from a small rear party, moved out to it’s war location. Think it was 26 days before the squadron moved back to barracks. I was on the rear party and remember working on the evacuation plan for families etc. A very tense time indeed
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About 10 years ago I met a chap, born and brought up in East Germany, who told me a story about his journey to the west.
In 1989 when rumour was rife that the wall might be breached and the border might open, his family gathered together what money they could, in order to send him - the youngest and the fittest of the family - to make the best of his life in the west.
He was 18 yrs old, and he took the train to Berlin, not quite knowing what was in store for him, and he waited with the crowds to see what might happen.
The wall was breached and the border opened. Each person crossing from east to west was greeted by crowds offering them flowers and champagne....he said it was just marvellous to see so many happy people and the shops so full of unbelievable items. He had some money but was so mesmerised by the wonder of it all that he couldn't decide what he should buy, he was thoroughly overwhelmed by it all.
What a wonderful part of history he experienced.
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Elizabeth I was fortunate enough to spend quite some time there whilst the Wall was still in existence. An absolutely magical yet tragic place.
I think one of the saddest but most famous incidents was the killing of Peter Fechter. There used to be a small unobtrusive memorial at the site where it happened but I don't know if it is still there since the Wall came down.
When I was there you could see such a stark contrast between Ost and West - even in the showpiece areas.
But my lasting impression was of how families were torn apart. Overnight.
I visited an elderly lady in West Berlin whose entire family were in Ost Berlin and she had no idea whatsoever what had become of them.
People also forget about its older history and there is a poignant yet simple memorial to all those who died under the Hitler regime. Every year there is a service there which marks various events including the murder or whatever you want to call it of those who tried to assassinate Hitler. I was lucky enough to be invited along and it was an extremely thought provoking day and made a lasting impression on me and taught me humility.
If you want to track down a good book I thoroughly recommend Es Geschah an der Mauer.
Also, check out some of the art that appeared on the wall and on neighbouring buildings.
I think you may be able to buy some online at the museum at Checkpoint Charlie
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Dear All
Hello
Hope you are okay.
On 13 August 1961, troops in East Germany sealed the border between East and West Berlin, shutting off the escape route for thousands of refugees from the East.
Barbed wire fences up to six feet high were put up during the night
and Berliners woke in the morning to find themselves living in a divided city.
There was outrage from the international community at the abrupt decision
to cut off one side of the city from the other.
Nearly 200 people died trying to cross the wall and over 200 were injured.
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As the Iron Curtain over Eastern Europe began to lift in 1989, thousands of East Germans found another escape route, via Hungary and Austria.
On 7 November 1989, the Communist government of East Germany resigned.
On 9 November 1989, a jubilant crowd tore down the Berlin Wall piece by piece.
The following year, East and West Germany were finally reunited.
Dedicated to those who died in pursuit of freedom.
Take gentle care
Sincere wishes
Elizabeth, EOS
xx
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