DDR Towers

...and the legacy of East Germany

Text here.

Now... a collection from the scrap book of photos showing similar sights during the height of the Cold War, ca 1975-78.

These photos are unique, having never before been published in print or on the web. If they look a little surreptitious (and thus the quality lacking in some) it's because they are.

Above, a watch tower in East Berlin as seen from a position next to the Reichstag building. One of the soldiers had just been watching me with binoculars.

Right, a view into East Germany from the western side of West Berlin.

Left, this photo seems so innocuous ... but it's not.  I risked confiscation of my camera, as I captued DDR military personnel on the Unter den Linden in East Berlin (a big "no-no"... but at least I wouldn't get shot!). Also, note the watchful soldier positioned behind the second tree from the right. Our movements in East Berlin were watched pretty closely.

Left, a view of the Trace in the Fulda Gap, winter 1977-78. It was cold with frost on the ground. My time on the Trace was limited, and thus our tours there short and very controlled (as were my photographs). We knew we were being watched but none of the DDR border personnel showed themselves.

Right, a fascinating view of a DDR border watch tower, type BT 11. Note the personnel leaning out the window. They did not know they were being photographed, but probably assumed it. Photo taken in the Fulda Gap.

Courtesy C.E. White.

Left, a watch tower of the type photographed at the top of this page taken just after its construction and the placement of the new border fence. This also taken in the Fulda Gap.

Courtesy C.E. White.

Above and left, two incredibly clear photos of DDR border troops "protecting" engineers emplacing the new border fence in the Fulda Gap. The soldiers above wear the standard issued splinter camouflage field uniform and carry the AK-47 assault rifle. They are preparing to eat lunch. While most appear to be privates, the one on the far right is probably a Feldwebel (sergeant) identified in another photograph of this series of pictures.

Left, NATO troops were not the only ones taking photos, but it's obvious that this DDR private didn't care if his counterparts knew he was doing so. Personnel on both sides serving on or near the border had to follow very strict procedures so as to prevent "border incidents." Gestures and verbal calls were forbidden. Even shining a searchlight over the wire was considered a border intrusion and was strictly forbidden.

Courtesy C.E. White.