The Berlin Wall | Its History & Mine
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- Опубліковано 26 січ 2023
- In this video, Kevin Hicks takes a looks at the history of the Berlin Wall, how it came about, it’s purpose and how it was constructed. He also shares some of his own experience of the the Berlin Wall and the Cold War during the late 70s, when he patrolled the British sector in West Berlin, the Berlin Wall and the East-West German corridor from Berlin to Helmstedt.
The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). The wall was designed to prevent the population of East Germany escaping to the west. West Berlin was controlled by the major Western Allies; the Americans, the French and the British.
#BerlinWall #ColdWar
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IMAGE CREDIT:
Ida Siekmann - Photo: Hans-Hermann Hertle
Location of Jorg Hartmann’s death: Photo: Polizeihistorische Sammlung
Peter Fechter recreation of shooting @ Mark Gubb
Berlin Wall Grafitti: Noir, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tank Traps: Roger Wollstadt, CC BY-SA 2.0
Berlin Wall Breached: Raphaël Thiémard CC BY-SA 2.0
Reichstag 1970: Roger Wollstadt, CC BY-SA 2.0
Brandenburg Gate at night: Ic3ss (talk) (Uploads), CC BY-SA 3.0
Kevin I think I speak for all of us when I say we would all keenly watch an hour long special of you just talking about your various stories. You not only have many great tales but clearly a gift for telling them as well
Haha, thanks.
Very well said 👍👍
i totally agree
Absolutely. The history is good, but the personal bits are better.
Absolutely 👏👏👏
85 people died during the airlift, about 40 of whom were british. The planes involved in this so important action were called "Rosinenbomber" (raisin bombers) or "Candy Bombers" by the Berliners. There was a total of 277.569 flights, 87.606 of the british. Special thanks for this episode from Germany. Vielen Dank!
You're most welcome! Bitteschön 👍🏻
Interesting, respect 👍
No need to thank us, we committed all sorts of atrocities against Germans during ww2. Bombing Dresden being one of the standout episodes.
@@edwardtoner well done nobber 👋
Thank you British.
Thanks for sharing your stories :) Brought back memories of little 7 year old me chiseling away at the Wall and collecting a few pieces. One very vivid memory from shortly before that is of me sitting on the couch with mom and dad watching it go down live on TV and asking mom why dad is crying. He was originally from a small village in the east and fled to west germany where he met my mom. I'm very glad he still witnessed the Wall coming down, sadly he passed away in '90 and couldn't see the two countries start their long healing process. Rest in peace dad.
Oh wow, what a lovely comment. Thank you.
I could listen to your cold war stories for hours!!! Please do more of your experiences on this topic. Having grown up during the end of the cold war, these stories just blow my mind!
Thanks, will do 👍🏻
My grandfather, staff seargent Bernard Carter, was involved in the Berlin airlift. He used to say how the old dakota's were a pain to load as they had those giant side doors on them. He also said they were at risk of being shot down by the soviet anti air every time they would do the flight. Gosh, I really do miss that man and the stories he would share with me. Rip grandad.
The Berlin Airlift is a fascinating subject for me. The RAF, the USAF, the Canadians and others, plus the Germans on the ground, prevented a city from starving and freezing that winter. It was a miracle of logistics and should not be forgotten.
Absolutely 👍🏻
I wonder how many Berliners reckoned back to WW I and the German blockade of occupied Belgium? There is an excellent, recent video about the Commission For Relief in Belgium, which details efforts by then-neutral nations to prevent outright starvation in that beleaguered nation, without the benefit of aircraft. =^[.]^=
@@Raycheetah You are right. Maybe we can impose on Kevin to do his own take on this bit of history, unknown to pretty well all Americans, sadly. Don't know how well it's remembered by others.
That's a complete lie. Archives evidence show that food trucks never stopped entering the city. It's astounding that even after the fall of the USSR and GDR people keep spreading cold war lies.
I went to Berlin in 79, overland by train.
I was 14 on a student exchange program.
Accidentally left a bar of Cadburys chocolate at Check Point Charlie when we went through to the east.
When we came back, it had disappeared.
I hope the guards enjoyed it!
More Berlin stories please.
My uncle was a Dutch truck driver that sometimes had to make deliveries in East Germany during the cold war. He could tell some good stories about his time too. May God rest his soul.
A subject near and dear to my heart. I was 18 months old in 1977 when my Dad was assigned to Berlin Brigade. He worked on the "Hill". I remember vaguely some parts of my life there. We have tons of pictures from our time there. When the Army sent my Dad back to Germany, Heidelberg, from 1986 to 1989. We went back to see Berlin again. We were sent back to the US in September 1989. On my birthday in 1989 (Nov 9), I watched the wall come down. When the Army sent me to Germany, my parents and my family went to Berlin. My wife did not understand why my parents and I stood at Brandenberg Gate touching the column silently for a while. Glad to see someone talking about this. Great video.
Thanks for the comment Ronald. I've done the same myself at the Brandenberg Gate 👍🏻
Yes
So incredibly fascinating. I was born in 96 and I quickly grew an interest for history. I love listening to stories like this and always get reminded that it all happened so recently. Thank you Kevin for sharing your fantastic experiences!
You're welcome, thanks for listening 👍🏻
My grandfather was in Korea in the late 70's, he told me how people never understood how much stuff happened weekly at the DMZ and no one seemed to know. He talked about having used his M60 on a poor chap on the fence trying to get back into North Korea or how people would freeze or get shot trying to cross the river in the winter. Sad history that's still going on.
Yes, it's a forgotten subject 👍🏻
Great stories, Kevin. I can remember the Wall going up in 1961, and my brother and I used to build a mock-up with cardboard boxes. I remember that we had a couple of toy JS-IIIs. Of course, I also remember it coming down again in 1989 - never thought I would see the day, but it went so fast! My father was active in the Berlin Airlift as an RAF signaller. Later on, in the 'seventies, I became a Cold War Warrior myself as a 2/Lt in the TAVR.
So cool 👍🏻
Thanks, Kevin. Your personal stories give human insight into this time in history. It is a blessing to live in an area where one can live without being forced into staying, because the government is so bad that people want to flee. Cheers from Texas.
Thanks David. You can't make it for a chat with us on Zoom tomorrow??
I will certainly try to join the chat.
@@davidstrother496 Great, I'll get Julie to send you the link
A bit like living in today's UK....
Your personal adventures are as interesting as the history behind it. A book on "Kevin's adventures in Berlin" would be fascinating! Thank you.
Nice one Kevin. Reminding me of things I heard on the news as a child in the 60s. My grandson yesterday asked me about the war in Ukraine and how it all started (he's 10) and I found myself going back as far as this in order to try to explain about Russia and The problems Germany were recently having re tanks and their history. Not wanting to escalate things coz of history.
I might get him to watch this. You explain it far better than me.
This sort of history NEEDS KEEPING ALIVE.
So many young folk (see many comments) were not even born then and probly know very little.
I know very little and find my colleagues aren't interested in the slightest. You keep talking about it so that in a decisive moment that person may just well think back to a single sentence out of thousands you told them and it may make all the difference. UA-cam is good, its very good. Currently trying to show others that we are not the evil ancestors from generations long gone they think we are. Keep picking away slowly. I'm sure your son no matter what will make a positive mark on the world.
i would love to hear more stories about your time in Germany. It is so interesting to hear about all this stuff from someone who was in the Army at that time, complete different view on this topic than from fellow germans.
Yes, for sure. I have some lovely stories from my time in Germany, and some might just be for Patreons only 😉.
Wonderful share Kevin. Was never stationed in Germany but served with several who had been. Good to remind the current generation of these times. Soldiers are soldiers the world round and when left to ourselves we always manage to find some common ground and get on with one another. Cheers!
As someone who has a deep interest in the former DDR, the Berlin Wall and the Cold War (and owner of an East German Trabant) this video was absolutely fascinating! Your personal story of the car accident and the new T-72 tank really added something special. Well done on a great video. Subscribed.
Thanks Neil, welcome to the channel. I saw plenty of Trabants upside down on the autobahn while I was there. Take care with yours mate 👍🏻
Kevin - thanks for your service! I was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia (EM2, USN, USS Saipan LHA-2) when the wall came down in 89. Was an exchange student in Düsseldorf summer of 82, was euphoric for my friends in West Germany - hung a BRD flag I snagged in Copenhagen at a Denmark v W. Germany friendly in 86 from my flat's balcony in Virginia Beach, lots of bottles of Becks were consumed at the time!
WOW!!
I Can't believe how Lucky we are getting to Listen to these Amazing stories of Mr. Hicks time in the Military!!
It's kinda frustrating that these Amazing, very Accomplished People who are filled with Jaw Dropping Stories after living the life of 10 People Are SO
Modest & Humble that they Don't Think people want to Hear their Stories!!
I'm sure I speak for All of us when I Say, We'd LOVE to Get Many More Films of Kevin Telling Us Stories from his Life!!!!!!!
Haha, that's very kind of you thank you. 👍🏻
It will only be too slow before you bring us more stories from your time in Helmstedt - this was such a fascinating show to see and hear. More of this kind, please.
Thanks! 👍🏻
I second this motion!!! All in favor?
@@scottpeterson5913 😀
My uncle was stationed in West Germany with the US Army around 1975. He was able to return to visit when my cousin was there a few years ago with the US Air Force. He and my aunt were finally able to see things in the east that were behind the iron curtain.
Couldn't help but spot O'Keefe's "One Day In August"! What a great read. His book on the Black Watch is very cool, also.
Wow, seriously wow. Amazing stories, I was captivated. Not many people on UA-cam come out and tell personal stories from the Cold War like you did. So hope you find a reason to share more.
Thanks 👍🏻
Last month, I took a stop at the former Helmstedt border crossing at the Autobahn to fuel up, before I continued on with our truck eastwards. I remembered watching your video about the historic significance of that place. It's almost inconceivable now that Helmstedt used to be the border where two ideologies, two systems, two entirely different countries in terms of wealth met and are now back together as one state. Absolutely fascinating.
Thank you for your history videos, only found them 4 days ago I've always loved history. It was my favourite lesson at school. My grandad used to tell me all about Wellington and Blucher at Waterloo, and General Wolfe, and used to take me around the country visiting the great castles, especially the ones in Wales
Hi Michael, welcome to the channel! Take a look at my video on the Secrets of a Medieval Castle, if you haven't already. It's about Chepstow Castle in South Wales 👍🏻
@thehistorysquad yes seen your video about Chepstow Castle. Hopefully, get to cycle there this year or next, I don't drive prefer to cycle you can take in more of the history and old architecture as you cycle around, one place I really want to go to is the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson Portsmouth, I live not far away from the execution site of Mary Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay, and the Birthplace of Richard iii the last plantagenet King, I usually visit twice a year on the anniversaries.
@@FENCYCLIST How lovely 👍🏻
I’m a Veteran of the US Army in Berlin (85 to 87). I was still a kid in those days, but even then I knew I was a part of history. I worked on ‘the Hill’. Glorious days.
Your first-hand accounts are amazing. I could listen all day. Thank you for sharing.
I remember the wall coming down so we'll. Please Kevin could we have more of your experiences. You felt the joy in the east Germans. It is hard to explain to anyone who was not there.
I could sit and listen to Kevin tell stories for DAYS and be a happy happy boy.
😀
Felt like I was right there with you Kevin. You have a way of drawing us in
Cheers Abby 👍🏻
Im back Kevin, watched this vid again, and loved it even more, you should write a book, as these stories need stamping down in history,
Thank you Kevin for an absolutely intriguing story ❤🇨🇦. Thank you for your service ❤
Another great storyline,
My brother was in service in Germany when the wall fell...he actually was there and broke a piece of the wall off and brought it home to my Pop as they shared it together as memory of family in military service....so cool all your service in so many historical places Mr Hicks...part of the reason I enjoy your stories..
Thanks Pete.
Kevin, your recounting of history is superb. History is really about people and you certainly have the knack of making it come alive.
I would love more Kevin Hicks Adventures in Berlin stories!
Great overview and personal stories which will now be enjoyed by many people to come.
You’re the best Kev!!!! I get so lost in your stories…….just awesome. Do some where you show some of your time in the military. Would love to see pics!!
Thank you for sharing these precious stories - not just telling history but documenting it too!
I lived in Berlin for a year, late 1974. Fascinating place.
Your stories of Your time in Germany and Berlin are fascinating and I'd love to hear more.
My father was stationed in west Berlin when the wall came down, He managed to get a few pieces of it too.
Kevin, I hope you have more Cold War stories! What a crazy time to be in the military.
Even if you don't smoke, having a few darts in your vest might be the medicine your battle buddy needs.
Hi John, thanks! I might hold you to that as it's firm in my sights. Julie and I have been chatting about doing a road trip sometime, so you never know 👍🏻
I've just found your channel. This video brought back memories. My mother was German and she met my father when he was stationed in Oldenburg just after the war. She came to England and married him in 1946. In the 1950s she met another woman who had also married an English soldier and she was from Berlin. When the wall went up her friend's father was at work in West Berlin and her mother and brothers were in East Berlin. I still remember her coming to our house in tears at what had happened and how difficult it was for her and her family knowing they had been separated. Unfortunately by the time the wall had come down her father had passed away so her parents were never reunited. My father also had a "penfriend", a fellow stamp collector, who lived in Berlin. During the night the wall was "breached" some of the young people there actually started trying to destroy it with hammers and mallets . His penfriend was there and sent him some pieces of the wall that she had collected. I still have the pieces and you can still see the grafitti that was put on it on the western side.
Hi, welcome to the channel. There are so many sad stories from this time 👍🏻
Having served in the US Air Force, I was a part of a Top Secret SCI unit. In the command section they had these absolutely amazing photos and posters from the early 1900s on to modern photos. They had a little section with the Berlin Airlift. Was just amazing to see all those photos.
It really was an amazing feat by us Americans and Brits to supply Berlin with just air power. The number of planes and tons of supplies is absolutely staggering. Talked about how the planes were literally coming and leaving nonstop 24/7. Just amazing.
Brilliant as always Kevin. Much love. Cheers
That's so cool! If I remember correctly the image I used of the loading of one of the planes was from the CIA archives 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad oh yeah it was amazing. The ww2 propaganda posters they had were just awesome. I saw ones that to this day I still can’t find online or pictures of. They had a ton of them. The usual suspects. Loose lips sink ships etc… But the amount of ones I’ve never seen were just stunning. Wish I could have gotten pictures of them, but TS SCI unit so lol, no cameras aloud. But it was really cool. This huge hallway lined with all these posters and pictures, both sides of the hallway filled. Was one of my favorite memories actually. Loved all that history stuff
Edit: quick example of one of the rare ones. It was a drawn poster of all these dead women and children with rubble and whatnot behind them. Towards the front was a dead woman shot by an arrow (why an arrow idk lol) and her child next to her sitting there crying.
Behind all of that up in the clouds, is an ominous Hitler looking over it all.
And the bottom said something to the effect of, this is our future or we have to stop him. Or something like that. Very jarring yet effective poster.
@@nooneimportant460 Wow, I wish all this stuff was in the public domain. We really struggle to get unlicensed images sometimes.
@@thehistorysquad man that’s awful. I didn’t know they were that hard to get and use for videos and whatnot. That actually makes me kinda sad.
@@nooneimportant460 Yeah, don't get me wrong, there are images out there but we'd have to pay sometimes $50+ a pop to use them legally. I'm not sure whether other channels pay to show Pathe clips or other good images, but we don't like to take the risk.....that's why you see so much of my mug on my videos 😜
Amazing to hear what the adults were doing when I was a little kid. I was 7 when the Berlin Wall fell and living in Newport Rhode Island. I remembered how big a deal it was for the adults when it fell. For a little kid like me I didn't understand. I wish I had the magazine (I think it was National Geographics) that was debating the effects of the reunification in 1990.
Your personal stories of your experience right up in front of the events are always fascinating. Thank you for sharing.
FWIW,just about every public library will have back issues of National Geographic in their archive,either actual issues or some sort of microfiche or electronic storage. Or,used issues are sold in several sites. Or,National Geographic itself has various levels of older issues ,budgets.
I Love hearing stories like this, thank you for sharing them. Please do more!
This is awesome! I grew up hearing some stories of WWII from my dad and some of his friends. Although my dad was in the Pacific many of the neighbors were in Europe. As many books as I can find about WWII, both from the Allied and German point of view, I’ve not found much about Europe & Germany during the Cold War.
Kevin, thanks for sharing!
This video was even more interesting than I expected it to be, and you set high expectations. Cheers!
Haha thank you Kevin, I love your videos and appreciate all that you do to show the humanity in history!
I found your channel a week ago and I’ve binged watched the lot. Brillant content. My Granddad was posted in Berlin in the 70s on the border like you mentioned, I’ve never asked him to much about it I’ve mainly heard it from my dad.
Hi there, I'm glad you're enjoying the channel, thanks for watching 👍🏻
It’s so amazing that you were able to see into the Reichstag. And your roll in Cold War history is awesome. Love hearing your stories. I joined in 99 so my involvement was the “war on terror”. It’s a weird feeling being a part of history and not knowing it until you are older and wiser.
Edit: Lol you know why the self propelled gun rolled up on you? They saw you taking a wee, and thought “you think that’s a big gun, take a look at this!”
lol 👍🏻✌🏻
🤣 that made me laugh, cheers mate 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad lol cheers bud 👍🏻
lol trust you to mention comparing guns! Bloody ell. Got me too that one, thanks for joining up, got more balls than I do.
@@ltipst2962 lol thanks bud. And trust me friend, I joined because my wife was pregnant and we need a job and insurance and all that. So I joined. I believe if circumstances were right, you could have too. You definitely would have had the balls ✌🏻👍🏻
The Berlin Ghost Stations - another amazing episode of history that deserves a voice 😎
My father was in Garrison in Berlin. He said it was as scary as combat. After your's and other stories, I believe it.
Thanks for sharing this because my father never wanted to share more.
Its awesome to hear more of your stories, I remember hearing some of these 8-10 years ago when you came to my school, Hounsdown. The Berlin wall is such a major part of recent history that more people need to know about because it goes to show how long the effects of a war can go on for and what the human cost is decades later.
Hi Ben, did you ever go on the Berlin trips I did for Hounsdown? I must have gone at least 5/6 times.
@@thehistorysquad annoyingly not, though I heard great stories from everyone that went on them
I came across your channel not too long ago. I do love History and your channel is great. Im originally German, west German went to work in west Berlin in late 80s. I always thought on these 2h drive through DDR we wessis were alone. I like to thank you for your service and your hard work to keep us save. I was there the night the wall came down, the biggest day of my life, just a few month later I immigrated to US. Thank you, Danke schoen,
Cool, thanks for sharing 👍🏻
I served in the 287 MP Co Berlin Bde 78-80. Good unit, good CO, good times.
Mr. Hicks, you really should write a book. It would be a pity of these stories were lost to history.
Fantastic stuff Kev ,yes please some more of your stories will be just the ticket..
great story ! its crazy to think that Germany was divided at one time, and how fiercely the wall was guarded, my mother was there when the wall came down, i wasn't alive at this stage, but still fascinating part of history
21:23 what an amazing story! As a vet here in the US, I appreciate those stories that bring humanity to serving in the military. Great stories and I hope you do more. Hand salute sir!
Back at ya, thanks 👍🏻
I love your stories Kevin I can’t believe you were the first westerner to see a T-72 tank extremely surreal seeing how much we see them now a days love your channel!
Cheers Henry!
Love your stories Mr Hicks, could listen to you for hours.
Cheers! Thanks for listening
I was really excited for this episode; growing up in the United States we’re not taught much about the Berlin Wall other than as bookends to the Cold War. Rather like how I wouldn’t know about The Troubles in Ireland without my grandmother’s personal stories. Hearing personal accounts and other hidden gems of stories is far better than any lecture series. A few had me in tears this time. Putting the humanity back into these parts of humanity is my favorite part of your channel.
Thanks Jodie, you're right, I believe it is important to remember people and humanize history.
Enjoyed listening. Great stories indeed, thanks for sharing, well done
I have to say, I am pleased my voted on topic didn't get picked - Your personal stories can't be compared to something that's over 100 years old and already been documented and covered a dozen times, if not more (as in we've heard it - but I've never heard this!), and when you tell them you really set the atmosphere, excellent as always Kevin! and as always, thank you!
How lovely, thank you too! Did you see the post over on Patreon? I'm doing a Zoom session tomorrow afternoon if you want to join in. Message me & I'll send you the link. All the best!
@@thehistorysquad I did, don't think I can though... maybe?! - This is my quite old UA-cam "alias" (with the name based off of a character from the show Boardwalk Empire - shhh secrets), I'm Robert ;-)
If I can I'll message you around 11 or so*
@@nelsonnoname001 Haha, Robert M? I've messaged you the link already, just in case. 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad lol! ;-)
Lots of memories of how things used to work. I had forgotten some of that.
Served in the "former Yugoslavia " with a group of British (RMs) and Germans (Fallshimjagers)....rough, cold, and emotional times. But our comradery was fantastic.
Absolutely fascinating and tragic subject...thank you Kevin.
Thank you, Kevin. Historical account, yes but also a part of my life story. I was born in 1951. About 10 yes old when Berlin Wall happened. Never understood complete story until your explanation. Well done, Sir!9
Cheer John 👍🏻
Wow! What a fantastic story! About the wall....but your personal adventures are incredible! Thank u for sharing!
What I would give to be able to listen to Kevin's stories every day
Please keep your histories comming, they are great
A family friend of ours here in the States (all German women that married GI's, including my mom) lived through the Battle of Berlin and remembered the Berlin Airlift. She got to meet the C-47 pilot that began tying candy and chocolate bars to handkerchiefs and dropping them out the windows 40 years later in a very nice article in the Kansas City Star featuring both of them standing in front of a restored C-47.
What an excellent story. Thank you for sharing your personal history.
Thanks for your service Kevin.
The Berlin Airlift was covered well in the movie THE BIG LIFT. The "Candy Bomber" was Gail Halverson who died in 2022, age 101.
My husband was U.S. Army and stationed 3 times in W. Germany mainly Augsburg and Stuttgart. We were in Stuttgart when the wall fell. Unfortunately, we were never allowed to visit Berlin because of our jobs. It was considered too risky. We loved Germany though.
Please keep your informative and entertaining episodes coming. You would be any child's delight as a history teacher.
May GOD bless
How lovely of you, thank you.
I spent a couple of years in Berlin, 1969 - 1971 I traveled the corridor on numerous occasion and always carried a couple of packs 200 cigarettes it made it easier to get through the checkpoint. I also traveled on the Berlin corridor train and the East German guards would check our documentation. If I remember right, when travelling the corridor by car we had a certain amount of time to get through, to long and search parties were out, to short and you were done for speeding. We used to patrol the border in Ferret Scout Cars, Landrovers and helicopters recording everything we saw. I knew all the East German ranks and could identify the majority of their vehicles. We had Christmas dinner at checkpoint Bravo, inviting the East German guards to join us, they never did. Your talk brought back fond memories of my time in Berlin and the comrades I served with.
That's good to hear John, cheers 👍🏻
As a German, I am delighted to hear you teach me about my history. And I mean it. One never stops learning new things!
Cheers to the patreons!
Absolutely, every day is a learning day, even for me. Thanks 👍🏻
Nashville,TN here. I love your stories. Keep them coming.
Cheers, will do. 👍🏻
Those are some awesome stories I would love to hear more
Kevin’s adventures in Berlin sounds great,excellent video as always
My Mum's cousin Hazel's husband was a pilot in the Royal air force for 25 years. He was a in the German air lift dropping food etc, he was awarded the DFC :)
The scars from the splitting of Berlin and Germany as a whole will take longer to heal than most people think. In the US the economic scars are still visible in a lot of places from our civil war.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experiences, and your service.
I really enjoy your videos. My Dad was a Sgt in the U.S. Army 8th Infantry . And we lived in Germany for 3 years in Bad Kreuznach . I was young but I really loved everything about it. My Dad had befriended and older German gentleman who had been in the German Army in WWII. When he had been over there in France when France told the U.S. to leave.But he met and became good friends with Mr Peitrie when he used to take his Ex WWII German Army BMW Motorcycle with sidecar to visit his friend who became my uncle after he introduced my Dad to his sister my future Mom When they had come to Ga. On leave from Vietnam. When he came back with us in tow years later Heir and Frou Peitrie became my Adopted Ohpa unt Ohma. They had wanted children but couldn't have one. So they treated my sister and I with love. We spent Christmas and other days at their home. It's one of my fondest memories. I remember when we went on a Castle Hopping tour on the Rhine by boat. I am pretty sure I saw a ghost. This fellow stood alone out in these trees by a walkway by this one Castle. He wore a helmet that reminded me of what the British Helmet looked like in WWII. But he had a red tunic over mail armor and wore a sword and dagger. He just stood there looking at us as we walked by. We made eye contact. Nobody else seemed to notice him. But he was right there you couldn't miss him. There was nobody else dressed in period garb like for a show or reenactment. The way he just stood there Under the limbs of this tree. It just gave me an odd feeling. Later that day we boarded a bus that took us a long the East West German boarder. The bus stopped and we all got out and walked up to look through the high Bob wire topped fence to view the town on the West German side. As we stood there. On West German side. 2 West German soldiers on a motorcycle with side car appeared on top of this hill near the fence. The soldier in the side car jumped out took a belted machine gun from the side car and laid down the other soldier watched us through his binoculars. I remember my Dad saying. They are making sure nobody from their side tries to climb the fence. I miss many things there
Thanks for sharing your stories here 👍🏻
Brilliant video Kevin. One, because of its history, two, because of your personal stories. Please do more of your own stories in the future. Another well deserved like on this video. Thank you.
Will do, thanks 👍🏻
Fantastic stories Kev, made me smile thank you.
I love the way you explain things, I could listen to your stories for at least an hour :)
Thank you for sharing this
Love from Germany :)
Thanks 👍
I was a really young boy when I saw the Wall come down I remember my mom celebrating and crying. I didn't understand since I was a little American boy and this was a place that seemed so far away what it symbolized.
Kevin, you tell the most amazing stories, thank you so much. Your channel is a favorite of mine
Thanks mate, glad you're enjoying the vids 👍🏻
I remember as a Young Army Captain at night, City of Kassel looking over at the darkness of East Germany. My mother was a Prussian War Bride her sisters and her Mom got out. My Great Grandmother left behind in the east with many of my cousins. I looked knowing my Great Grandmother would not outlive the cold war, and she didn't. Families separated, having photos of each other delivered by a daring relative, but mostly the offspring never meet, but are told the stories. To be honest, it Stank!!! Thanks for telling the things that are not so simple to explain, tell, comprehend in today's world. I feel also for the numerous families split across the Border between North and South Korea. They too, will not outlive the border. Like WWI, WWII left many things in place that caused instant tension. Peace and love.
A lovely comment Wolfgang, thank you 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad You bless my heart, Kevin. You see things in such clarity!
Really enjoyed the stories, felt like I was there with you
Thank again, Kevin. Can't wait for the part 2. 😁
Wow I wish I could have seen what you did! Signed the names,the holes in the walls how cool! Your road way adventures! Glad you're still here today to tell us the stories!
This was so fun to watch. You were a part of history, and what an interesting perspective it makes for
This was wonderful! We need more of your life stories!
Absolutely cracking video, Kevin. All we needed was a pint a-piece. Informative and spellbinding. Robin Witting
Thanks 👍
Kevin, great stories, this may have been your best episode. Have a good weekend.
Glad you enjoyed it, cheers DM 👍🏻
Kevin is such an amazing person with so many great story’s that are interesting to listen and gain another perspective on historical events from someone who was there.
Love you and channel keep it up
Thanks very much 👍🏻
This is an amazing video! So much more information about escapes and the structure of the wall than other videos.
"i says have you not got the middle bit" 😂😂😂 thank you for your stories; another important subject on which I didn't realise how much I didn't know. The heights of humanity, and its darkest depths, do tend to show up together.
Cheers Z, glad you enjoyed it!