Defending RAF Gatow - Britain's airbase in Cold War Berlin (257)

Cold War Conversations

Trevor Howie’s role at RAF Gatow was advising the Station Commander on Station defence during times of war, tension or terrorist threat as well as the defence of 26 Signals Unit at the Teufelsberg listening post.

RAF Gatow’s western side was located right against the Berlin Wall which was clearly visible from the control tower. Beyond the Wall was the Döberitz training area for the Soviet and East German Army.

Soviet jets regularly overflew West Berlin emitting sonic booms to underline the immediate threat from their forces.

To gain intelligence about the opposition Trevor used the resident De Havilland Chipmunk aircraft to see across the Wall and observe the neighbouring Soviet and East German forces. He describes the defence plans and exercises such as Exercise Grizzly Bear where every member of the air station would have played a part in its defence.

Trevor vividly describes how he heard that the Wall had opened on 9th November 1989.

It’s a fascinating view of British forces in Berlin and their plans should the Cold War have turned hot.

0:00 Introduction and Trevor Howie's role at RAF Gatow

3:53 The role and responsibilities of a station regiment officer

8:21 The vulnerability of the base and the plan in case of an attack

13:37 Life in Berlin during the Cold War

19:50 Discovery of a Stasi spy on the base and introduction to British Services Security Organization

23:50 Preparations for Exercise Grizzly Bear and the realization of the fall of the Berlin Wall

31:24 Enhanced security measures post-fall of the wall

37:27 Impact of the fall of the wall on Berliners and the beginning of the exit of Soviet forces

43:10 Discovery of World War 2 ammunition and relics in the base

46:10 Podcast extras, appreciation of financial supporters

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Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode257/

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