Philippe - A French soldier in Cold War Berlin (189)

Cold War Conversations

The French Forces in Berlin were the units of the French Armed Forces stationed from 1945 until the end of the Cold War-era in West Berlin according to the agreements of the Yalta Conference and Potsdam Conference.

The troops were the French counterparts to the United States' Berlin Brigade and the United Kingdom's Berlin Infantry Brigade in the city.

Philippe was stationed in Berlin from 1972 to 1973 with the French army for his military service. He did not volunteer and was not too happy at first, but started enjoying life outside of the “Quartier Napoleon” as it was called, near the Tegel airport.

His role was in Signals intelligence and during the day he listened to FM radio transmissions of the East German Army as well as the Soviets (GFSA).

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I am delighted to welcome Philippe to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode189/

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0:00 Introduction and Philippe's experience in Berlin

4:58 Philippe's training and move to Landau

13:43 Philippe's posting to Berlin and initial impressions

18:15 French counterintelligence's investigation into Philippe's relationship

22:35 The French sector in Berlin and tensions with American interests

28:42 French military lifestyle in Berlin

33:53 Attitude of Berlin locals towards foreign soldiers

38:39 Sightseeing and political discussions in East Berlin

46:30 Leaving Berlin and life after service

50:31 Communication and encryption methods during the Cold War

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