Dirk lived in the town of Bernau about 15 miles from East Berlin. Just outside Bernau was Wandlitz the residential estate of the East German leadership. As a result, Bernau had one of the highest densities of Stasi facilities in East Germany.

Dirk shares details of his childhood growing up in a Plattenbau block of flats where his school friends were children of NVA officers, Stasi officers, and Soviet Army officers.

He shares some fascinating details of school life and visits the homes of his school friends in Bernau. However, his parents clashed with his school teachers as they bullied Dirk for wearing western clothing.

We also hear how his parent's anti-soviet view originated with his grandparents fleeing the World War 2 Soviet invasion of East Prussia and an Uncle who was arrested and disappeared in Berlin in 1945. 0:00 Introduction and Dirk's early life in East Germany8:45 Impact of the Berlin Wall on Dirk's family and visits from West German relatives16:22 Confrontations with teachers over Western influences and passive resistance to East German authorities22:36 Discretion about Western influences and maintaining friendships with children of East German and Soviet army officers27:38 Visiting the homes of Russian friends and experiences with Russian conscripts35:21 Treatment of Soviet conscripts as observed by British troops and daily life amidst the Soviet and East German armies41:09 Hidden bunkers, bases in East Germany, and Stasi surveillance of Dirk's family45:01 Discussion about escaping East Germany and family visits to West Germany47:06 Preview of Dirk's story in the next episode and acknowledgmentsTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.

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