Border patrols 1980s

Hi there

I'm looking for British soldiers who had experience of patrolling the inner german border during the 1980s.

Just looking for basic information really - what form the patrols took and the number of personnel involved, and how long they lasted.

This is for a play I'm working on about BAOR and what it was like to be a soldier in Germany in the 1980s.

Please get in touch if you have any questions, it would be great to hear from you

thank you Sophie

Sophie

Slightly surprised that none of our veterans have replied to your query

Never went on one myself but knew of soldiers who did deploy

Think you are referring to the familiarisation visits of newly arrived units who sent small groups to view the" opposition" and see for themselves the actual border complete with barbed wire, watch towers and minefields.

Believe the group would consist of about 12 led by a Subaltern with a member of the British Frontier Service as Guide. The latter was the expert on the area and would point out the key points to be seen. Think the visit lasted a couple of days maximum and there very strict rules about behaviour/dress etc. Movement along the actual border was on foot not in a vehicle.

Some regarded the visit as a "jolly" out of barracks but there was a serious purpose behind it all.