Andrew Long Bücher

West Berlin was the front line of the Cold War, an island of Western democracy, 100 miles inside East Germany and completely surrounded by the pride of the Soviet army.

Focusing on the covert operations of British military observers in East Germany, the narrative reveals how they navigated a repressive police state to gather crucial intelligence during the Cold War. Established under a 1946 agreement, these observers undertook daily missions in modified vehicles, documenting military activities while avoiding detection by East German authorities. Their bravery and professionalism provided NATO with vital insights into Soviet and East German forces, contributing to the delicate balance of peace until the mission's closure in 1990.

Exploring the presence of US forces in Berlin during the Cold War, this book chronicles their journey from arrival in July 1945 to the withdrawal of the American Berlin Brigade in 1994. It delves into the political and military significance of their role in a divided city, highlighting key events and transformations over nearly five decades. Through detailed accounts, it captures the complexities of life in Berlin during a pivotal era in history.

At the end of World War II, Berlin was situated 100 miles inside the Soviet Occupation Zone, leading to its division into four sectors controlled by the Western Allies. Stalin aimed to drive out the British, French, and Americans to establish a strategic buffer from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic, later termed the 'Iron Curtain' by Churchill. This narrative explores how Stalin exerted his influence over eastern Germany, attempting to isolate his former allies by cutting off supply lines and blockading the city. It highlights the logistical feat of the Berlin Airlift, which sustained over two million residents for nearly eleven months. The story delves into alliances formed amidst conflict, driven by shared interests and convenience, which would significantly impact the 20th century but often be compromised for political or strategic gains. It also chronicles the clash of ideologies in Berlin, marking the emergence of the "Cold War" that would dominate the latter half of the century, arising from the aftermath of World War II. The book features numerous illustrations, maps, and color profiles, serving as the first installment in a mini-series by the author for Helion's Europe@War series focused on Cold War Berlin.

An excellent introduction to the shadowy world of espionage, how the superpowers went about it and how it impacted on the wider Cold War.