The Berlin Wall | Its History & Mine 

85 people died during the airlift, about 40 of whom were british. The planes involved in this so important action were called "Rosinenbomber" (raisin bombers) or "Candy Bombers" by the Berliners. There was a total of 277.569 flights, 87.606 of the british. Special thanks for this episode from Germany. Vielen Dank!

Kevin I think I speak for all of us when I say we would all keenly watch an hour long special of you just talking about your various stories. You not only have many great tales but clearly a gift for telling them as well

Thanks for sharing your stories :) Brought back memories of little 7 year old me chiseling away at the Wall and collecting a few pieces. One very vivid memory from shortly before that is of me sitting on the couch with mom and dad watching it go down live on TV and asking mom why dad is crying. He was originally from a small village in the east and fled to west germany where he met my mom. I'm very glad he still witnessed the Wall coming down, sadly he passed away in '90 and couldn't see the two countries start their long healing process. Rest in peace dad.

My grandfather, staff seargent Bernard Carter, was involved in the Berlin airlift. He used to say how the old dakota's were a pain to load as they had those giant side doors on them. He also said they were at risk of being shot down by the soviet anti air every time they would do the flight. Gosh, I really do miss that man and the stories he would share with me. Rip grandad.

The Berlin Airlift is a fascinating subject for me. The RAF, the USAF, the Canadians and others, plus the Germans on the ground, prevented a city from starving and freezing that winter. It was a miracle of logistics and should not be forgotten.

I went to Berlin in 79, overland by train. I was 14 on a student exchange program. Accidentally left a bar of Cadburys chocolate at Check Point Charlie when we went through to the east. When we came back, it had disappeared. I hope the guards enjoyed it! More Berlin stories please.

I could listen to your cold war stories for hours!!! Please do more of your experiences on this topic. Having grown up during the end of the cold war, these stories just blow my mind!

My uncle was a Dutch truck driver that sometimes had to make deliveries in East Germany during the cold war. He could tell some good stories about his time too. May God rest his soul.

A subject near and dear to my heart. I was 18 months old in 1977 when my Dad was assigned to Berlin Brigade. He worked on the "Hill". I remember vaguely some parts of my life there. We have tons of pictures from our time there. When the Army sent my Dad back to Germany, Heidelberg, from 1986 to 1989. We went back to see Berlin again. We were sent back to the US in September 1989. On my birthday in 1989 (Nov 9), I watched the wall come down. When the Army sent me to Germany, my parents and my family went to Berlin. My wife did not understand why my parents and I stood at Brandenberg Gate touching the column silently for a while. Glad to see someone talking about this. Great video.

My grandfather was in Korea in the late 70's, he told me how people never understood how much stuff happened weekly at the DMZ and no one seemed to know. He talked about having used his M60 on a poor chap on the fence trying to get back into North Korea or how people would freeze or get shot trying to cross the river in the winter. Sad history that's still going on.

Thanks, Kevin. Your personal stories give human insight into this time in history. It is a blessing to live in an area where one can live without being forced into staying, because the government is so bad that people want to flee. Cheers from Texas.

So incredibly fascinating. I was born in 96 and I quickly grew an interest for history. I love listening to stories like this and always get reminded that it all happened so recently. Thank you Kevin for sharing your fantastic experiences!

Your personal adventures are as interesting as the history behind it. A book on "Kevin's adventures in Berlin" would be fascinating! Thank you.

Nice one Kevin. Reminding me of things I heard on the news as a child in the 60s. My grandson yesterday asked me about the war in Ukraine and how it all started (he's 10) and I found myself going back as far as this in order to try to explain about Russia and The problems Germany were recently having re tanks and their history. Not wanting to escalate things coz of history. I might get him to watch this. You explain it far better than me. This sort of history NEEDS KEEPING ALIVE. So many young folk (see many comments) were not even born then and probly know very little.

Great stories, Kevin. I can remember the Wall going up in 1961, and my brother and I used to build a mock-up with cardboard boxes. I remember that we had a couple of toy JS-IIIs. Of course, I also remember it coming down again in 1989 - never thought I would see the day, but it went so fast! My father was active in the Berlin Airlift as an RAF signaller. Later on, in the 'seventies, I became a Cold War Warrior myself as a 2/Lt in the TAVR.

My uncle was stationed in West Germany with the US Army around 1975. He was able to return to visit when my cousin was there a few years ago with the US Air Force. He and my aunt were finally able to see things in the east that were behind the iron curtain.

Wonderful share Kevin. Was never stationed in Germany but served with several who had been. Good to remind the current generation of these times. Soldiers are soldiers the world round and when left to ourselves we always manage to find some common ground and get on with one another. Cheers!

Kevin - thanks for your service! I was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia (EM2, USN, USS Saipan LHA-2) when the wall came down in 89. Was an exchange student in Düsseldorf summer of 82, was euphoric for my friends in West Germany - hung a BRD flag I snagged in Copenhagen at a Denmark v W. Germany friendly in 86 from my flat's balcony in Virginia Beach, lots of bottles of Becks were consumed at the time!

Couldn't help but spot O'Keefe's "One Day In August"! What a great read. His book on the Black Watch is very cool, also.

WOW!! I Can't believe how Lucky we are getting to Listen to these Amazing stories of Mr. Hicks time in the Military!! It's kinda frustrating that these Amazing, very Accomplished People who are filled with Jaw Dropping Stories after living the life of 10 People Are SO Modest & Humble that they Don't Think people want to Hear their Stories!! I'm sure I speak for All of us when I Say, We'd LOVE to Get Many More Films of Kevin Telling Us Stories from his Life!!!!!!!

I’m a Veteran of the US Army in Berlin (85 to 87). I was still a kid in those days, but even then I knew I was a part of history. I worked on ‘the Hill’. Glorious days.

i would love to hear more stories about your time in Germany. It is so interesting to hear about all this stuff from someone who was in the Army at that time, complete different view on this topic than from fellow germans.

It will only be too slow before you bring us more stories from your time in Helmstedt - this was such a fascinating show to see and hear. More of this kind, please.

As someone who has a deep interest in the former DDR, the Berlin Wall and the Cold War (and owner of an East German Trabant) this video was absolutely fascinating! Your personal story of the car accident and the new T-72 tank really added something special. Well done on a great video. Subscribed.

Thank you for your history videos, only found them 4 days ago I've always loved history. It was my favourite lesson at school. My grandad used to tell me all about Wellington and Blucher at Waterloo, and General Wolfe, and used to take me around the country visiting the great castles, especially the ones in Wales

Last month, I took a stop at the former Helmstedt border crossing at the Autobahn to fuel up, before I continued on with our truck eastwards. I remembered watching your video about the historic significance of that place. It's almost inconceivable now that Helmstedt used to be the border where two ideologies, two systems, two entirely different countries in terms of wealth met and are now back together as one state. Absolutely fascinating.

Wow, seriously wow. Amazing stories, I was captivated. Not many people on RU-vid come out and tell personal stories from the Cold War like you did. So hope you find a reason to share more.

I remember the wall coming down so we'll. Please Kevin could we have more of your experiences. You felt the joy in the east Germans. It is hard to explain to anyone who was not there.

Another great storyline, My brother was in service in Germany when the wall fell...he actually was there and broke a piece of the wall off and brought it home to my Pop as they shared it together as memory of family in military service....so cool all your service in so many historical places Mr Hicks...part of the reason I enjoy your stories..

I could sit and listen to Kevin tell stories for DAYS and be a happy happy boy.

Your first-hand accounts are amazing. I could listen all day. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you Kevin for an absolutely intriguing story ❤🇨🇦. Thank you for your service ❤

Thank you for sharing these precious stories - not just telling history but documenting it too!

Kevin, your recounting of history is superb. History is really about people and you certainly have the knack of making it come alive.

Amazing to hear what the adults were doing when I was a little kid. I was 7 when the Berlin Wall fell and living in Newport Rhode Island. I remembered how big a deal it was for the adults when it fell. For a little kid like me I didn't understand. I wish I had the magazine (I think it was National Geographics) that was debating the effects of the reunification in 1990. Your personal stories of your experience right up in front of the events are always fascinating. Thank you for sharing.

My father was stationed in west Berlin when the wall came down, He managed to get a few pieces of it too.

I served in the 287 MP Co Berlin Bde 78-80. Good unit, good CO, good times.

You’re the best Kev!!!! I get so lost in your stories…….just awesome. Do some where you show some of your time in the military. Would love to see pics!!

Im back Kevin, watched this vid again, and loved it even more, you should write a book, as these stories need stamping down in history,

I found your channel a week ago and I’ve binged watched the lot. Brillant content. My Granddad was posted in Berlin in the 70s on the border like you mentioned, I’ve never asked him to much about it I’ve mainly heard it from my dad.

My father was in Garrison in Berlin. He said it was as scary as combat. After your's and other stories, I believe it. Thanks for sharing this because my father never wanted to share more.

Great overview and personal stories which will now be enjoyed by many people to come.

Kevin, I hope you have more Cold War stories! What a crazy time to be in the military. Even if you don't smoke, having a few darts in your vest might be the medicine your battle buddy needs.

21:23 what an amazing story! As a vet here in the US, I appreciate those stories that bring humanity to serving in the military. Great stories and I hope you do more. Hand salute sir!

This is awesome! I grew up hearing some stories of WWII from my dad and some of his friends. Although my dad was in the Pacific many of the neighbors were in Europe. As many books as I can find about WWII, both from the Allied and German point of view, I’ve not found much about Europe & Germany during the Cold War. Kevin, thanks for sharing!

I've just found your channel. This video brought back memories. My mother was German and she met my father when he was stationed in Oldenburg just after the war. She came to England and married him in 1946. In the 1950s she met another woman who had also married an English soldier and she was from Berlin. When the wall went up her friend's father was at work in West Berlin and her mother and brothers were in East Berlin. I still remember her coming to our house in tears at what had happened and how difficult it was for her and her family knowing they had been separated. Unfortunately by the time the wall had come down her father had passed away so her parents were never reunited. My father also had a "penfriend", a fellow stamp collector, who lived in Berlin. During the night the wall was "breached" some of the young people there actually started trying to destroy it with hammers and mallets . His penfriend was there and sent him some pieces of the wall that she had collected. I still have the pieces and you can still see the grafitti that was put on it on the western side.

I lived in Berlin for a year, late 1974. Fascinating place.

Felt like I was right there with you Kevin. You have a way of drawing us in

Your stories of Your time in Germany and Berlin are fascinating and I'd love to hear more.

Mr. Hicks, you really should write a book. It would be a pity of these stories were lost to history.

great story ! its crazy to think that Germany was divided at one time, and how fiercely the wall was guarded, my mother was there when the wall came down, i wasn't alive at this stage, but still fascinating part of history

The Berlin Ghost Stations - another amazing episode of history that deserves a voice 😎

Haha thank you Kevin, I love your videos and appreciate all that you do to show the humanity in history!

Having served in the US Air Force, I was a part of a Top Secret SCI unit. In the command section they had these absolutely amazing photos and posters from the early 1900s on to modern photos. They had a little section with the Berlin Airlift. Was just amazing to see all those photos. It really was an amazing feat by us Americans and Brits to supply Berlin with just air power. The number of planes and tons of supplies is absolutely staggering. Talked about how the planes were literally coming and leaving nonstop 24/7. Just amazing. Brilliant as always Kevin. Much love. Cheers

Thank you, Kevin. Historical account, yes but also a part of my life story. I was born in 1951. About 10 yes old when Berlin Wall happened. Never understood complete story until your explanation. Well done, Sir!9

I would love more Kevin Hicks Adventures in Berlin stories!

Kevin, I'm an American veteran, I spent a few years in Iraq. When I was little, my parents had separated and after a few years my father remarried. They lived next to this couple from Germany (this was in the US at this point). I remember I would hear the couple arguing but could never understand them, it turned out they would argue to each other in different languages so nobody could understand them. Between the two of them they spoke 13 or 14 languages. The husband would tell me all sorts of stories about his time racing cars in Germany during the Cold War, even showed me his birth certificate that had a swastika on it from before the war started. Anyway, your way of story telling reminds me of him quite a bit. He also gave me a few hats from his travels, a Belgian tankers beret, a Soviet Railway Officers cap, a Uboat crewmans cap, things like that. He passed away a few years ago

I love your stories Kevin I can’t believe you were the first westerner to see a T-72 tank extremely surreal seeing how much we see them now a days love your channel!

Lots of memories of how things used to work. I had forgotten some of that. Served in the "former Yugoslavia " with a group of British (RMs) and Germans (Fallshimjagers)....rough, cold, and emotional times. But our comradery was fantastic.

What I would give to be able to listen to Kevin's stories every day

This video was even more interesting than I expected it to be, and you set high expectations. Cheers!

I was a really young boy when I saw the Wall come down I remember my mom celebrating and crying. I didn't understand since I was a little American boy and this was a place that seemed so far away what it symbolized.

I came across your channel not too long ago. I do love History and your channel is great. Im originally German, west German went to work in west Berlin in late 80s. I always thought on these 2h drive through DDR we wessis were alone. I like to thank you for your service and your hard work to keep us save. I was there the night the wall came down, the biggest day of my life, just a few month later I immigrated to US. Thank you, Danke schoen,

It’s so amazing that you were able to see into the Reichstag. And your roll in Cold War history is awesome. Love hearing your stories. I joined in 99 so my involvement was the “war on terror”. It’s a weird feeling being a part of history and not knowing it until you are older and wiser. Edit: Lol you know why the self propelled gun rolled up on you? They saw you taking a wee, and thought “you think that’s a big gun, take a look at this!” lol 👍🏻✌🏻

I was really excited for this episode; growing up in the United States we’re not taught much about the Berlin Wall other than as bookends to the Cold War. Rather like how I wouldn’t know about The Troubles in Ireland without my grandmother’s personal stories. Hearing personal accounts and other hidden gems of stories is far better than any lecture series. A few had me in tears this time. Putting the humanity back into these parts of humanity is my favorite part of your channel.

My Mum's cousin Hazel's husband was a pilot in the Royal air force for 25 years. He was a in the German air lift dropping food etc, he was awarded the DFC :)

Thanks for your service Kevin. The Berlin Airlift was covered well in the movie THE BIG LIFT. The "Candy Bomber" was Gail Halverson who died in 2022, age 101. My husband was U.S. Army and stationed 3 times in W. Germany mainly Augsburg and Stuttgart. We were in Stuttgart when the wall fell. Unfortunately, we were never allowed to visit Berlin because of our jobs. It was considered too risky. We loved Germany though. Please keep your informative and entertaining episodes coming. You would be any child's delight as a history teacher. May GOD bless

I really enjoy your videos. My Dad was a Sgt in the U.S. Army 8th Infantry . And we lived in Germany for 3 years in Bad Kreuznach . I was young but I really loved everything about it. My Dad had befriended and older German gentleman who had been in the German Army in WWII. When he had been over there in France when France told the U.S. to leave.But he met and became good friends with Mr Peitrie when he used to take his Ex WWII German Army BMW Motorcycle with sidecar to visit his friend who became my uncle after he introduced my Dad to his sister my future Mom When they had come to Ga. On leave from Vietnam. When he came back with us in tow years later Heir and Frou Peitrie became my Adopted Ohpa unt Ohma. They had wanted children but couldn't have one. So they treated my sister and I with love. We spent Christmas and other days at their home. It's one of my fondest memories. I remember when we went on a Castle Hopping tour on the Rhine by boat. I am pretty sure I saw a ghost. This fellow stood alone out in these trees by a walkway by this one Castle. He wore a helmet that reminded me of what the British Helmet looked like in WWII. But he had a red tunic over mail armor and wore a sword and dagger. He just stood there looking at us as we walked by. We made eye contact. Nobody else seemed to notice him. But he was right there you couldn't miss him. There was nobody else dressed in period garb like for a show or reenactment. The way he just stood there Under the limbs of this tree. It just gave me an odd feeling. Later that day we boarded a bus that took us a long the East West German boarder. The bus stopped and we all got out and walked up to look through the high Bob wire topped fence to view the town on the West German side. As we stood there. On West German side. 2 West German soldiers on a motorcycle with side car appeared on top of this hill near the fence. The soldier in the side car jumped out took a belted machine gun from the side car and laid down the other soldier watched us through his binoculars. I remember my Dad saying. They are making sure nobody from their side tries to climb the fence. I miss many things there

Fantastic stuff Kev ,yes please some more of your stories will be just the ticket..

I Love hearing stories like this, thank you for sharing them. Please do more!

Its awesome to hear more of your stories, I remember hearing some of these 8-10 years ago when you came to my school, Hounsdown. The Berlin wall is such a major part of recent history that more people need to know about because it goes to show how long the effects of a war can go on for and what the human cost is decades later.

I remember as a Young Army Captain at night, City of Kassel looking over at the darkness of East Germany. My mother was a Prussian War Bride her sisters and her Mom got out. My Great Grandmother left behind in the east with many of my cousins. I looked knowing my Great Grandmother would not outlive the cold war, and she didn't. Families separated, having photos of each other delivered by a daring relative, but mostly the offspring never meet, but are told the stories. To be honest, it Stank!!! Thanks for telling the things that are not so simple to explain, tell, comprehend in today's world. I feel also for the numerous families split across the Border between North and South Korea. They too, will not outlive the border. Like WWI, WWII left many things in place that caused instant tension. Peace and love.

I spent a couple of years in Berlin, 1969 - 1971 I traveled the corridor on numerous occasion and always carried a couple of packs 200 cigarettes it made it easier to get through the checkpoint. I also traveled on the Berlin corridor train and the East German guards would check our documentation. If I remember right, when travelling the corridor by car we had a certain amount of time to get through, to long and search parties were out, to short and you were done for speeding. We used to patrol the border in Ferret Scout Cars, Landrovers and helicopters recording everything we saw. I knew all the East German ranks and could identify the majority of their vehicles. We had Christmas dinner at checkpoint Bravo, inviting the East German guards to join us, they never did. Your talk brought back fond memories of my time in Berlin and the comrades I served with.

Enjoyed listening. Great stories indeed, thanks for sharing, well done

I have to say, I am pleased my voted on topic didn't get picked - Your personal stories can't be compared to something that's over 100 years old and already been documented and covered a dozen times, if not more (as in we've heard it - but I've never heard this!), and when you tell them you really set the atmosphere, excellent as always Kevin! and as always, thank you!

Thank you so much for the history lesson about the Berlin Wall. I visited Germany in 2019 and I found it absolutely amazing and I loved the people.

Love your stories Mr Hicks, could listen to you for hours.

My dad was stationed in Germany with the US 3rd Armored Division at Friedberg. He had a lot of similar stories, it's funny how cigarettes and alcohol seem to be the international currency of good will. Thank you for your service!

"i says have you not got the middle bit" 😂😂😂 thank you for your stories; another important subject on which I didn't realise how much I didn't know. The heights of humanity, and its darkest depths, do tend to show up together.

Wow! What a fantastic story! About the wall....but your personal adventures are incredible! Thank u for sharing!

Those are some awesome stories I would love to hear more

I’m 72 and I can appreciate the exciting life you’ve led so far! Don’t stop.

A family friend of ours here in the States (all German women that married GI's, including my mom) lived through the Battle of Berlin and remembered the Berlin Airlift. She got to meet the C-47 pilot that began tying candy and chocolate bars to handkerchiefs and dropping them out the windows 40 years later in a very nice article in the Kansas City Star featuring both of them standing in front of a restored C-47.

As a German, I am delighted to hear you teach me about my history. And I mean it. One never stops learning new things! Cheers to the patreons!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experiences, and your service.

The scars from the splitting of Berlin and Germany as a whole will take longer to heal than most people think. In the US the economic scars are still visible in a lot of places from our civil war.

What an excellent story. Thank you for sharing your personal history.

Nashville,TN here. I love your stories. Keep them coming.

Please keep your histories comming, they are great

Absolutely fascinating and tragic subject...thank you Kevin.

Your stories remind me of when I was an MP stationed in South Korea in 1974. I was there during that Paul Bunyan incident where two GIs were murdered at the DMZ.

My father was a member of the Cheshire Regiment , stationed in Berlin I think 1954 0r 1955 he had some amazing stories and I do have some photographs of his time there . I believe he was also at spandau when Hess was the only prisoner

Kevin’s adventures in Berlin sounds great,excellent video as always

Wow, the first British soldier to ever see a T-72. Wild. Awesome.

My uncle and aunt lived near the border to East Germany in Bavaria and witnessed the fall of the iron curtain first hand. How all the East Germans came over with their Trabants and were baffled by the variety of goods. Something that would've been unthinkable months prior to that.

My dad was there on the Western side when the wall fell, taking pictures. A few of these fotos show a guy, always the same Eastern guard, and over a span of time you can see how he discards his serious attitude, starts smiling and talking to the people around him. It's like he's turning into a human before your very eyes.

Thank you Kevin. I saw the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall in 2003 when I was on a school trip and still have the photos at home

Everybit of your history is just as important as the medieval history your so fond of, thank you for sharing.

Our regimental band spent ten days in Berlin in 1973. W e had a great time there. We were taken on a tour of the city and along the Wall. We visited Checkpoint Charley and the museum there. One escape attempt intrigued me was a man went round his car with a hacksaw and made cuts by the wind-screen and doors then drove at the check point. When he got to the barrier he ducked down below the dashboard; the barrier took off the roof of the car, and he slipped underneath. I must say I really enjoyed your video. Loyally I Served.

Thank again, Kevin. Can't wait for the part 2. 😁