Two weddings and a teaching post in Cold War Berlin (272)

Marie-Claude Hawkes continues her story with her return to Berlin in 1985 as a French teaching assistant at the Havel School RAF Gatow, teaching French and taking part in school activities in West and East Berlin.

Between September 86 and August 87 Marie-Claude was employed as a cartoonist for the Berlin Bulletin, the weekly magazine for the British Forces in Berlin.

Marie Claude describes her experiences as a French citizen working for the British Army as well as the challenges of being a French civilian in Berlin marrying a British citizen. 

In February 1988 Marie-Claude started work as the Director of Extra-Mural Studies at 46 AEC (Army Education Corps), Smuts Barracks in Spandau.

 While organising various classes for service men/women and their ‘dependents’, she also provided interpreting and trips to East Berlin for various purposes, one illegal…

It’s a fascinating view of Cold War Berlin from a perspective not heard before. 

7:14 Marie-Claude Hawkes' experiences in Berlin and role at the Harvard School

14:39 Marie-Claude Hawkes' post-marriage life and career in the Army Education Corps

17:28 Life in Berlin, cultural barriers, and infamous locations

20:49 Marie-Claude Hawkes' role in the Education Center and adventures in East Berlin

30:06 Unique rules and regulations of living in Berlin: 'Berlinology'

33:37 Discussions on Berlin defense and encounters with Soviet officers

38:53 Marie-Claude Hawkes' wedding and experience on the French military train

46:26 Inquiry about Stasi files and reflections on being a part of history

48:16 Sponsor: Episode extras and gratitude to financial supporters

48:50 Closing remarks and preview of next episode

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Episodes mentioned:

The Defence of RAF Gatow https://coldwarconversations.com/episode257/

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