Royal Military Police versus the Soviets (SOXMIS) in Cold War West Germany (241)

Jun 24, 2022

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Keith Bailey Joined British Army at 16 in 1973. He was recruited into the Blues and Royals, (Household Cavalry) and served in West Germany as a gunner in Chieftain tanks.

However, he was keen to serve in the Royal Military Police and particularly 19 (Support) Platoon known as "The White Mice". Their role was to track the SOXMIS (Soviet Military Mission) in West Germany.

SOXMIS operated under a 1946 agreement where the Soviets, British, US and French agreed to exchange mission groups to patrol the opposing side’s then zones of occupation.

The agreement continued to 1990 and needless to say both sides bent the rules somewhat…

0:00 Introduction

2:35 Keith Bailey's Military Career and Transition to the Royal Military Police

16:39 The Role of the RMP during the Cold War and Bailey's Experience

19:11 Joining the 19 Support Platoon and Training

23:29 The Presence of Soviet Troops in West Germany and Interactions

38:07 Soviet Intelligence Gathering and Anecdotes

43:28 Discussion about Soviet Precautions and Protocol for Crossing Sectors

51:35 Keith's Collection of Cold War Photos and Discussion on Detaining SOXMIS Vehicles

1:07:03 Reaction to the Fall of the Berlin Wall and Post-Cold War Interactions

1:18:15 Invitation to Facebook Discussion Group and Closing Remarks

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I am delighted to welcome Keith Bailey to our Cold War conversation…

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