Foes to Friends: Cold War British and East German Tank crew together in conversation (379)

Join our East-West tank crew reunion that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of those who served on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain. The episode features Al and Mick, former Chieftain tank crew members from the British Army, alongside Dag, an ex-East German T72 tank commander.

Together, they delve into their personal experiences, providing insights into the military strategies, challenges, and camaraderie that defined their service during the Cold War.

As the discussion unfolds, the trio explores the intricacies of military life, from the training regimes and unit cohesion to the technical specifications of their respective tanks.

Dag provides an intriguing account of the T72's capabilities, highlighting its strengths and limitations. Meanwhile, Al and Mick reflect on their experiences with the Chieftain tank, offering a Western perspective on tank warfare during the Cold War.

The episode is punctuated with personal anecdotes and reflections, adding depth and humanity to the historical narrative. Dag's candid admission of his reluctance to serve at the border and his refusal to shoot at defectors offers a poignant reminder of the moral complexities faced by those in uniform. Similarly, Al and Mick's recollections of training exercises and the camaraderie among their fellow soldiers highlight the bonds forged in service.

Related episodes:

• Crewing the Cold War Chieftain tank https://pod.fo/e/155bb4
• Cold War Chieftain tank deployment at the East German Border https://pod.fo/e/157641
• The East German Tank Commander https://pod.fo/e/210cee

Episode extras here including Dag's vehicle recognition manual https://coldwarconversations.com/episode379/

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00:00 Introduction

02:35 How do you become an East German Tank commander?

07:28 Selection and training for British tank crew

08:51 Were you selected for the East German border guards?

12:39 Differences in training areas and exercises

18:20 Unit cohesion - differences between conscript and professional armies

21:42 Enemy vehicle recognition

24:17 Benefits of a professional army and all arms training in Canada

28:30 Doctrines of each army - defence vs attack

31:00 Change of East German doctrine to a defensive posture

33:55 Plan to Attack Poland in 1981

38:10 If the East German army had crossed the West German border

43:02 Challenges of breaking through the border fortifications

45:03 East German view of the Soviets

51:26 What was the T72 like to operate?

56:44 Benefits of Chieftain's thermal imaging system

59:52 Training of the Chieftain crew if the thermal imaging system failed.

01:04:57 The British Army's secret weapons - the boiling vessel

01:09:51 Refuelling & ammunition replenishment

01:14:34 T72 autoloader

01:19:13 T72 snorkel

01:25:14 Final comments between the crews

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