BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines in East Germany (362)

BRIXMIS and its operations behind enemy lines continue to fascinate the listeners of Cold War Conversations. In August 2024 I was honoured to be invited to the National Army Museum in London to interview Andrew Long, the author of BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines in East Germany. The National Army Museum is a leading authority on the British Army and its impact on society past and present. It’s well worth a visit, particularly their Foe to Friend exhibition about the British Army in Germany since 1945 which is on until the end of September 2024. In front of a sellout audience including approximately 50 BRIXMIS veterans and their families, we discuss the role, purpose and achievements of BRIXMIS. The accompanying presentation can be viewed here. The interview starts with an introduction from former BRIXMIS officer Major General Peter Williams and Chairman of the BRIXMIS Association. I’m delighted to welcome Peter Williams, Andrew Long and a sellout audience at the National Army Museum to our Cold War Conversation. Buy the book and support the podcast https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781399067843 Linked episodes BRIXMIS, the defence of Cold War Berlin & Rudolf Hess https://pod.fo/e/f833 Pete – a BRIXMIS driver behind enemy lines in East Germany https://pod.fo/e/eeb4c Arrested 11 times, plus 3 shooting incidents – a BRIXMIS officer’s diary Pt 1 https://pod.fo/e/13af96 Imprisoned in a Soviet Military gaol - a BRIXMIS officer's diary Pt 2 https://pod.fo/e/13ca90 In conversation with 7 BRIXMIS veterans – Part 1 https://pod.fo/e/1599d9 In conversation with 7 BRIXMIS veterans – Part 2 https://pod.fo/e/15b0ac Royal Military Police versus the Soviets (SOXMIS) in Cold War West Germany https://pod.fo/e/12c9d6 Behind enemy lines in East Germany with a US Military Liaison Mission driver Part 1 https://pod.fo/e/d4229 Behind enemy lines in East Germany with a US Military Liaison Mission driver Part 2 https://pod.fo/e/d757b Soviet and U.S. Military Liaison Missions & US Counterintelligence https://pod.fo/e/e4f55 Cold War US Army Intelligence Analyst https://pod.fo/e/1f383 US Army Intelligence gathering in the unified Germany https://pod.fo/e/b2cb3 Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode362/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Introduction 12:06 Post war Germany was split into four occupation zones 16:35 BRIXMIS offices in Berlin and East Germany 21:06 Contacts between Soviets and British 23:27 The tour role in  East Germany 30:16 Exploiting intelligence from Soviet rubbish tips 32:15 Restricted areas in East Germany 35:55 Missions and intelligence scoops 40:04 Descriptions of special equipment 42:05 BRIXMIS Cars 44:01 James Bond switches 47:59 Photography   50:36 Overnighting in East Germany 53:25 There East German and Soviet opposition 56:58 Close scrapes and fatalities 01:02 Where to buy the book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices