Lt Col. Stephen Harrison, MBE served for two years as a full-time Touring Officer with BRIXMIS. These Tours were hazardous three man, vehicle-borne patrols collecting intelligence on the Warsaw Pact forces in East Germany for up to five days and nights over a series of four-month patrolling periods. 

They lived in the field and did not carry weapons while Soviet and East German troops were nearly always armed, and their ever-present sentries carried live ammunition. The Tours operated in the closest proximity to these hostile and aggressive Warsaw Pact troops whose orders permitted them to use whatever force necessary, including opening fire, to protect the property they are guarding.

We hear in detail about Stephen’s experiences in these demanding and frequently dangerous situations, as well as how he used his language skills to engage and befriend opposition troops gaining valuable intelligence which made him a particular threat to the Soviets.

Don’t miss part 2 here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode251/

0:00 Introduction and Background of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Harrison

2:19 How to Donate to Cold War Conversations

5:27 Stephen's Experiences and Roles During the Cold War

15:05 Techniques and Strategies Used on Tours

23:14 Emergency Situations and Adaptations During Tours

30:10 Interactions with East German Population and Soviet Troops

41:13 Encounter with Soviet Air Defense System and Other Incidents

47:39 Reflections on Risk-Taking during Operations

47:58 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements of Financial Supporters

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I am delighted to welcome Stephen to our Cold War conversation…

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