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

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