21- BRIXMIS, British Defence of Berlin & Rudolf Hess

Welcome to Episode 21 of Cold War Conversations.
Now I am very excited by today’s guest and we have a packed episode for you.
Nigel Dunkley MBE is a former Royal Scots Dragoon Guard who served in Berlin with a squadron of Chieftain tanks tasked with defending the British Sector including the Brandenburg Gate should the Cold War have turned hot.
Nigel also performed intelligence gathering duties in the former East Germany with BRIXMIS which was an intelligence organisation worked throughout the Cold War years from 1946 to 1990 gathering intelligence in the former Soviet Occupation Zone of East Germany on the threat posed to the West and NATO by the 20 Soviet and 6 East German Army Divisions and their Air Forces deployed there.
In the 1980s Nigel also interpreted for Hitler’s Deputy Rudolf Hess in Spandau Prison, Berlin and provided some fascinating insight into the character of Hess.
Later in his military career he was awarded the MBE and Bronze Star Medal for his services with the US 1st Cavalry Division during Operation Desert Storm. Nigel was also Chief of Staff at the Royal Armoured Corp Centre at Bovington, ending his army career as Defence Attache at the British Embassy in Berlin.
I am delighted and honoured to welcome Nigel Dunkley.
Support the show ( / coldwarpod )

[@andrew353w]

These podcasts are just BRILLIANT! I feel they really give the “feel” of the whole Cold War and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up listening to this one! This is better than John Le Carré!

[@guitigefilmpjes]

A very interesting podcast, shame it does not get more attention. Keep this project going!

[@steveh5005]

A few of my colleagues went to Brixmis as RCT Corporal drivers. A friend of mine JB His Brixmis vehicle was rammed by DDR truck.

[@ColdWarConversations]

Thanks for sharing and not an uncommon occurrence by all accounts.

[@elliottg.1954]

This had all been forgotten and rarely talked about but it brings back memories of Chieftain tanks, CP Charlie and Berlin in the 1980s, the British Army in Germany (BAOR) life in the 1970s, and Active Edge. Berlin was a plum posting during interesting and historical events back then. An entire system of state collapsed in 1989. Contrary to Army folklore and duty rumours, we weren't always drunk and it was hard work. Op Banner was also in full swing for many of us, so it wasn't all a doss.