Army Band in Berlin

298^th Army Band in Berlin

298^th Army Band in Berlin
by Reinhard v. Bronewski

© Berlin-Brigade.de

band

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The Berlin Brigade Band, known as the 298^th Army Band, has seen the longest continuous service in Berlin of any unit assigned to the Brigade. It deployed directly from England to Berlin during the second week of July 1945. During its first months in Berlin, the Berlin Brigade Band participated in the honors rendered to President Truman, General Eisenhower, General Bradley, and General Patton. During the 49 years since 1945, the list of American and Allied dignitaries for whom the Band has performed has grown very long indeed, including President John F. Kennedy (1963), President Richard Nixon (1969), President Jimmy Carter (1978), President Ronald Reagan (1982), President George H.W. Bush, and at the end of all, President Bill Clinton (1994). By him the Berlin Brigade got its dissolution in Summer 1994. The Berlin Brigade had finished its difficult mission, also the legendary 298^th Army Band departed Berlin forever. But let's look back again.
In history books & on other websites we can read stories about that legendary music band. But my goal is not to repeat all that on my website. I like to narrate some memories and experiences of my family. These memories come from the years 1945 - 1947, told to me by my parents & grandparents. It have been the first 2 years of that legendary Band in occupied Berlin.
Many Berliner are missing that fantastic army orchestra! There was no special military event without that Band performance. There were concerts in public parks, various halls, clubs & countless other events. (like parades, 'Open House' weekends, 4^th of July parties, honor ceremonies etc.) That Band with its almost 40 musicians always was in action, had found countless fans, young and old, everywhere in former West-Berlin.
But this army orchestra also is connected to me & my family by a special way. When in 1945 that Army Band came to Berlin, all its members were billeted in Berlin's district Zehlendorf, Schliefenstr. (later named in Wilskistr) and Waldhueterpfad. The last one is the small street were I was born & where I still live. Both streets are located right next to the U-Bahn ( subway ) station ' Onkel-Toms-Huette'. Old veterans should remember the local nice movie theater with the name 'Onkel Tom theater' . (today it's there the super market ' ALDI ')
A 'shadow-side' of that military action was the fact, that -ALL- German inhabitants, about 150 old & young people, had to leave their 2-3 rooms apartments within 2 days. (most of them were females because countless males were killed in WWII or in POW camps). Quartermaster & MP units had their orders, everybody had to follow, no mercy. On July 18, 1945, all Germans had left their confiscated apartments. The whole block next to the subway station got fenced and guarded to prevent that German occupants try to get back in. Short time later, young soldiers were billeted in the full- furnished abandoned German apartments. They probably have not known that the German inhabitants got kicked out before. Many of the GI's were musicians of that legendary Band. Its 'HQ' or practice site (for music sessions) was located in building of Waldhueterpfad # 85. It's about 100 yards away and on the opposite of my current home. ( # 86 ). In the rear of # 85 also was a nice back yard. It was a great place to practice music sessions. 10 yards behind of that back yard began a wide open square, at that time without any trees. It often was used by the Band for marching practice while playing music. (photo) Today this square has many tall birch trees and is a nice playground for kids. My son Mike & family are living there now, less than 20 yards away of # 85.
But there is much more Band history in that street. It's filled by the spirit of that legendary orchestra. In # 85 once also lived star trumpeter Sebby Papa, (see his Honor Page), close to it, star trumpeter Chet Baker and in the apartment of my Grandparents & parents, (in # 96) , band member Salvador Plaza. He & some of his comrades were housed in our former apartment & home after my birth ( Dec. 1947). He once probably slept in my Grandparents double bed, who knows. I can not more talk to Salvador because he passed away many years ago. But some of his photos were sent to me by his daughter, Karen.

One fact in 1945 once has made my grandma very upset. When she suddenly had to leave by military order her apartment in Waldhueterpfad # 96 with her husband & her 2 daughters (one of them was my mom) within 2 days, she also had to leave behind her beloved black piano. All German occupants had got the order to leave their property behind inside their apartments. Except some clothes & personal documents, everything had to stay there. Unbelievable for the worried and shocked people but they had got no other choice. That piano was old & used but still in good shape, it was my grandma's pride. I'm sure, that musician Salvador Plaza had a lot of fun because after more than 60 years, suddenly I've got a photo which shows him, sitting infront of my grandma's beloved piano. What an evidence! On Sept. 6, 1947 , 3 months before my birth in Dec., all American troops departed the confiscated German apartments. Finally, after 2 years, the old owners were allowed to return. My parents did but my grandparents refused, wanted not leave their new apartment again. It was located about an half mile away only and was the place where I was grown up later. (1953-1970) But when my parents came back in their old apartment they were shocked. It was total empty, everything was gone, of course also that nice piano of my Grandma which probably has 2 years given fun to soldiers of the 289^th Army Band. To where the 298^th Army band moved right after it, September 1947 until 1951, I do not know but I'm told, that from 1951, the Army Band was billeted at Andrews Bks., Building 909.

Now follows a related photo serie. Many of these old photos were sent to me by Sebby Papa and Karen, Sal's daughter. Some photos were taken by Chet Baker & Allen Lawless, (see also his Honor Page), the new ones by myself. Enjoy!