US Installations details - 13 - Misc Installations Photo Overview

Allied Control Council (ACA)

Location:
The ACA compound was located in Schoeneberg, (Heinrich-Kleist-Park), between Potsdamer Str. & Elsholzstr. in Berlin's American Sector. The Potsdamer Str. is one part of the former 'Bundesstrasse #1' which connected Potsdam ('Freedom Bridge') all the way down to the center of Berlin. This long street has several name changes like: Koenigstr., Potsdamer Str. , Potsdamer Chaussee, Berliner Str., Unter den Eichen, Schlossstr., Rheinstr., Hauptstr & once more Potsdamer Str.

History:
The Allied Control Council or Allied Control Authority, 'Alliierter Kontrollrat', was also referred to as the "Four Powers", was established by occupying powers following World War II as a governing body of the Allied Occupation Zones in Germany. ('Potsdamer Agreement'). Its four member states were the United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and France. France was added later with a vote but no responsibilities. ACA occupied the previous home of the German Supreme Court of Prussia, 'Kammergericht'. On June 5, 1945, the Supreme Commanders of the four victorious powers signed a common declaration, known as the 'Berlin Declaration', regarding Germany's defeat which formally abolished any German governance over the nation. The 'Potsdam Agreement' of August 2, 1945, further specified tasks of the Control Council; which were demilitarization, & denazification, as well as all other matters in reference to the civilian life (currency reform/D-Marks, etc.) in occupied Berlin. On March 20, 1948, Marshal Vasily Sokolovsky, U.S.S.R.'s representative, walked out of the council, never to attend again. The Cold War escalated with the Soviet blockade of occupied West Berlin and later with construction of the infamous Berlin Wall in 1961. Only one four-power organization, the 'Berlin Air Safety Center' (BASC) remained in the old ACA building from 1945, when Berlin's occupation began, until 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell.

Now:
In 1994, following the withdrawal of the victorious powers, the ACA compound reverted to the German Federal Government and is now home to the Supreme Court of Berlin, 'Kammergericht', once again.

Allied Kommandatura

The Allied Kommandatura was located in Dahlem, sub-district of Zehlendorf, #16-18 Kaiserswerther Strasse / Thielallee. (vicinity of Berlins' Free University complex of Garystr. & Ihnestr.)

The building, erected in 1928, was home of the main administration of the Public Fire Insurance organizations.
On July 25, 1945, the building was occupied by the four victorious powers. The Allied Kommandatura was like the 'little brother' of the ACA. Same kind of duty missions but on a lower level. The Soviets demonstrative had left it in 1948 but the three western Allies, United States, United Kingdom and France continued work.
After October 3, 1990, Berlin's reunification, the compound was turned over to Berlins' Free University.

Location:
The Harnack House is located in Dahlem, sub-district of Zehlendorf, 16-20 Ihnestr. The compound is right next to the Free University (FU) complex and the 'U-Bahn'- (subway) station 'Thielplatz'. In its vicinity, about 200 yards away on Saargemuenderstr., was the Clay-Headquarters & the compound of AFN. The Harnack House has 2 floors of various rooms for guests, barber shop, beauty parlor, newsstand & an restaurant. At one end of the complex, right next to Harnackstr., is attached the so-called 'Marine Bar'. In the rear of the buildings is a wonderful back yard & excellent relaxing place.
The compound once was named after the first president of the society, Adolf von Harnack.

History:
The Harnack House was opened in 1929 as center for German scientific & intellectual life. It was founded by the 'Kaiser-Wilhelm Gesellschaft' on the initiative of its first president, Adolf von Harnack & his colleague Friedrich Glum. The original purpose of the Harnack House was to provide an conference center and guests accommodation for major events designed to promote German science. Several notable German scientists & Nobel prize winners like Otto Hahn, Fritz Haber & Albert Einstein resided or worked there. The compound was practically undamaged during WWII & came in Soviet hands for a short time. Then it was taken over by the U.S. Forces, and became the popular American Officers' & Civilians' club. Despite of its historical prestige it also was further used for cultural and diplomatic events.

Now:
In 1994 the compound was given back to its original use to the 'Max-Planck Gesellschaft'. It offers excellent facilities for conferences & meetings with restaurant & accommodation for visitors & guests. The architecture and a large amount of the originally furniture remained in the original style and still is in use. To provide additional accommodation, the Harnack House maintains a guest house on the opposite of the Ihnestrasse. (about 50 yards away of the main building) That place was known as the 'Dahlem Guest House' and already has 'written Berlin history'. Many GI's with their family members once temporary have lived there.

During my 11 duty years together with MPs of the 287^th MP Co / Andrews Bks., I have been several times for various events in that great facility. The very last time it happened on June 4, 1994. While a great farewell ceremony, members of the Combined Police Station (PMO) got honored. It was time to say: "Good Bye, American friends".

Look at this great website, by video camera you get a realistic view of that legendary place and its vicinity.

Patton-/ Oliver Barracks
-by Reinhard v. Bronewski-
Location:
Lankwitz (sub-district of Steglitz), in between of Gallwitzallee / Eiswaldtstr. / Malteser Str.
Berfore & during WWII the German 12^th Anti Aircraft Regiment was billeted there.
1945, after war end, the compound was occupied by Soviet battle troops. Amazing war damage was visible, - bomb craters all over the place. The military site was taken over by U.S. Army 16^th Constabulary Squadron (SEP). This special unit had police & patrol missions in the American sector. First, the barracks were named after General Patton but after a short time the name was changed to Oliver Barracks. Reason was that in West-Germany another U.S. Army compound has got that same name.
The unit was equipped with M8 (wheeled) scout vehicles which were armed with main gun, 1 Browning machine gun, .50 cal & 1 Browning .30 cal machine gun (co-ax). The troopers carried .45 cal. pistols & Thompson sub-machine guns. In 1948, the 16^th Constabulary Squadron moved to McNair Barracks.
After that, this huge compound was / is home of various German police units. (Directorate 4) & the St. Marien hospital.

misc

History of the Berlin Command Horse Platoon
-by Reinhard v. Bronewski-
historical photos provided by
Gene Keller, Ray Hansen, Fred Williams & others

misc

The Horse Platoon in West-Berlin was created in October 1945 with soldiers & horses of the 78^th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 78^th Infantry Division.

Its personnel & horse stables were billeted in Dueppel, sub-district of Zehlendorf, at Koenigsweg. (sandy lane which is running parallel to Potsdamer Str. / Chaussee.). This military compound was not far away of the Soviet sector border & the zone Autobahn, leading to West-Germany.

The first horses originally came from an Hungarian Cavalry unit captured by US forces at Mecklenburg, Germany.

In January 1946, the platoon was integrated into the 16^th Constabulary Squadron & originally were used to patrol the border of the American Sector of West-Berlin. The Horse Platoon also was trained to respond civil disturbances, riots & was involved in Honor Guard & other official ceremonial duty missions. (VIP visiting of Berlin Command).

On November 24, 1950, the Horse Platoon was deactivated, personnel & all equipment were transferred to the 759^th Military Police Battalion. The personnel remained intact as a provisional Horse Platoon with authorization for 1 officer, 39 soldiers & about 60 horses. The 759^th MP Bn had the Law Enforcement & Security mission in West-Berlin. All GI's in that special unit were volunteers & were assigned from Military Police units in U.S. Army European Command (USAREUR.) Most of them had civilian experiences with horses prior to entering the Army. October 1953, the 759^th MP Battalion was de-activated.

Now, in 1953, the Horse Platoon was transferred intact to the 287^th Military Police Company. The duty missions were all the same, also the man- & horse power. The men of the Horse Platoon were stationed in Dueppel, all other members of the 287^th Military Police Company were billeted at Andrews Barracks (Lichterfelde). The personnel of the Horse Platoon also had German instructors whom tireless have given important knowledge & tactics to the young 'MP-Cowboys'. The GI's also participated to many horse matches & special tournaments, earned various awards. Such events always were highlights for spectators similar to Army parades. The Horse Platoon was beloved by Berliners & their U.S. Army service men.

On April 1, 1958, the last mounted unit of the United States Army, the 287^th MP Company Horse Platoon (Separate), was deactivated at Berlin Headquarters Berlin Command . 'OF THE TROOPS & FOR THE TROOPS' !

At this time, the later well-known & popular name 'BERLIN BRIGADE' was not 'born'. The name for the U.S. Army Berlin contingent has changed several times. (Berlin Military District / Berlin Command / Berlin-Military-Post / Berlin Command / Berlin Brigade). But for Berliners, all U.S. troops whom once have served in the divided city, (1945 - 1994) carry now the legendary name 'Berlin Brigade'. It's like a fire tattoo, burned into the skin !

The Directorate of Engineering & Housing installation (DEH), erected in the 1950s, was located in Berlin, Zehlendorf, #44 Dahlemer Weg. Its main gate was on the opposite of Curtius Strasse. At the dead-end of Bolchner Strasse, next to 'Sundgauer' housing area, (towers), was the back gate of DEH. The compound had 15 buildings and was connected by railway tracks to RTO & other U.S. installations. (for example S & S Div.)

DEH is the successor of the old E & I Division (Engineers & Installations) which once was located at Moerchinger Strasse.

The Directorate of Engineering & Housing was one of the biggest employers for German Craftsmen within the US Army Berlin. The Military however was more or less a minority. The Director, a LTC., and the NCOIC (MSG), responsible for the liaison to other units of the Berlin Brigade. Several key positions were filled with DACs (Department of the Army, Civilians), such as the Deputy, Director and some Division Chiefs.

DEH gave many family members or dependents the opportunity to work in an administrative job in various offices of all branches for the tour of duty of their sponsor with the Berlin Brigade.

All work orders throughout the Brigade were placed at DEH. Telephone number 6666, (later 115) "Customer Service" was one of the best-known in the American community.

One of the biggest Divisions was the "Housing Division", responsible for placing of quarters, the issue and pick-up of furniture, and the delivery of 90-day-kits.

The 'S.H.I.P' (Self Help Issue Point) was one of the most frequented pick-up point for troops to collect all kind of tools and expendable items for their daily tasks. (photos)

In the early 80s the DEH compound at Dahlemer Weg was renamed "Von Steuben Compound". (in honor of the German-American General von Steuben)

After 1994, about the half of former DEH compound is abandoned, the rest of the site, including the former Furniture Warehouse & the Cold Store, was taken over by a German transport company.

--Customer Service:
(Self-Help Issue Point (SHIP), work orders, Furniture Requirements )

--Housing Division:
(Housing Assignments, Family Travel Section, Furniture Customer Service)
--Harnack House (#16 Ihnestr.)
--Dahlem Guest House (#19 Ihnestr.)

--Utility Division:
(Heating Plants, Coal Yard, Electrician, Steamfitter, Plumber, Medical & Hospital Support)

--Buildings & Grounds Division:
(Heavy Equipment Storage, Roads & Grounds, Carpenter, Painter, Roofer)

--Engineer Resources Management Division:
(Work Coordination, Management of Engineering & Systems)

--Engineering Plans & Services Division:
(Job Order Contracting, Construction Branch, Master Planning, Project Management)

--Real Estate Division

--Health Care Facility Support Division

--Supply & Storage Division

--Fire Prevention Branch
(Fire Marshall & his crew, maintenance of fire extinguisher)

In 1962-1965, the installation USAFSS/ESC (U.S. Air Force Security Service / Electronic Security Command), was erected in south-west of West-Berlin on top of a hill. (piled up rubble, similar to 'Teufelsberg')

To that special site led the small side street - Diedersdorfer Weg- which ended at the border and 'Death-strip' of the GDR.
Marienfelde, sub-district of Tempelhof, belonged to the former American sector. The site also was called 'little brother of T-Berg', had the German name: 'Radaranlage Marienfelde'. Not much was known about that top-secret and well-guarded Army facility.
There were 16 buildings, six of them known as Operation buildings. Together with GI's of the 6912^th Electronic Security Group (690^th Electronic Security Wing) for Signal intelligence, also an British unit of the Royal Air-Force worked there.

One time only, in Summer of 1989, I had with my MP patrol partner the opportunity to get inside of its local mess hall. Nice place, great food, friendly personnel!

1991, one year after Berlin's reunification, all equipment removed, and in 1992,the whole site was torn down. Now that legendary place is another nice recreation area for the Berliners, nature took over there like at many other former BBDE installations.

Following World War II, the small spot of land, Steinstuecken, (about 300 to 500 yards) belonging to district of Zehlendorf, was part of the U.S. sector of West-Berlin. But the area around of it (outskirt of Potsdam) belonged, to the Soviet sector, also known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Although a border-line (not a wall) existed, civilians were free to move in and out of Steinstuecken without interference from occupation authorities.

Oct 18, 1951, the GDR wanted to take over that small West-Berlin area which already was surrounded by their border obstacles. This was not acceptable to the U.S. & its Berlin Command. GDR sent border troops to seal off this West-Berlin "island" in their territory. The few Steinstuecken occupants could enter or leave their "island" only at two GDR control points to Kohlhasenbrueck (Zehlendorf) and only by using a small dusty forest trail.

On June 1, 1952, the GDR prohibited all West Berliners access to the GDR except through East Berlin. All streets leading to the GDR and Steinstuecken were blocked by barricades.

From that time, a very lonely era began for the inhabitants of Steinstuecken, due to the inhuman actions of a communist dictatorship. Visitors from the other side were not more tolerated, permissions to see old friends, neighbors or family members, refused. West-Berliners were prevented from visiting Steinstuecken; breaking up families and friendships. The word 'mercy' seemed to be unknow for the GDR authorities. Access to the GDR from there also was no longer possible. After the Wall was erected in August13, 1961, more than 20 heavily armed GDR border soldiers made sure nobody could enter or leave that blocked off "island". It was further secured by extra walls & death strips. The few inhabitants of Steinstuecken were without voice and left alone in their tiny enclave.

This changed after U.S. General Lucius D, Clay visited Steinstuecken on Sept. 21, 1961. Beginning that day, 3 American MPs from the 287^th MP Co. were stationed at Steinstuecken to assert U.S. occupation authority and to help the inhabitants understand that they were not abandoned by the West. Andrews Barracks' "Yankee Stadium" became a temporary heliport and MPs traveled to and from Steinstuecken by helicopter. Communist authorities did not interfere with this "mini-Luftbruecke." MPs also brought in goods and initiated years of deep friendship. After 1 week duty they got released by another crew. The old occupants probably never forget the great Christmas and Thanksgiving ceremonies. The MPs were like family members for them. Many times during my 11 duty years at PMO, I've done joint patrols to that special place. But back again to its 'island' history.

Finally, after Sept. 3, 1971, a 4-power agreement changed that inhuman situation. The enclave Steinstuecken was opened at one end to Zehlendorf. A corridor about 20 yards wide & about 1000 yards long stripe of land was opened to build a road. It looked like a long tube to freedom. The GDR gave that terrain to West-Berlin and got in return another spot of land from West-Berlin. In 1972 a new street was built and Aug. 30, opened for public traffic. The bus line A18 (later A118) connected Kohlhasenbrueck with the center of that former tiny island. The loneliness finally was over, the inhabitants of Steinstücken became free West-Berliners. Also the silence was over forever now, countless of Berliners & tourists explored the unknown area now.