Train guards in 1949 used to be detailed by the RTO from people going or coming back off leave. I was train guard commander a few days after the air lift finished.The O/c train was an RAF officer who panicked and turned the guard out every time the train slowed down in the Russian zone.We used to get a rifle and a bandolier of 50 rounds, and on turn out one man to each connecting platform between carriages.The only perk was you got a sleeper ,I copped for it once more later on and that was a lot more relaxed. Bob
Oh yes,train guards to Berlin were a regular thing,never got caught myself for this one,but got caught going on leave for train guard to Hook of Holland - and you were guarding really bad cases,murderers and rapists - was I glad to get to Guernsey!!!!! -------- Don
PS - a months leave with 12 POUNDS in my pockets,felt like a millionaire!!!!!
The regular formation of the train consisted of 2 second class coaches, a First class coach, a Restaurant car, a Parcels coach and a staff coach. There was seating for 180 passengers in the 3 coaches although more could be added at peak times and the train was staffed by a total of 21 personnel. The personnel on Duty consisted of 2 Waiters, 1 Cook 1 Cooks assistant who were all permanent staff and lived in West Berlin. 8 Soldiers and a Corporal from one of the Regiments serving in Berlin at the time. 1 Post Orderly, 1 Warrant officer, 1 Warrant officer class 2 from the Royal Corps of Transport, 1 Captain and 1 Railway Guard were also present. The Officer commanding the Berlinner was responsible for the security of the train, the discipline of the passengers and the presentation of all documents to the Russians at the stop at Marienborn. The Warrant officer attached to 2 regiment Royal Military Police and was fluent in both Russian and German. It was his duty to accompany the officer commanding and translate as necessary during the stop at Marienborn. The Warrant officer class 2 was responsible for checking and collecting all passenger movement orders along with Military ID cards and any relevant passports. He also accompanied the O.I.C. at Marienborn and was also responsible for train management. The Post Orderly supervised the loading and unloading of Forces Mail, the security of that mail and the sorting during transit. The soldiers and Corporal searched the Berliner inside and out before departure, checked boarding passes, secured carriage doors with locks and chains, guarded and if necessary defended the Berliner during transit and also provided the duty signaller to keep the Berlin infantry brigade informed of the progress of the train.
The British Military Train that ran from Helmstedt to Berlin is now housed at 'Fort Paull' Nr Hull.
ReplyDeleteIt's said that Wesendorf use to supply armed guards for this train in days gone bye?
Very interesting, didn't even no about it Jim never mentioned it
ReplyDeleteProbably by the 11th Hussars who were at Wesendorf before the Royals went there Helen.
ReplyDeleteTrain guards in 1949 used to be detailed by the RTO from people going or coming back off leave. I was train guard commander a few days after the air lift finished.The O/c train was an RAF officer who panicked and turned the guard out every time the train slowed down in the Russian zone.We used to get a rifle and a bandolier of 50 rounds, and on turn out one man to each connecting platform between carriages.The only perk was you got a sleeper ,I copped for it once more later on and that was a lot more relaxed.
ReplyDeleteBob
Oh yes,train guards to Berlin were a regular thing,never got caught myself for this one,but got caught going on leave for train guard to Hook of Holland - and you were guarding really bad cases,murderers and rapists - was I glad to get to Guernsey!!!!!
ReplyDelete--------
Don
PS - a months leave with 12 POUNDS in my pockets,felt like a millionaire!!!!!
This is what it said inside:
ReplyDeleteThe regular formation of the train consisted of 2 second class coaches, a First class coach, a Restaurant car, a Parcels coach and a staff coach. There was seating for 180 passengers in the 3 coaches although more could be added at peak times and the train was staffed by a total of 21 personnel. The personnel on Duty consisted of 2 Waiters, 1 Cook 1 Cooks assistant who were all permanent staff and lived in West Berlin. 8 Soldiers and a Corporal from one of the Regiments serving in Berlin at the time. 1 Post Orderly, 1 Warrant officer, 1 Warrant officer class 2 from the Royal Corps of Transport, 1 Captain and 1 Railway Guard were also present. The Officer commanding the Berlinner was responsible for the security of the train, the discipline of the passengers and the presentation of all documents to the Russians at the stop at Marienborn. The Warrant officer attached to 2 regiment Royal Military Police and was fluent in both Russian and German. It was his duty to accompany the officer commanding and translate as necessary during the stop at Marienborn. The Warrant officer class 2 was responsible for checking and collecting all passenger movement orders along with Military ID cards and any relevant passports. He also accompanied the O.I.C. at Marienborn and was also responsible for train management. The Post Orderly supervised the loading and unloading of Forces Mail, the security of that mail and the sorting during transit. The soldiers and Corporal searched the Berliner inside and out before departure, checked boarding passes, secured carriage doors with locks and chains, guarded and if necessary defended the Berliner during transit and also provided the duty signaller to keep the Berlin infantry brigade informed of the progress of the train.