Two weddings and a teaching post in Cold War Berlin (272)

Cold War Conversations

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 14 January 2023

⏱️ 52 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Marie-Claude Hawkes continues her story with her return to Berlin in 1985 as a French teaching assistant at the Havel School RAF Gatow, teaching French and taking part in school activities in West and East Berlin. Between September 86 and August 87 Marie-Claude was employed as a cartoonist for the Berlin Bulletin, the weekly magazine for the British Forces in Berlin. Marie Claude describes her experiences as a French citizen working for the British Army as well as the challenges of being a French civilian in Berlin marrying a British citizen. In February 1988 Marie-Claude started work as the Director of Extra-Mural Studies at 46 AEC (Army Education Corps), Smuts Barracks in Spandau. While organising various classes for service men/women and their ‘dependents’, she also provided interpreting and trips to East Berlin for various purposes, one illegal… It’s a fascinating view of Cold War Berlin from a perspective not heard before. 7:14 Marie-Claude Hawkes' experiences in Berlin and role at the Harvard School 14:39 Marie-Claude Hawkes' post-marriage life and career in the Army Education Corps 17:28 Life in Berlin, cultural barriers, and infamous locations 20:49 Marie-Claude Hawkes' role in the Education Center and adventures in East Berlin 30:06 Unique rules and regulations of living in Berlin: 'Berlinology' 33:37 Discussions on Berlin defense and encounters with Soviet officers 38:53 Marie-Claude Hawkes' wedding and experience on the French military train 46:26 Inquiry about Stasi files and reflections on being a part of history 48:16 Sponsor: Episode extras and gratitude to financial supporters 48:50 Closing remarks and preview of next episode Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Episodes mentioned: The Defence of RAF Gatow https://coldwarconversations.com/episode257/ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community 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. Extra info including photos, and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode272/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
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0:35.9	On my way to work, I remember once.
0:38.4	There was a funny car that stopped alongside the bus.
0:42.0	And I looked and I suddenly realized there were Soviet officers in there.
0:46.4	So I thought, oh, I'm supposed to report them?
0:51.2	This is Cold War Conversations. If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to first-hand Cold War history accounts. Do make sure you follow us in your podcast app or join our emailing list to keep up with the latest episode.
1:11.8	Mary Claude Hawks continues her story with her return to Berlin in 1985 as a French teaching assistant at the Harville School, R.E.F. Gattow.
1:21.6	Between September 86 and August 87, Marie Claude was employed as a cartoonist for the Berlin Bulletin, the weekly magazine
1:29.4	for the British forces in Berlin. She describes her experiences as a French citizen working
1:35.2	for the British Army, as well as the challenges of being a French civilian in Berlin, who is
1:40.6	marrying a British citizen. In February 1988, Mary Claude started work as the Director of Extra Mural Studies
1:48.2	at the British Army Education Corps at Smuts Barrax in Spandau.
1:53.4	While organising various classes for servicemen and women and their dependents,
1:57.4	she also provided interpreting and trips to East Berlin for various purposes,
	...

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