Berlin Wall Escapes1961–1989

26 August 1961 · Over the wall

A Bewag worker who had spent ten days at the border crosses at Chausseestraße

At about 10.45 a.m. on 26 August 1961 a Bewag worker, who had been doing jobs right at the border for ten days, fled at Chausseestraße.

Black-and-white photo of a wide empty street leading to a barrier, the Wall and control buildings at the Chausseestraße crossing, with apartment blocks behind.
The Chausseestraße border crossing seen from Wedding in June 1972 Photo: Willy Pragher. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

At about 10.45 a.m. on 26 August 1961 a worker of the Bewag fled at Chausseestraße, according to the Stasi report of that day.

He had been working directly at the border for ten days, and the report said the guards had therefore relaxed their vigilance towards him.

Black-and-white view of a street leading through a border crossing, with traffic cones, a watchtower, a guard hut and a painted wall on the left.
The Chausseestraße border crossing in January 1990 Photo: Gerd Danigel. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Sources

  1. Jahrgang 1961: Lage nach dem Bau der Berliner Mauer (10) – Bericht Nr. 489/61, 26. August 1961Stasi-Unterlagen-Archiv (DDR im Blick)

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