27 January 1986 · Over the wall

Frank K. is caught at the signal fence

An applicant for an exit visa who worked near the border prepared tools and a change of trousers, got over the inner wall, and was arrested climbing the signal fence.

Frank K. applied to leave the GDR in March 1984 and at the same time looked for a way to escape. From early 1986 he worked at a company on Brunnenstraße, which probably gave him a chance to study the border installations there.

On 27 January 1986 he decided to go. He got hold of tools and, as camouflage, wore two pairs of trousers so that he could change.

He climbed over the inner wall without being noticed, but as he tried to climb the signal fence the sentries arrested him. He was handed over to the People's Police.

Sources

  1. Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer – Bereich C: Der Bau der Mauer (Orientierungsplan und Ereignismarken), marker C 402Stiftung Berliner Mauer
  2. C 402 – Digital Guide, Berlin Wall MemorialStiftung Berliner Mauer

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    A toolmaker who had been refused permission to emigrate and jailed for two years built a small collapsible ladder, cut through the signal fence at Brunnenstraße and got over the 3.6-metre Wall while twelve shots were fired at him.

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  2. 15 January 1966

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  3. 24 July 1984

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  4. 23 August 1961

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