Border Signs
There was an amazing array of signage and visual indicators associated
with the border, almost all of which were designed to keep West German
civilians and US military personnel from accidentally crossing into the
east. Most signs were found along West German public roads running
directly to the border and at vantage points look into the DDR that were
popular with West German tourists. Over the years, the design and
language of the signs became minor points of contention between East and
West. Early signs noted East Germany as the "Soviet Occupied Zone ", as
these signs were replaced, the language became less political.
Entry into the West German side of the border was completely open to all
West German civilians and US civilian tourists. Military dependents and
active duty personnel were restricted from the area unless on active
border patrol or a sanctioned and accompanied tour. In the forests and
fields, generally the survey stones and the Bavarian blue and white
poles were the only western indicators prior to the East German barrier
system.
This sign was found on all West German public roads leading towards the
border at the 1 kilometer point. All US forces were prohibited from
going beyond this sign unless they were specifically assigned to a
border unit and were on duty conducting the actual border surveillance
mission. --Randy Mitchell
This sign commonly could be found within inches of the actual border on
the western side. Placed by the West German government it indicates the
border and carries a graphic image reminding anyone that the actual
border line lay at their feet, not at the East German fence line.
The poster also displayed many features of the East German barrier
system commonly visible from the west. Of note, the graphic shows the "
second generation " of the barrier system with an old, wooden tower,
double fence barrier and land mine strip.
--Jack Tartella
In this detail of the sign the margins are slightly cut off, the sign
reminds the viewer of the actual location of the border
--Jack Tartella
These signs, placed by the West German Federal Border Police also were
commonly found within inches of the border.
--Jack Tartella
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