Engineer Operations

Also stationed in Meiningen in support of Grenzregiment 9 was a separate engineer company.  They provided barrier related maintenance and construction support to include such tasks as third generation barrier transitions of both towers and fence systems.  The barrier fence evolution from the parallel fences to the new style single fence was a simple enough procedure.  The de- mining of the center strip posed many problems.  The mines shifted in position due to frost heaves and erosion; they were not always stable.  Although the  smallest anti - personnel mines  had been placed, recovery or detonation proved to be dangerous work for even highly trained soldiers.  A variety of methods were used to include mine rollers and flails built on T54 chassis.  On occasion, it was necessary for soldiers to search for mines  with wooden or fiberglass poles.  One tracked utility vehicle had a large screen built into the side to protect the engineers as they searched with long poles.  At certain times, it was necessary for the soldiers to dismount and rely on the protection afforded by special body armor and head - face shields. 

De - mining by hand along a second generation fence.     Ritter

Tracked engineer vehicle with blast screen.      Tartella

Large work camp for third generation fence transition.    Ritter

Engineer work party at end of day.    Ritter

Work site 2nd to 3rd generation fence.    Ritter

Mine roller attached to T54 chassis during conversion from second to third generation fence, Eaglehorse sector, 1977. Tartella

Truck mounted crane for lifting third generation fence sections into place, Eaglehorse sector, 1977.  Tartella

Used to clear the center strip of mines, this engineer vehicle has a plow front and a plow / digger at rear.  Ritter

Engineer vehicle, Eaglehorse sector, plow on front and  mine roller on rear, elevated in travel position.  Ritter

A detail of a rear mounted mine roller device as it pivots into position.  Note the safety cage to trap debris thrown by explosions.  The vehicle would back through the mined strip; the roller detonating the mines.  Ritter

An engineer company " cherry picker "  crane performs maintenance on a second generation tower, Eaglehorse sector.  Ritter

Border Troop engineers with detector and probe work a section of second generation fence.  Ritter

Mine explosion.    Roland Ansorge

Dangerous duty; a wounded engineer is led to an ambulance, Eaglehorse sector.  Ritter

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