Troop Train To Berlin

 Troop Train To Berlin

The summer of 1971 was a time of adventure for the Purvis family. Charlie Purvis, a Tech Sergeant stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, decided it was the perfect opportunity to take his wife, Mary, and their young son, Charles Jr., on a journey to Berlin. The trip would be a mix of history, culture, and family bonding, all aboard the iconic troop train that connected West Germany to the divided city.

The Journey Begins

 On August 15, the family set off from Ramstein to Frankfurt, where they contacted the Berlin Booking Office BBO) to secure their train tickets. The train departed Frankfurt on August 11, embarking on a 372-mile journey through the heart of Germany. The route was scenic, winding through lush valleys, quaint villages, and along the Rhine River, where they caught glimpses of vineyards and medieval castles perched on hilltops.

One of the highlights of the trip was passing through the Rhine Valley, where the train slowed to navigate the curves of the river. The family marveled at the Lorelei Rock, a legendary cliff that rose dramatically from the water, and the twin castles of Schloss Sterrneberg and Schloss Liebenstein, known as the "Hostile Brothers," which stood guard over the town of Kamp Bornhofen.

The Crossing at Marienborn

The most tense moment of the journey came as the train approached Marienborn, the heavily guarded border crossing into East Germany. Here, Russian soldiers, clad in olive-green uniforms and carrying AK47 machine guns at the ready, boarded the train. Their presence was imposing, and their stern expressions left no room for conversation. One soldier, a burly man with a weathered face and piercing blue eyes, meticulously examined each passengerʼs travel documents. His movements were precise, his demeanor cold, as if he were a gatekeeper to another world.

The family held their breath as the soldier scrutinized their papers, but after what felt like an eternity, he gave a curt nod and moved on. The train lurched forward, crossing the border into East Germany, and the Purvis family exhaled in relief.

Exploring Berlin

Arriving safely in Berlin, the Purvises wasted no time immersing themselves in the cityʼs rich history and culture. Their first stop was the Berlin Wall, a stark reminder of the Cold Warʼs division. Standing before the concrete barrier, they felt the weight of its significance, knowing that just beyond lay a world vastly different from their own.

Next, they visited Checkpoint Charlie, the famous crossing point between East and West Berlin. The small guardhouse, flanked by sandbags and barbed wire, was a symbol of the tensions that had defined the city for decades. They also marveled at the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic landmark that had witnessed centuries of history, from Napoleonʼs conquests to the rise and fall of the Wall.

The family spent a day at the Zoo Berlin, the oldest in Germany, where Charles Jr. was thrilled to see the pandas and elephants. The zooʼs history, from its founding in 1844 to its survival through World War II, added depth to their visit.

They marvel at the Reichstag Building, its grand architecture a testament to Germanyʼs tumultuous past. Though it was still in disrepair from the war, the buildingʼs significance as the seat of the German parliament was undeniable.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a poignant symbol of both history and resilience. Originally constructed in the 1890s in a Neo-Romanesque style, the church was severely damaged during World War II air raids in 1943. Instead of complete demolition, the ruins of the spire were preserved as a war memorial, while a modern octagonal church and hexagonal bell tower were added in 1961. This unique blend of old and new architecture serves as a powerful reminder of the devastation of war and the importance of peace. Today, the church is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to reflect on its historical significance and admire its striking design.

Family Reunion

One of the most heartwarming moments of the trip was visiting Charlieʼs first cousin, Larry Johns, and his family. The cousins had not seen each other in years, and the reunion was filled with laughter, shared memories, and promises to stay in touch.

The Return Journey

On August 21, the Purvis family boarded the train back to Frankfurt. The journey home was quieter, the family reflecting on the experiences they had shared. As the train rolled through the countryside, they felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing they had created memories that would last a lifetime.

"Troop Train To Berlin" was more than just a vacation; it was a journey through history, a testament to resilience, and a celebration of family. For the Purvises, it was an adventure they would never forget.

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Footnotes: 

[1] https://www.seat61.com/places-of-interest/rails-down-the-rhine.htm

[2] https://blogs.loc.gov/international-collections/2019/11/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-berlin-wall/

[3] https://www.mauermuseum.de/en/about-us/history/

[4] https://www.zoo-berlin.de/en/about-the-zoo/history

[5]   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_buildin

[6] https://www.historyhit.com/locations/kaiser-wilhelm-memorial-church/

[7] https://originalberlintours.com/discover-the-history-of-kaiser-wilhelm-memorial-church-in-berlin/

[8] https://www.berlin.de/en/attractions-and-sights/3561433-3104052-kaiser-wilhelm-memorial-church.en.html

[9] https://berlindividedcity.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/kasier-wilhelm-memorial-church/

[10] https://www.introducingberlin.com/kaiser-wilhelm-memorial-church

Researched and experience by Charlie Purvis; with help for Artificial Intellence >  https://www.perplexity.ai/