These wreaths have been left in memory of innocent people who were killed by East German border guards whilst attempting to flee to the west.

Every year, commemorations take place on the 13th of August, anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. We are looking through two vehicle traps, which were placed at a distance of just under the width of a Trabant. Military Trabants were used to patrol the East German border. It was first breached in late 1989 and a year later ceased to exist. A section of the border has been preserved at Hötensleben, south of Helmstedt.

About the photos

This image is from the portfolio of Aidan O'Rourke photographer writer website publisher. Most images are copyright Aidan O'Rourke and may be available as prints or high resolution files. Some images are by other artists, and are published with their approval, or are included in reviews of their work.

The portfolio contains a wide range of themes and image formats. The images are used to illustrate articles on this site, and to provide information about the subjects depicted.

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Keywords: GDR border, history of post war Germany, history of the division of Germany, Deutsche Teiling, Berlin Wall, Iron Curtain, remains of the GDR border