More than three million East Germans had crossed to the West before the Wall was erected in August of 1961. It was built by East Germany to keep its citizens from getting out.
The Wall was a barrier between West Berlin and East Berlin, with two big concrete walls including towers and guards with guns. Along the center was a wide empty space, referred to as the "death strip."
"Four months after the Wall was first erected, a young railroad engineer in East Berlin spotted a gap in the barrier. Harry Deterling discovered a disused train track that still ran from an East Berlin suburb into West Berlin.
"Deterling promptly signed up to drive the train on the nearest route and plotted “the last train to freedom.” On Dec. 5, 1961, Deterling brought his family and friends on board, drained the air from the train’s emergency brakes, and steamed at full throttle towards West Berlin, sending startled border guards flying.
"Once on the other side, one of the passengers rang West Berlin’s police to inform them: “We’ve just escaped with a train.” East Germany blocked the railway line the next day."
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(cont'd tomorrow)
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