Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the name given by Western Allies to the best known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. Erected by the Soviet Union in 1961, the wall divided Berlin with its main purpose to prevent Eastern Bloc emigration to the West. During its 28-year active life the wall was a constant reminder of East-West tensions and has featured in many spy movies and books.

The Soviet Union cut off land access to Berlin after the end of WWII hence beginning one of the first major international crises of the Cold War. What followed was the massive Berlin Airlift. Over 200,000 flights a year provided Berliner's with their daily necessities such as food and fuel. Not well known was that Royal New Zealand Air Force aircrew were involved flying alongside their American, British and Australian counterparts. The airlift ended in 1949 after negotiations provided a permanent access corridor to Berlin across East Germany. 

While in Berlin the Bazflyers are staying in a delightful small hotel which is just around the corner from Checkpoint Charlie. In its former life the 'Wall' went smack through the middle of the hotel. I suppose you could say we are using Checkpoint Charlie every day…..