Memories

[mike_vee]

While looking for something else on the internet I came across an article which brought back memories of days spent on the training areas in Germany in the late 1970's/early 1980's.

Training area legend

British troops spent millions of hours during the Cold War honing their skills on the specialist training areas available to them in West Germany. These places all had their own reputations, and created their own stories, myths and legends: the stairs at Vogelsang, or the haunted buildings at Sennelager. But greatest of all was that of Wolfgang Meier on the Soltau-Lüneburg Training Area.

Wolfgang was an enterprising local German who sought to capitalise on the hungry British troops on the training area. For 25 years, his catering vans served bratwurst, fish and chips, chips with mayonnaise, and liquid refreshment to eager and grateful soldiers, who flocked to the van wherever and whenever it appeared.

With an uncanny ability to sniff out British troops despite their attempts at camouflage - so much so that it was jokingly suggested he might be a KGB spy - and navigate challenging terrain, Wolfgang was and remains a fixture of the British Army’s cultural memory in Germany.

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[grenadierguardsman]

Do you remember Wolfgang ?
Andy

[Belfin]

Wolfgang is alive and well and has his own group on Facebook. I think it was started up by ex BAOR veterans as an appreciation society type thing!

Some have even been pushing for him to be recognised officially for his 'service' to UK troops during the Cold War.

[Belfin]

I stand corrected...two groups at least:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/56841388928/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/350070702333603/

[yorkstone]

I have bought many meals and yellow handbags (box’s of Herferder beer) from his Van 83-85.
Regards
Stephen

[grenadierguardsman]

Originally Posted by Belfin

Wolfgang is alive and well and has his own group on Facebook. I think it was started up by ex BAOR veterans as an appreciation society type thing!

Some have even been pushing for him to be recognised officially for his 'service' to UK troops during the Cold War.

I'd rather see Wolfgang get recognised, than the jumped up F1 Driver Hamilton.
Andy

[grenadierguardsman]

Amazing how that wagon got to us, in those conditions. Soltau etc etc
Andy

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by yorkstone

I have bought many meals and yellow handbags (box’s of Herferder beer) from his Van
Regards
Stephen

Photo of his van from 1993:

1 Royal Tank Regiment's last ever farewell to the Soltau-Lüneburg Training area, 1993

https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail....2005-09-38-492



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[grenadierguardsman]

He must have made a fortune off us lot ?
Andy