A rare travel document from the Cold War and Occupation of Germany

travel cold war germany

After I had my morning coffee, I went to my computer and checked my emails when suddenly a message popped up with this document. I remember I have seen it before – at the Allied Museum in Berlin, Germany, back in 2012. The document I saw there was issued by the British, this one was issued by the Americans. And there are also documents issued by the Soviets.

Allied military personnel to drive the Berlin-Helmstedt autobahn had to have a military ID card, valid vehicle registration or license plates, and official travel orders or leave form. Most importantly, also to have a Movement Order.

What you see here is a rare Movement Order for Allied military personnel, internally known as “Flag Orders.” Flag Orders were individual travel documents printed in English, French, and Russian with the flag of the appropriate Allied nation at the top. Flag Orders were official permission to travel the Berlin-Helmstedt autobahn. travel cold war germany 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Not a Member? JOIN US NOW or subscribe to our Newsletter