Memories of an East German Naval Officer’s Family

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Katja is the daughter of Vice Admiral Gustav Hesse of the East German Navy. She opens up about her life growing up in East Germany and offers a rare glimpse into life in a family loyal to the East German government.

Born in the summer of 1969 in Greifswald, Katja reflects on how her father’s naval career shaped their family life, providing them with certain privileges but also placing immense pressure on her mother, who often had to manage the household alone.

As the episode unfolds, Katja recounts the pivotal moment of November 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell and she is faced with the emotional turmoil the world she has known dissappearing before her eyes.

Katja’s reflections on her upbringing and the overwhelming changes during the reunification period provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the personal and collective struggles faced by those who had been supporters of East Germany.

Her experiences remind us of the importance of understanding history through the eyes of those who lived it, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the Cold War and its lasting impact on individuals and families.

Buy Katja’s book here https://www.engelsdorfer-verlag.de/Belletristik/Romanhafte-Biografien/Ostprinzessinnen-tragen-keine-Krone::7605.html

Video of Katja’s father (2nd officer from the left and pictured below) https://youtu.be/yYhsP8t-BKA?si=R8bM7ts-4app-frc&t=614

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