Fragment of the Berlin Wall

sketchfab

In the 1960s, a massive concrete wall was constructed around West Berlin to keep out East residents. When President Gorbachev's support for the East began to falter, the decision was made to dismantle the barrier. In November of 1989, Major John Dudart-Aberdeen (retired), a Cornishman and seasoned veteran, took command of 'Support Company' within the 1st Battalion The Light Infantry. This unit had served under its predecessor regiments, the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry. Within 'Support Company', a team of highly trained soldiers worked as Assault Pioneers, specializing in demolition and explosives. John assigned these experts to demolish and salvage sections of the Wall as a keepsake from that era. He anticipated smaller pieces, roughly football size, but the troops instead brought back a large slab covered in vibrant graffiti, which is now on display at the museum.