U. S. ARMY BERLIN BRIGADE

Andrews Barracks

Andrews Barracks was originally constructed in 1873-74 as the Imperial "Hauptkadettenanstalt" - the main military academy of the German Empire. The decision to build this academy followed the creation of a German state in 1871. In the aftermath of German unification, the Kaiser wanted to centralize military instruction, previously conducted at three academies, into one institute. The first class of the academy graduated in 1878. During World War I, nearly 3,000 graduates of the "Hauptkadettenanstalt" died.

The Treaty of Versailles required the closing of all military academies within the German Empire. The "Hauptkadettenanstalt" was closed in March 1920. Thereafter it became the "Staatliche Bildungsanstalt" (State Institute for Education). Under this new guise, and despite effords to liberalize the curriculum, it became a para military institution, and home to right wing cells. Many students were attracted quite early to the Nazi party.

In 1933, the academy was taken over by the "SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler" - Hitlers bodyguard. The compound was then expanded to the southern area of the grounds. All buildings here date from the Nazi era. During the war, the facilities suffered heavy damage.

The compound was taken over by United States forces in July 1945. On the Fourth of July, it was the site of a ceremony marking the official takeover of the American sector from th Soviets. Both Soviet and American forces participated, as the American and Soviet flag flew above a portico still bearing the inscription: Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler.

Andrews Barracks was named after Lieutenant General Frank Maxwell Andrews, who was in charge to build up of U.S. forces in England. He was killed in an air accident over Iceland in 1943. Currently (1993) the barracks are occupied by the Field Station Berlin, and since February February 1991, the 6941st Guard Battalion.

 

Andrews Barracks - 4 July 1945
Top