East German Refugees

[kato13]

Not Wanting to hijack the "Overseas Units and Family" thread but on a semi related topic. In what direction do a majority of East German Refugees go during the initial months of the FRG/Pact conflict. Generally I see west being the desired option, but I have no idea what the FRG and the GDR would be doing to manage displaced civilians. Do they provide transport? Do they open the borders?

[Legbreaker]

Hmm, tough question. Soooo many variables to take into account...

[fightingflamingo]

The FRG had substantial assets in it's territorial defense regions assigned to provide security, traffic control, and refugee relief which can be seen on tank-net's NATO OOB.

I think that FRG citizens living close to the IGB, and Czech borders would be evacuated west. DDR citizens would be first evacuated into the FRG if they were clear evacuation lanes available, say through the rear areas of advancing FRG units. but I see this as applying only initially and to DDr citizens living in say 30km of the IGB. Further in I have a feeling that they would be instructed by both sides to shelter in place, unless the WP starts going 1945 on the DDR's traitorous civilian population. Then it could get very confusing with refugee's trying to cross the battle area to escape persecution. Still, I think the most likely option would be to shelter in place.

[Legbreaker]

I tend to agree.
Unless there is actual fighting going on in the area, most people are likely to remain in places they are most familiar with. Even if forced to flee, once fighting has passed by, most will probably attempt to return to their homes.

However in the face of a hostile force, flight is much more likely. Therefore, I can see those who believe Nato to be the enemy fleeing east during the earlyl stages of the war, only to try returning once the front has moved back past their homes and they feel safe enough to return.

Those who see the west as liberators are almost certain to take shelter while the fighting goes on, only to flee to the west months later when the Pact counter attack (late 1997).

Naturally there's going to be exceptions "to the rule" but I see that as what the majority of people would do.