The three gigantic Flak towers were built in Berlin and were 130 ft high and took only six months to build Each had its accompanying smaller command tower nearby.
The Flaktrme are, even in their present partly demolished and buried state, awesome buildings. They were a strange, but effective concept of modern fortress. Anti-aircraft gun platform, radar tower, observation post, hospital, air raid shelter, museum artefact depository, communication centre and after the war hostels for the homeless and DP's, displaced persons.
They provided excellent observation posts during the last days of the war as the Soviet forces encircled Berlin.
They were garrisoned by 100 Hitler Youth Luftwaffenhlfer commanded by experienced Luftwaffe Officers and NCO's of Flakturm-Abtilung 123.
NB Sometimes the main tower is referred to as the Geschtzturm, lit. gun tower or turret.
The Gefechtsturm or G-Turm (lit. "Battle Tower") was a light and heavy calibre anti-aircraft gun platform with ammunition magazine. Parts of the tower were designated as shelter for the civilian population during air raids
The smaller Leitturm or L-Turm (lit. "Lead Tower") was the Command Centre and housed on the roof retractable radar for direction finding and ranging linked to the aniti-aircraft guns. It also housed important communication equipment. Also armed with anti-aircraft guns.
Lower parts of the towers were designated as shelter for the civilian population during air raids and it is said that up to18000 could shelter within.
After the war, under the terms of the surrender, the Flaktowers were required to be destroyed as they were technically an offensive weapon of war. The air raid shelters could remain. All were used for a short time as temporary shelter for the homeless.
Building was started in October 1940.
Architect was Friedrich Tamms.
Two towers; "G"- Turm and "L"- Turm.
Parts of the tower were designated for use during air raids by the civilian population and as hospital.
Valuable archives and art exhibits from the Berlin Museums were stored here.
The L-Turm provided the vital communications link between the Fhrerbunker under the Reichschancellery garden and the outside world when Berlin was cut off during the last days of the war.
Demolished by the British, as it was in their Sector, in 1947/8 and all traces removed
