Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

Former BRIXMIS intelligence officer Peter Williams shares his first-hand experiences operating behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. From gathering military intelligence in East Germany to violent encounters with Soviet forces and the Stasi, Peter recounts the realities of one of Britain's most unique and dangerous military missions.

00:00 Introduction
01:01 How did BRIXMIS begin?
02:25 What Intelligence did BRIXMIS gather?
03:55 What did a typical tour include?
06:12 How did encounters with Soviet troops play out?
06:52 How did encounters become more violent?
08:49 What was your most dangerous experience?
12:46 What were Soviet Troops like as people?
13:16 Would BRIXMIS work today?
13:54 Did BRIXMIS make a difference?
14:41The Cold War Ends
15:40 Looking back on BRIXMIS

FILM CLIPS
Explore and licence the film clips used in this video: film.iwmcollections.org.uk/collections/_VAvWyzaO

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
https://x.com/I_W_M
instagram.com/imperialwarmuseums
facebook.com/iwm.london
tiktok.com/@imperialwarmuseums

Image Attributions:
©Peter Williams
© BRIXMIS Association

Stasi Records Archives (Bundersarchiv)
© BArch, MfS, HA VIII, Fo, 1625
© BArch, MfS, HA VIII, Fo, 1626
© BArch, MFS, HA I, 12761

Specific Images:
BArch, MfS, HA VIII, Fo, 1625, Bild, 0030
BArch, MfS, HA VIII, Fo, 1625, Bild, 0034
BArch, MfS, HA VIII, Fo, 1625, Bild, 0060
BArch, MfS, HA VIII, Fo, 1625, Bild, 0062
BArch, MfS, HA VIII, Fo, 1625, Bild, 0073
BArch, MfS, HA VIII, Fo, 1626, Bild, 0001
BArch, MfS, HA VIII, Fo, 1626, Bild, 0026
BArch, MFS, HA I, 12761, Seite, 0013,_Bild,_0002