Regierungsvierte in Berlin in Mitte, Germany — Northeast German Plain (The European Plain)
Werner Probst
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 3, 2025
1. Werner Probst white cross
* 18.06.1936
† 14.10.1961
Werner Probst hatte keine Berufsausbildung und war fast Analphabet. Durch Diebstahlsdelikte war er vorbestraft, als ihn das MfS 1959 anwarb (IM „Harry“).
Probst arbeitete bis zum Mauerbau in West-Berlin. Er entschloss sich zur Flucht in den Westen. Er wurde bei einem Fluchtversuch durch die Spree in der Nähe der Schillingbrücke von DDR-Grenzsoldaten erschossen. Schon wenige Tage nach dem 13.08.61 war er am Bhf. Friedrichstr. bei dem Versuch, in den Westen zu gelangen, vorübergehend festgenommen worden.
Werner Probst
Born June 18, 1936
Died October 14, 1961
Werner Probst had no professional training and was almost illiterate. He had a criminal record for theft when the Stasi recruited him in 1959 (alias "Harry").
Probst worked in West Berlin until the Wall was built. He decided to flee to the West. He was shot dead by GDR border guards while attempting to cross the Spree River near the Schilling Bridge. Just a few days after the completion of the Wall on August 13, 1961, he was temporarily arrested at
this page online
Erected 2021 by Berliner Bürgerverein 1970.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Berlin Wall series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 14, 1961.
Location. 52° 31.053′ N, 13° 22.609′ E. Memorial is in Berlin, in Mitte. It is in Regierungsvierte. It is at the intersection of Ebertstraße and Scheidemannstraße, on the right when traveling south on Ebertstraße. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Berlin 10557, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Udo Düllick (here, next to this marker); Bernd Lünser (here, next to this marker); Heinz Sokolowski Memorial (here, next to this marker); Den Toten des Volkaufstandes vom 17. Juni 1953 (here, next to this marker); Olga Segler (here, next to this marker); Günter Litfin (here, next to this marker); Ida Siekmann (here, next to this marker); Ingo Krüger (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berlin.
Also see . . . Werner Probst (Maueropfer) (Wikipedia, in German). Excerpt (in translation):
With the construction of the Wall, Probst's dual existence as a cross-border worker and informant ended abruptly. He(Submitted on October 16, 2025.)attempted to reach the West via Friedrichstrasse station, but was arrested. His commanding officer offered him a posting to West Berlin, but this failed due to Probst's lack of knowledge of ciphers. On October 14, Probst attempted to escape to the West again. He went to the Spree River and entered the water under the Schilling Bridge. Border guards stationed on the bridge discovered the swimmer at around 10:30 p.m. and opened fire. By the time he reached the West Berlin quay wall, Werner Probst was already injured. As he climbed out of the water using a ladder on the West Berlin bank, he was fatally shot. The East Berlin water police pulled the injured man from the bank and took him to the Oberbaum Bridge, where he was pronounced dead.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 3, 20252. Werner Probst white cross - wide view (2nd from right)
Additional keywords. weiße Kreuze
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 16, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
