Preface: Wünsdorf
We’ve already written an introduction about the development of Wünsdorf into the Military Headquarters of the Reichsheer in 1914 as well as its transformation into the headquarters of the Panzer-Regiment 1 in 1934, in our article about the Bunker Zeppelin and Bunker Maybach. Instead of rehashing all of the history over again here, we’ll dive right into the the history of the Schule für Heeresmotorisierung (Wünsdorf).
Panzertruppenschule Wünsdorf – 1933 to 1939
Despite the ban on German tank development imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, the Reichswehr and the Red Army began secretly cooperating as early as 1926. At a training site near Kazan (known as “Kama“), they jointly tested heavy tank prototypes such as the “Großtraktor,” developed by companies like Rheinmetall, Daimler-Benz and Krupp.
This German-Soviet collaboration lasted until 1933, ending with Hitler’s rise to power. That same year, the covert rebuilding of Germany’s tank forces began in Zossen with the establishment of the “Kraftfahr-Lehrkommando” (Motor Vehicle Training Command).
Starting in 1931, Zossen was systematically developed into the future center of the German tank corps. The military infrastructure expanded significantly, with over 150 buildings constructed, including barracks, a supply office, and an army bakery. At the same time, Wünsdorf became the organizational heart of the Panzerwaffe, marked by the formation of the motorized “Panzer-Abwehrabteilung 39” and the relocation of the Army Motor Vehicle School from Berlin.
Renamed the Panzertruppenschule (Panzer Troop School) in 1937, it laid the foundation for the creation of the first tank training regiment in 1939—signalling the formal emergence of Germany’s modern armoured forces.
Schule für Heeresmotorisierung – 1939 to 1943
By 1935, both the Heereskraftfahrschule Berlin (Army Driving School) and the Kraftfahr-Lehr- und Versuchsabteilung Döberitz (Automotive Training and Testing Department) were moved to Wünsdorf in 1935, receiving the designation as a Armour School (Panzertruppenschule) in 1937. The teaching departments were merged and by 1939 a new Tank Training regiment was formed.
The Versuchsabteilung für Heeresmotorisierung (Testing Department for Army Motorization) was separated from the Tank Training School in 1940 and renamed Schule für Heeresmotorisierung (School for Army Motorization). The reason for the split was that the Schule für Heeresmotorisierung now soley focused on technical training, while the Panzertruppenschule focused on the opertaional and tactical training for officers.
By mid 1943, the Tank Troops were pulled out of Wünsdorf and relocated to Bergen-Hohne and Fallingbostel. The former barracks of the Schule für Heeresmotorisierung were then used as offices by Wehrmacht staff which had been bombed out by allied air raids over Berlin.
A little interesting historical fact: Germanys first Mosque was built in 1915 in a prisoner of war camp nicknamed “Halbmondlager” (half moon camp). The Halbmondlager interned primarily 4000 soldiers from India, North Africa and Syria. A second camp named “Weinberglager” held over 12000 prisoners of war from French colonies as well as Tatars. The Halbmondlager and mosque were constructed just outside of where the Schule für Heeresmotorisierung stands today.
Schule Nr 1 Wünsdorf | школе №1 Вюнсдорфа – 1954 to 1994
After the end of the second world war, the Soviet Military took over Wünsdorf, occupying and repurposing virtually every former Wehrmacht installation in addition to expelling over 800 inhabitants and taking over their houses and businesses. The main Administrative and teaching facility of the Tank Training School (Lehrklassengebäude der Panzertruppenschule) was now the Staff building of the Supreme Commander of the Soviet Troops in Germany, earning itself the nickname “the White House” (das Weiße Haus).
By 1954, the former Schule für Heeresmotorisierung had been transformed into apartments for officers and their families, while some of the buildings were transformed into a school – ubiquitously known as as “Schule Nr 1” (School Nr 1) or школе №1 Вюнсдорфа.
Every larger Soviet Military Garrison in East Germany had their own school, and they all came with such creative names such as Schule № 1 (Wünsdorf), Schule № 27 (Fürstenberg) – right up to Schule № 998 (East Berlin).
The majority of the buildings – at least on the exterior – remained the same, though one of them received a rather “unprofessional” brick addition. The workmanship seems rather crude, and the top floors all seem to slope precariously downward.
Schule Nr 1 Wünsdorf Video
If you’re interested in a little walkthrough of what the School and the buildings look like today – heres a video of our tour through the place. Unfortunately there isnt much left to see – which doesnt mean there isnt anything there. The majority of buildings have been stripped clean, with only a few wall murals – and the spectacular (if not slightly odd) giant Soviet soldier face.
Schule Nr 1 Wünsdorf | школе №1 Вюнсдорфа – 1994 to 2025
After the last buildings were handed over to the German authorities and the remaining Russian troops had left Wünsdorf in September of 1994 not much happened. Over the next 30 years, some buildings would be torn down, while others were converted into homes, refugee centers, local council offices and such. A good chunk of what was once the Panzertruppenschule Wünsdorf has now been renovated – though the “White House” and the entirety of the former Schule für Heeresmotorisierung have been left abandoned.
Schule für Heeresmotorisierung Today (2025)
Weve passed by the Schule für Heeresmotorisierung several times over the past 10 years and nothing has really changed since then. The buildigs have suffered the usual spate of vandalism and fires. Everything of value had been either stripped by the exiting Russians and Co or by the German Authorities (or the thieves that came afterwards).
There isnt tremendously much to see aside from the standard 1930s german architecture thats graced with the occasional soviet newspaper wallpaper or mural. Hidden relatively well in the undergrowth is a massive sculpture of Soviet Soldiers head. The meaning behind it is probably – if at all – only known to someone who now lives somewhere much further east.
As to what the future holds: I dont doubt that the city of Zossen will at some point manage to sell or renovate the former Schule Nr 1and the adjacent buildings, though it will probably be another few years before we see anything happen. The city currently has more abandoned soviet relics on its hands than it knows what to do with.
Schule für Heeresmotorisierung | Schule No 1 Address
Moscheestraße 7, 15806 Zossen
52.16719225750207, 13.48579502943031
