A day out with the Berlin Airlift veterans

[Brazen]

Three days ago marked the end of the Berlin Blockade, the first major incident of the Cold War. During it, the USAF, RAF, and other Commonwealth nations flew over 200,000 flights in an operation dubbed the Berlin Airlift that provided 13,000 tons of food daily for West Berliners whose supply lines the Soviet Union had blocked to starve them into giving them control of the whole city.

My Dad did his national service in this period, and was stationed around Berlin during the Airlift, including some time in the Olympic Stadium. I sent him a press release from the MoD about the anniversary, and being the savvy Silver Surfer he is, he tracked down a reunion of Airlift vets at the National Memorial in Staffordshire in September.

He's asked me to join him and I'm very much looking forward to hearing tales of an important part of World history first hand. 

[Cecil]

Coolio. 

We expect a full AAR when you get back.

[grumbler]

Three days ago marked the end of the Berlin Blockade, the first major incident of the Cold War. During it, the USAF, RAF, and other Commonwealth nations flew over 200,000 flights in an operation dubbed the Berlin Airlift that provided 13,000 tons of food daily for West Berliners whose supply lines the Soviet Union had blocked to starve them into giving them control of the whole city.

My Dad did his national service in this period, and was stationed around Berlin during the Airlift, including some time in the Olympic Stadium. I sent him a press release from the MoD about the anniversary, and being the savvy Silver Surfer he is, he tracked down a reunion of Airlift vets at the National Memorial in Staffordshire in September.

He's asked me to join him and I'm very much looking forward to hearing tales of an important part of World history first hand.

Actually, the amazing thing about the airlift was that something like 2/3 of what was lifted (by weight) was, in fact, mere coal.

[Syt]

Lots of cool stories about the Airlift. Cool event, looking forward to what you have to write afterwards, B.

[Syt]

Actually, the amazing thing about the airlift was that something like 2/3 of what was lifted (by weight) was, in fact, mere coal.

Indeed, heating and power supply were the main concerns. Many pilots dropped chocolate on parachutes for waiting children when approaching for landing. The Berliners called the transport planes affectionately "Rosinenbomber", i.e. Raisin Bombers.

The memorial in Berlin:

[KRonn]

A great job was done by the Airlift.

Good stuff Brazen, enjoy the reunion!

[Zanza]

The Berlin airlift was one of the most generous acts ever in international relations. Certainly showed the Germans that the Allies were really committed to freedom. Tell them they did a good job, Brazen.

[grumbler]

Yes, the airlift was significant for more than a few reasons.  First, as noted, it demonstrated to the Germans that they were to be defended as part of the west.  Second, it showed the Soviets that they couldn't get cheap wins in the Cold War.  Finally, it demonstrated that western technology was far more capable than the Soviets had anticipated, and in fact completely bypassed the infallibly tight Soviet blockade.

[Razgovory]

Yes, the airlift was significant for more than a few reasons.  First, as noted, it demonstrated to the Germans that they were to be defended as part of the west.  Second, it showed the Soviets that they couldn't get cheap wins in the Cold War.  Finally, it demonstrated that western technology was far more capable than the Soviets had anticipated, and in fact completely bypassed the infallibly tight Soviet blockade.

The triumph of Western logistics in that operation probably dwarfs anything ever done in military history.  Hannibal in the alps has nothing on that.