FReeper Canteen ~ The Berlin Airlift Part 1: The Beginning ~ 05 December 2016

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[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

The Berlin Airlift
Part 1:  The Beginning
All info and photos from this website.

           

For the next four weeks, on Mondays, the Hall of the Heroes threads will be about the Berlin Airlift and its heroes.  I hope the story inspires you like it does me!  Thank you to ConorMacNessa for the thread topic tip!

The Berlin Airlift

PRELUDE TO CONFLICT
At the end of WWII, a defeated Germany was divided amongst the victors, the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and France. The Soviet Union took control of the Eastern half of Germany, the Western half was divided amongst the US, Great Britain, and France. Like the rest of the country, the capital city of Berlin, sitting dead in the middle of the Soviet-controlled Eastern half, was also divided into four parts, one half being Soviet controlled, and the rest divided amongst the others. A four-power provisional government, called the Allied Control Council, was installed in Berlin.  This union of governments was to control and rebuild the city of Berlin.

 

By 1948, it became apparent that the Western Powers (Great Britain, France, and US) plan to rebuild Germany differed from the Soviet Union's plan. Currency, German Unification, Soviet War reparations, and mere ideology were among the many differences the two sides had. There would be no compromise. As a result, Stalin wanted them out of Berlin.  In early 1948, tensions between the once former Allies climaxed.  On April 9, 1948, Stalin ordered all American Military personnel maintaining communications equipment out of the Eastern Zone (Soviet controlled Berlin).  Trains were halted on June 1and June10.  On June 21, the Soviets halted a US Military Supply Train and refused it passage to Berlin.  On the 22nd, they placed armed guards aboard, attached a Soviet engine and hauled it back to Western Germany.  In a final move to spurn the Americans, British, and French out, on June 24, 1948, all land and water access to West Berlin was cut off by the Soviets.  There were to be no more supplies from the West.  What was going to happen?  Where were the necessary supplies going to come from for the Occupation Forces?  For that matter, where were the supplies for the 2,008,943 Berliners going to come from?  It was a grave situation.

General Lucius Clay                          Sir Brian Robertson                             General Curt LeMay                       Brig. General Joseph Smith

The Allies were certainly not going to stand for this. Diplomacy failed, Ground invasions were planned, and World War 3 was on the brink of existence.  US Military Commander Lucius Clay had developed a plan by which an armed convoy through Soviet Controlled Germany would break the blockade.  This action would certainly create a war.

A Douglas C-47, the military version of the DC-3.  It is capable of hauling 3.5 tons of cargo.

 

MEAGER BEGINNINGS 
 

However, British Commander Sir Brian Robertson offered an alternative: supply the city by air.  A daunting task.  Supplying the Occupation forces of 2,2679 was easy, but the entire population?  The only aircraft the Americans had available for the task were 5 year old Douglas C-47 Skytrains, which would only hold 3.5 tons each.  After some consultation, the decision was made: it was worth a try.  Earlier in April, US Forces airlifted in supplies to replace the ones being delayed by the Soviets.  This was what became known as the "Little Lift".  West Berlin had two airports, Tempelhof, which was Berlin's main airport and located in the American Sector, and Gatow, in the British Sector.  Supplies could be airlifted in by C-47 and there was nothing the Soviet Union could do about because, in 1945, someone had foresight.  On November 30, 1945, it was agreed, in writing, that there would be three 20-mile wide air corridors providing access to the city. These were unarguable. 

When the blockade began, the Soviets rejoiced, because they believed the Western powers had only one option, to leave Berlin.  But they underestimated the West airlift supplies.  Gen. Clay called upon General Curtis E. LeMay, commander of USAFE and asked him if he could haul supplies to Berlin.  LeMay responded, "We can haul anything".  Two days later Gen. LeMay called upon Brig. Gen. Joseph Smith, Commander of the Wiesbaden Military Post, and appointed him Task Force Commander of an airlift operation estimated to last a few weeks.  The only US aircraft initially available were 102 C-47's and 2 C-54 Skymasters.  On June 26, the first C-47's landed at Tempelhof Airfield, foreshadowing the great operation that was to come.  Smith dubbed the mission "Operation Vittles", because he said "We're haulin' grub."  The British called their part "Operation Plane Fare". 

It was determined that the city's daily food ration would be 646 tons of flour and wheat; 125 tons of cereal; 64 tons of fat; 109 tons of meat and fish; 180 tons of dehydrated potatoes; 180 tons of sugar; 11 tons of coffee; 19 tons of powdered milk; 5 tons of whole milk for children; 3 tons of fresh yeast for baking; 144 tons of dehydrated vegetables; 38 tons of salt; and 10 tons of cheese.  In total, 1,534 tons were needed daily to keep the over 2 million people alive.  That's not including other necessities, like coal and fuel.  In fact, the largest quantity of anything required was coal.  It wasn't needed to heat homes as much as it was necessary for industry.  In addition, there was limited electricity, because the city's power plant was located in the Soviet sector, so that was cut off, too.  It was determined that in total supplies, 3,475 tons would be needed daily.  A C-47 can haul 3.5 tons.  In order to supply the people of Berliners, C-47's would have to make 1000 flights each day.  Impossible. 

Initially, Gen. Clay determined that, with the limited number of airplanes available to him, he could haul about 300 tons of supplies a day, the British effort, was estimated to be capable of 750 tons a day.  This leaves a 2,425-ton deficit daily.  Realizing that this kind of tonnage could not be achieved using C-47's, Gen. Clay and Gen. LeMay made requests for more C-54's, for they could carry over three times more cargo than C-47's.  On June 27, an additional 52 Skymasters were ordered to Berlin.
 

A Douglas C-54 Skymaster.  It was capable of hauling 10 tons, almost
3 times as much cargo as its predecessor, the C-47.

 This particular C-54 called "Spirit of Freedom" ^TM, is currently operated
by the Foundation as a flying museum about the Airlift.

 

On June 28, President Truman made a statement that abandoning Berlin was out of the question.  He then ordered US B-29 Superfortresses to be stationed at British airfields to show the Soviets that the Western powers were not taking this lightly.  We would not abandon these people!

By July 1, C-54's were slowly taking over airlift flights, and they were operating 24 hours a day.  Rhein-Main Air Base in Frankfort was made exclusive C-54 base, and Wiesbaden was a mix of C-54's and C-47's.  To accommodate these two different aircraft, General smith established a block system, giving the bigger, faster C-54's priority.  They were also given radio codes to identify each type and the direction it was going.  C-47's going East to Berlin were called "Easy", returning C-47's traveling West, were called "Willie".  C-54's had the names 'Big Easy' and "Big Willie".  Aircraft were also given a spacing of three minutes apart. 

The size of the operation had to be increased in order to sufficiently supply this city and keep these people going.  It needed to be commanded by someone who had expertise in air transport.  That man came in the form of Maj. General William H. Tunner.  He was revered as "The transportation expert to end all transportation experts" by LeMay.  Tunner had previously established the Ferrying Command in WWII, and successfully organized and commanded the "Hump" operation into China near the end of the war.  His reputation was not falsely earned.  Tunner hated to see airplanes parked on the ramp not being utilized. This was a waste to him.  He longed for efficiency and was about to set the standard for all that followed.

....Continued next week.....
 

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!

[Kathy in Alaska]

I do have a blanket that I kept in my drawer at the old place. I should probably find it. I think I will need to go for a walk once an hour to keep the feet from freezing.

It’s supposed to get up to 11 tomorrow. But, I have very little faith in the weather folks. The forecast changes several times a day, but I do like the prediction of above zero. I don’t like this really cold weather, especially with my Mom at home alone. When I’m home, I can use space heaters here and there, but I can’t really explain to her anymore, nor would she remember, how to turn it on where needed. And then remember to turn it off. I don’t want it running all day.

[radu]

Yes, I’d say looking for that blanket tonight should be at the top of the priority list. As cold as it is at the office, you’ll need it. And that walk once an hour will probably be needed too.

The shape your mom’s in these days, space heaters sure could be dangerous. Is there an electric blanket you can use to help keep her warm while you’re at work? Or will you just put extra blankets on the bed?

I need to dig around in Aunt Clara’s side of the house to find a good, warm blanket and take it to the nursing home tomorrow or Tuesday. The thermostat in her room was out again today, as it was last Sunday when I visited her. Her room is next to the door and it gets cold with people going in and out. I told the care giver today that the thermostat should be replaced since the current one has gone out twice in a week but I doubt they’ll do it.
The blankets Clara has now are fine when the heat works, and are ok for now, but it’ll be colder next weekend.

[E.G.C.]

A very pleasant good Monday morning to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.

((HUGS))Good morning Ladies. Thanks for this morning's thread, Star. How's it going?

[Kathy in Alaska]

More blankets. The thermostat is ALWAYS set at 76...too hot for me, but she complains she’s cold. I got her an electric throw blanket, but as per usual she won’t use it. She can stay comfy in her bed and sleep. If she really is freezing my sister will let me know. I’ll turn on a space heater when I get up and it will take the chill off. Then I’ll turn it off when I leave for work.

Last year when the boiler went out she chose to use her heating pad. Whatever works for her.

Hope they get the thermostat fixed at Aunt Clara’s place.

[radu]

Whew, it would be too hot for me too. At her age, 76 degrees is probably comfortable for her.
If she’s comfy enough with extra blankets, you shouldn’t have to worry while you’re at work ...... provided the boiler behaves itself.

They’d BETTER get that thermostat in Aunt Clara’s room fixed once and for all. As much as they charge for her to be there, they can replace it. The handyman doesn’t work on weekends and this is twice it’s gone out late Fri. night or on Sat. No excuse for her to be sitting in a chilly room. Her blood flow is bad and she gets cold very easily. I got cool enough while visiting today that I put my jacket back on. That’s too cold for a 100 year old person.

[Silentgypsy]

Thank you!

[SandRat]

currebt 41 degrees

[beachn4fun]

TO THE

Good morning, Everyone.
Good morning to our

AWESOME

Military, our Allies, and their families.

Thank you, Star, for preparing
the Canteen for today’s activities.

That time of year for remembering
Christmas miracles and the goodness of some peoples.

Time for me to make my rounds.
But, you stay right where you are.

Now remember, the Canteen is ALWAYS

So, come on in and sit for a while.
There's always plenty of coffee, tea,
pancakes, conversation, silliness,
and plain old BS

REMEMBER THEM

DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM

[E.G.C.]

((HUGS))Good morning, Beach. How’s it going?

[beachn4fun]

Good morning EG ((HUGS))

Going good. I do need to get off soon so that I can get back to my Christmas cards.

Whatz up out your way?

[ops33]

I was an air traffic controller assigned to the 1946 Communications Squadron, Tempelhof Central Airport, West Berlin, from 84-88. Even then there was still a plan to support another Berlin Airlift if it became necessary. The lead unit was the C-141 wing at Charleston. Every month, under the code name Bamboo Tree, they would send an aircraft plus two crews, to Berlin for training in flying the corridors.

[E.G.C.]

Going OK. It’s a little foggy this morning. Getting ready for temps in the 20’s later this week.

[luvie]

Yeah...it’s a hard job, but somebody has to do it. :)

She has an appointment this morning and I hope it goes well and they can find a way to stop that awful cough she has!

[luvie]

Gooood Monday Morning, Early Birds!
Hope all of you are ready to face the world!
Is it pretty this morning where you are?
It is here....just cool.
Y'all all have a Mahv'lus Monday...
....and a wonderful week!
(((hugs)))

[beachn4fun]

Ewww, 20s? Brrr. Hope that doesn’t come this way.

[left that other site]

No, the fire is in Cambridge, near Harvard University. Very old buildings there, many of which have been cut up into little student apartments.

But here is something interesting...it is where PENNY lived before she was given up for adoption.

Remember, I said she was given up because her owner was going to college and couldn’t care for her anymore?

It’s also where I spent many, many hours playing music and hanging out in my younger days.

Now I live closer to Cape Cod.

[SkyDancer]

It’s why I’m so popular I guess LOL
R/J

[E.G.C.]

((HUGS))Good morning, LUV W. How’s it going?

[luvie]

Wow! I’m so glad Penny found you before something bad happened to her too! I hope no one was badly injured in that fire. I haven’t heard any current news.

[luvie]

Howdy, EGC! (((hugs)))

All is well here in Moore. Hope it is in your corner of OK, too. Pretty chilly, but we haven’t been out yet. Will you two get out to the lake today? It’s at least sunny...that helps make it feel warmer unless the wind is blowing hard!