Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

FReeper Canteen ~ The Berlin Airlift Part 1: The Beginning ~ 30 November 2015
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC and The Canteen Crew

Posted on 11/29/2015 5:02:25 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!
 
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.
 
Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!
 
 
~ Hall of Heroes ~

The Berlin Airlift
Part 1:  The Beginning

All info and photos from this website.

ArmyPatch small   Marine small   Air Force Seal   Air Force   Coast Guard Seal small (better)

For the next few weeks, on Mondays, the Hall of the Heroes threads will be about the Berlin Airlift and it's 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.


.....to be continued.....

 

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!


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: berlinairlift; canteen; military; troopsupport
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-59 last
To: All
Prayers for Arrowhead's recovery, and in his absence....
















41 posted on 11/30/2015 2:27:47 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: E.G.C.; beachn4fun; Arrowhead1952; ConorMacNessa; MEG33; LUV W; PROCON; SandRat; Mrs.Nooseman; ...



42 posted on 11/30/2015 2:28:45 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: All
Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.

Thanks, unique, for the pastries.

Coffee is always on........

How about a cupcake?

Cookies?

Veggies?

Sandwich?


43 posted on 11/30/2015 2:29:33 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: Jet Jaguar; txradioguy; JemiansTerror; MEG33; Laurita; CMS; OneLoyalAmerican; Defender2; ...


God bless and keep safe our troops worldwide.

Good night.


Statler Brothers ~ How Great Thou Art


44 posted on 11/30/2015 2:31:12 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Monday morning coffee bump.


45 posted on 11/30/2015 3:38:08 AM PST by E.G.C.
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: StarCMC; Kathy in Alaska; GodBlessUSA; LUV W; Arrowhead1952; E.G.C.; HiJinx; AZamericonnie; ...

Good morning, Canteen. Good morning to our

AWESOME

Military, our Allies, and their families.

Thank you, Star, for preparing the Canteen
for today's activities.
It's that time of year; count down to Christmas.
I can always tell by the Berlin Airlift thread. :)

Then, before you know it,
it's a whole new year.
And we start all over again.

We had a very nice
Thanksgiving; hope you all had the same.

Holy Moley!
I'm watching the news
and all the bad weather across the nation.
I hope all of our FReepers are safe.

Time for me to make my rounds.
Please stick around and visit
with the military and/or family members.
That's what we're here for.

The FR Canteen is ALWAYS

Come 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



FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allied military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.



Til they all come home.

46 posted on 11/30/2015 4:32:47 AM PST by beachn4fun (Hey you! The path to earn legal status is called INS.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: beachn4fun
Morning Beachie!

Wow, is it December tomorrow? Sheesh, another year almost over!

My Thanksgiving was also enjoyable, it's nice to visit relatives you don't often see. I also took both kids out to lunch and then took daughter to the gun range to test the new 'toy' I bought her for Christmas.

We had a little snow last week but no travel problems and most has melted.

I was bragging to Ma that I'm almost all done with Christmas shopping, which is rare for me :-)

It's suppose to stay below freezing here most of the week so I'm hunkering down inside today.

Have a wonderfulicious Monday!

47 posted on 11/30/2015 5:16:12 AM PST by PROCON (Proud CRUZader!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: beachn4fun

what?


48 posted on 11/30/2015 5:17:44 AM PST by PROCON (Proud CRUZader!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: beachn4fun

who?


49 posted on 11/30/2015 5:17:59 AM PST by PROCON (Proud CRUZader!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: beachn4fun

huh?


50 posted on 11/30/2015 5:18:12 AM PST by PROCON (Proud CRUZader!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: All; beachn4fun; Kathy in Alaska; LUV W; Arrowhead1952; PROCON


We had a wonderful family Thanksgiving here...Hope yours
was good, too..
It's been raining for days off and on...I am ready for some
sun!
I Wish You All A Good Week

51 posted on 11/30/2015 5:22:57 AM PST by MEG33 (God Bless America And Our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: MEG33
Morning MEG, same here, an enjoyable Thanksgiving with loved ones.

Looks like cold weather will continue here, oh well, I'm staying inside.

Enjoy your day!

52 posted on 11/30/2015 5:32:35 AM PST by PROCON (Proud CRUZader!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: PROCON

I have a kitty by my feet to keep me warm.
;o)
(((HUGS)))


53 posted on 11/30/2015 5:38:57 AM PST by MEG33 (God Bless America And Our Troops)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: beachn4fun; y'all; Arrowhead1952; E.G.C.; GodBlessUSA; ConorMacNessa; Kathy in Alaska; HiJinx; ...

Amen to that!
It's gonna take much more today!
Hope all you Early Birds had a
great holiday weekend!
Hard for working folks to drag back to the grind. LOL!
Beachy, I'm thinking of doing what you did.
If only I didn't like the money and discount so much! :)
Anyhooooooo....
Hope this is a good week for everyone!
((((hugs))))

54 posted on 11/30/2015 6:16:05 AM PST by luvie (Cruz or Lose!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: LUV W; beachn4fun

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


55 posted on 11/30/2015 6:16:55 AM PST by E.G.C.
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 54 | View Replies]

To: PROCON

Good morning Pro ((HUGS))

Happy to hear you had a grand Thanksgiving and visit with family. Also, happy to hear that weather wasn’t terrible for your travels.

Ohhh, what kind of toy did daughter-girl get for Christmas?

I am at a loss as to what to get grandchildren for Christmas. I now have 6 (official) and 5 (quasi-adopted) grandchildren. They get so many toys I don’t want to add to it. Thus, I haven’t even begun to shop.

Got tree up and decorated, yesterday, and will try to put up outside lights today or tomorrow; we are having a rainy week.

Hubby and I took a road trip to Point Lookout, Maryland hoping to see the prisoner-of-war museum but the park appeared closed. Never knew we had one in Maryland until a local author wrote a story about it.

Hope you have a easy Monday.


56 posted on 11/30/2015 6:19:12 AM PST by beachn4fun (Hey you! The path to earn legal status is called INS.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: E.G.C.; Kathy in Alaska; beachn4fun; GodBlessUSA; AZamericonnie; All
G'mornin', EGC! (((hugs)))

All is well here. We've had a lot of slow rain and the leave are finally changing colors and falling...right before fall is over. LOL!

Hope you and Bo had a chance to go turtle/mole hunting this weekend. Heard that the ice storms up there were a mess. My son had to do major trimming on his tree that had broken branches.


57 posted on 11/30/2015 6:31:20 AM PST by luvie (Cruz or Lose!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: E.G.C.

Good morning EG ((HUGS))

I’m getting ready to head out the door to run some errands.

How are things out your way?


58 posted on 11/30/2015 6:34:45 AM PST by beachn4fun (Hey you! The path to earn legal status is called INS.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: beachn4fun; LUV W
Everything went OK this weekend. No power outages here in Comanche OK except for Thanksgiving morning (Pre ice storm)

The worst of the ice storm was around OKC and Enid where power is still out in a number of places. They're saying it could be Tuesday or Wednesday before everyone gets their power back on.

59 posted on 11/30/2015 6:44:32 AM PST by E.G.C.
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 58 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-59 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson