Introduction

The Berlin Airlift was a historic episode which taken place immediately after the Second World War, telling the story of the city’s rebuild. It has been used to describe the greatest logistic operation of the Allied forces feeding the West Berlin when it was surrounded by the East at firmitas of the Cold War. It is time to take a look at the background, stakeholders, problems, as well as achievements of this incredible humanitarian operation.

The Context – A Divided City

In the aftermath of World War II, Berlin, the capital of Germany, was divided amongst the four victorious Allied powers: federal government of the United States, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the government of Great Britain and the government of France. The city itself was also split in four sections and each of them belongs to one of these powers. Political rivalry exacerbated by ideological differences between the powers reached its climax when the country was partitioned into two different countries; The East Germany under the influence of USSR and the West Germany under the influence of the Allies.

In the middle of these divisions, the heart of Berlin was threatened with its unique problem. West Berlin was part of the allied occupied western Germany whereas geographically it was in the middle of East Germany occupied by Soviet Union. In an effort to push the allies out and gain control over the whole town the Soviet Union began a blockade of West Berlin cutting off all roads and rail in June 1948.

The Response – Airlift Begins

The Allies did not wait for a long time before offering their response to the mighty Axis power. That was why General Lucius D. Clay, the American military governor in Germany, suggesting an incredible solution to the problem of supplying West Berlin: by air. The Berlin Airlift started on June 26 of 1948.

The Key Players

This event was a joint operation, however spear headed by the United States of America and Great Britain. Subordinate to the USAF lieutenant General Clay, the operation was a partnership of the US Air Force and the Royal Air Force. Other participating countries comprised of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and others.

The Logistics and Challenges

The fact that it was possible to feed an entire city in this manner was a feat of logistics in itself offered through an airborne operation. The supply flights to West Berlin had access only to limited air space, and the planes could not fly high; this posed a high risk of accidents and a meeting with Soviet MiGs. The goal of developing a completely smooth and efficient system was possible only with the planning and coordination and more importantly, with the setting up of several air bases in West Berlin itself.

To sustain such a colossal effort an air bridge was created, where planes were moving in a conveyor like manner round the clock. The Allies made use several types of aircraft like the cargospecific C-47 Dakota, the passenger carrying C-54 Skymaster and the British Avro York. These planes were good at lifting as much as 10 tons of supplies at a go.

Success Against the Odds

The unyielding resolve of the Allies in the form of its military forces, the spirit of the German people in West Berlin as well as the authoritative belief in democracy all conspired for the success of the Berlin Airlift. Despite aerial reconnaissance and a Soviet effort to block the operation, the airlift proceeded unimpeded for almost twelve months.

Operation Vittles and Little Vittles

On September 30, 1948, the HELLP plan was given an official title by General Clay, that is, “Operation Vittles” to stress that the most important was food. The success of the airlift as well as the appreciation of the People of West Berlin was embraced further by the story of Gail Halvorsen an American pilot who would throw candy from the aircraft cargo hold to the children of West Berlin. This endearing gesture led to his being referred by his Melville nickname “Uncle Wiggly Wings” for this type of clandestine operation was baptized “Operation Little Vittles”.

The End of the Blockade

At last Allies’ continuous actions exerted pressure on Soviet Union to come to understand that the blockade was unbeneficial and unconstructive. The Soviets eventually ended the blockade on May 12, 1949 making it the victory of the Berlin Airlift.

Berlin Airlift – So This Is Europe

The story of the Berlin Airlift has written in the annals of history and specially proved the effectiveness of humanitarian organization in times of difficulty. They showed that the Allies was willing to fight for what is right — democracy, freedom and human rights. The further geopolitical outcome was also conditioned by the successful airlift: it strengthened the cleavage between East and West, and resulted in creation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

Conclusion

The Berlin Airlift is a shining example of how highly though difficult can be overcome and awesome triumph can be achieved. It captures fanatical determination of everyone on field and in the air. Defending freedom and justice means unyielding, compassion and unity – these are the key message of the Berlin Airlift memory.