FReeper Canteen ~ Berlin Airlift, Part 2: Operations ~ December 10, 2012

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[Kathy in Alaska]

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Berlin Airlift, Part 2: Operations
All info and photos from this website.

Link to Part One

           

Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner:  directed Berlin Airlift operation

  

A native of New Jersey and son of an immigrant father, General Tunner was awarded an appointment to West Point upon his graduation from Roselle High School. He was one of 77 cadets in his West Point graduating class who chose flying as his military career. He joined an Air Force which had literally no transport aircraft and no airlift strategy, planning or capacity. During his career which spanned two wars, he created the Ferrying Command which flew new aircraft to our allies in Europe and the Middle East, and developed the Air Transport Command in its famous Hump operation over the Himalayas to China. We honor him in the Air Cargo Hall of Fame for his outstanding performance in command of the Berlin airlift which established the cargo airplane as an effective freight mover in an unprecedented demonstration of efficiency and productivity. For 13 months, the aircraft under his planning and direction supplied an isolated Berlin- a city under siege- with every product necessary to keep the city and its more than a million inhabitants alive. Coal, heating oil, medicines, food and necessary supplies were airlifted into Berlin in an endless stream of transport aircraft operating at 2 minute intervals day and night in every kind of weather. The Berlin Airlift was a live demonstration on the future of the Air Cargo Industry.

BLACK FRIDAY
Tunner assumed command of airlift operations on July 28, 1948.  The airlift had been operating for just over a month.  One of the first major changes he made came as a result of "Black Friday".  On Friday, August 13, Tunner flew into Berlin to grant an award to Lt. Paul O. Lykins, and airlift pilot who had made the most flights into Berlin up until that time.  Weather that day was awful, and conditions in Berlin were impossible.  Clouds had lowered to the tops of buildings and heavy rain had disrupted radar.  One C-54 had crashed and burned at the end of the runway a second landed behind him and blew its tires trying to stop to avoid hitting the burning C-54.  A third ground looped on the auxiliary runway.  Pure havoc was reigning supreme.  Aircraft were beginning to stack up over Tempelhof and a huge number of airplanes were circling stacked from 3000 to 12000 feet in no visibility conditions.  These conditions spur red Tunner to make a fateful decision.  He called the tower.  "Tunner here, send everyone back to their base and let me know when it's safe to come down".  To avoid this stacking problem, a new policy was created.  Any aircraft that missed its approach was to continue back to its station via the outgoing center corridor.  This created a continuous loop of planes to and from Berlin.  If a pilot missed his approach, he would immediately become a departure and head back to his base.  The loaded aircraft would get a fresh crew and be sent back as a regular flight.  In addition, all aircraft were required to fly by instrument rules to maintain the same speed, interval and altitude.  This almost eliminated accidents and became the key to the success of the operation. 

Another essential decision was to standardize aircraft, parts, and procedures.  It was decided to base these around the C-54.  One of the reasons was that it took just as long to unload a 3-1/2 ton C-47 as it did to unload a 10-ton C-54.  One of the reasons for this was the slanted floor made truck loading difficult, whereas the C-54 was level and a truck could back up to it and cargo could be unloaded fast.  In addition, no pilot was to be away from his aircraft.  General Tunner had seen many aircraft sitting idle, loaded and waiting for their crews to return from inside the terminal.  He thought this to be a great waste of resources, therefore the order was sent that no pilot should be away from his aircraft from the time it landed until the time it took off from Berlin.  Weather and up to date information was brought out to the aircraft while they were being unloaded, so the crews didn't need to go inside the terminal.  In addition, several trucks were outfitted as mobile snack bars and staffed by some of the prettiest Berlin girls.  This enabled the crews to get coffee, a snack or other goods without having to leave the airplane.  This reduced the average turn around time from landing to departing to about 25 minutes. 

LIFE FOR THE BERLINERS

Life for the Berliners was hard.  In the beginning, there was about a month's worth of supplies to be had, but stockpiles were dwindling.  The airlift had not reached its predicted consumption rate yet, and starvation was near.  In addition, when the winter of 1948-49 hit, there was little fuel to run the remaining industry, let alone heat the homes.  Berliners soon found themselves chopping down all of the trees in the city for fuel, and learning what grasses could be eaten for food.  In addition, people rummaged through garbage cans for food, but soon found that there was very little of that to go around.  It was a dire circumstance, but still they knew that their suffering in this manner would be better than succumbing to Soviet control.  They had seen the treatment the Soviet soldiers had given them when they arrived.  They were stealing everyone's valuables, systematically stripping the industry and all of the necessary equipment and shipping it back to Moscow.  In addition, German wives and daughters were being raped and abused all of the time.  German scientists and engineers were forcibly sent to Moscow and forced to reveal all of the German technological secrets.  Starvation was far better than that treatment.  When it was decided that an airlift would be attempted, Berlin's Lord Mayor Ernst Reuter held a public rally in support of the effort.  Germans would suffer and sacrifice to make it work.  The German resolve was strong, even in such a desperate situation. 
 

GERMAN VOLUNTEERS

One of the biggest problems during the airlift was the lack of manpower.  It was decided to use the very people who the airlift was helping, the Berliners themselves.  There was no lack of supply as they were eager to help because it was all for them anyway.  In addition those who helped got an extra ration. 
This was very important to them, as the allotted ration was very small.  It also gave the people a great sense of pride that they were helping the effort.  So, soon German volunteers were used for unloading crews at Tempelhof.  They would board the aircraft as soon as it stopped and commence unloading.  If the crews did an especially good job, they might get a reward, such as a pack of cigarettes or an extra ration.  This became quite the incentive, as the record for unloading 10-tons of coal was set at 10 minutes. 
Another large problem was the lack of skilled mechanics.  There just weren't enough mechanics to keep a fleet of C-54's maintained so that there could be no disruption in the conveyor belt of supplies to Berlin.  They needed people to perform inspections, repairs, engine replacements, cleaning and servicing these aircraft.  General Tunner had a solution to that problem, too.  There were a large number of skilled former Luftwaffe mechanics available right in Berlin.  It was decided to create crews comprised of these men, an American Maintenance supervisor and an interpreter.  Soon the manpower was there.  Soon, any aircraft that wasn't being fixed, inspected, or overhauled was flying the corridors.  A far cry from the beginnings.        

FLYING THE CORRIDORS
 

Pilots flying in the corridors encountered numerous problems; one was the erratic German weather.  Weather changed so often that it was not uncommon to leave a base in West Germany under ideal conditions, only to find impossible conditions in Berlin.  What made it even more treacherous was the approach to Tempelhof.  In order to land there, a pilot had to literally fly between the high rise apartment buildings at the end of the runway so he could land.  A second runway required a steep drop over a building in order to land soon enough so there was enough runway for braking.  All these conditions plus a fully loaded C-54 with a 10 ton cargo load were more than enough for any pilot to handle, especially during the German winter. 
Unfortunately, that wasn't all the pilots had to deal with.  The Soviets constantly harassed the pilots during the operation.  Between 10 August 1948 and 15 August 1949, there were 733 incidents of harassment of airlift planes in the corridors.  Acts of soviet pilots buzzing, close flying, shooting near, not at airlift planes were common.  Balloons were released in the corridors, flak was not unheard of, radio interference and searchlights in the pilots' eyes were all forms of Soviet harassment in the corridors.  However, this did not stop the pilots, the planes kept chugging on in.  In spite of all these acts of harassment, no aircraft was shot down during the operation.  That would have started a war, and the Soviets did not want that, especially with B-29's stationed in England.  Although the B-29's that were there were not atomic bomb capable, the Soviets did not know that and did not want to find out. 

So, the airlift went on.  American C-54's were stationed at Rhein-Main, Wiesbaden, Celle and Fassberg in the British Sector.  The British flew Lancasters, Yorks, and Hastings aircraft.  They even used Sunderland Flying Boats to deliver salt, using Lake Havel in the middle of Berlin for a base.  Every month the tonnage increased and soon exceeded the daily requirements.  Every day, tonnage records were being set, and the constant drone of airplanes overhead was music to the Berliners ears.  Eventually, rations were increased and life in West Berlin was improving. 

A C-54 Crew consisting of a Pilot, Co-Pilot,
Flight Engineer, and Radio Operator.  Most
airlift crews did not use the Radio Operator
and used a 3 man crew instead.

TEGEL

Berlin had only 2 airports at the outset of the airlift, Tempelhof and Gatow.  Soon, it became obvious that a third was needed. Heavy equipment was needed, but there were no aircraft large enough to carry bulky items like that.  So, it was cut into smaller pieces, loaded onto one of 5 Fairchild C-82 Packet aircraft, flown into Berlin, and welded back together again. Incidentally, a new power plant for Berlin was constructed this way also.  Nevertheless, an area in the French Sector was chosen to become Tegel Airfield.  American, French, and German volunteers broke ground on august 5^th, 1948.  Through dedication, hard work and extreme organization, the first c-54 landed with its 10-ton cargo only a mere three months later.  Quite a feat.  Tegel, incidentally, is Berlin's main airport today.  There was an obstacle in the way on the approach to Tegel, however.  A Soviet controlled radio tower caused problems with its proximity to the airfield.  Pleas to remove it went unheard.  Finally, on November 20, French General Jean Ganeval made a decision.  If they would not take it down, he would simply blow it up.  So, on December 16, the dynamite was used.  The tower fell, and the obstacle was gone.

 

....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]

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 donut?

Cookies?

Veggies?

Snacks?

[Kathy in Alaska]

God bless and keep safe our troops worldwide.

Good night.

Statler Brothers ~ How Great Thou Art

[E.G.C.]

Monday Morning Coffee Bump.

[beachn4fun]

Good morning, Canteen.

Good morning to our

Military, our Allies, and their families.

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

DC Metroland weather report

~ Today...Foggy with a few showers this afternoon.
Thunder possible. High 67F.
Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.

~ Tonight...Showers early, then cloudy overnight.
Thunder possible. Low 44F.
SW winds shifting to NW at 10 to 20 mph.
Chance of rain 50%.

Boy, it sure has been foggy around here.
Luckily, not so foggy we couldn't see to drive in.

Once again, weekend went too fast.

Starting putting up the tree on Saturday
only to have the tree lights go kaput
so had to put it off until
Sunday after we went shopping and picked up new lights.

This week I have to do the cards.
And figure out what to get the grandkids.

But right now, I need to make my rounds.
And then get to work.
But, please stay right where you are.
Chat up the military or a family member.
No need to fret...you know I'll be back!

The FR Canteen is

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

ARMSTRONG, FRANK ALTON III
10/6/1967
"KIA" Body not recovered
Laos

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.

[E.G.C.]

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

[Arrowhead1952]

Good morning to everyone at the Canteen. It's a chilly 37º here this morning.

[beachn4fun]

Good morning EG ((HUGS))

All is well even though it’s Monday. Hard to believe December, and therefore another year, is almost over.

Howz things out your way?

[beachn4fun]

Good morning dear ((HUGS))

37? brrrr....

we were warmer than that but guessing we’re headed for chilly weather.

How was your weekend?

[luvie]

Good Monday morning, Early Birds!
Or is that an oxymoron? :)
It was a blustery night
and darn chilly this morning!
23 at the airport...32 here at my house!
No snow...that all went north of us.
All of you have a GREAT day!
And stay warm and dry!
((((hugs))))

[PROCON]

Morning Beachie!

Got the truck back over the weekend and just hunkered down and stayed inside and out of the rain.

I'm gonna take a few days off next week and hang out with son-boy, who's coming to town.

OK, more coffee..

Have a great day!

[Old Sarge]

Season's Greetings, Canteen Folks!

Well, here's what Sarge and The Bride were up to this past weekend: back with the Knights of Yore and the Yule Ball! The theme for the event was Yule in Lithuania, with themed food, music, and revelry. Here are parts of the journey:

We arrived Friday evening after a long, arduous journey, and upon arrival at the Feast Hall, there was travelers' fare prepared and waiting for those who came from a far: lentil soup, fresh breads and butter, fish and tea.

The next morning, we woke to find the thrones of the Peerage set up for their use. These are the thrones of His Majesty the King, his daughter the Princess, and the Baron and Baroness who are their hosts.

There were to be gifts exchanged that evening after the Grand Feast, and the table was piled high with clever things - including a TARDIS on the corner!

We set up a simple camp near the tournament field, to watch the day's comings and goings. The Bride's red cloak on her chair, Sarge's black on the right. Between us was a loaf of homemade bread The Bride made and brought with us to nosh on during the day.

And yes, I said we were near the tournament field! Here are two of the folks sparring for the Light Weapons Tournament, with a marshall watching the pair...

And the heavies were out there as well! This is but some of the fighting for the Warlord's Tourney, which went pretty much like a game of "Survivor": two teams eliminate each other, then the winning team engages in a free-for-all until the last man standing wins...

I didn't know whose shield this was (I found out later it was a Knight's), but the workmanship involved was so impressive...

Now, THIS was impressive, too: a lady dueling in the Light Weapons Tourney, giving admirable account of herself. Even other fighting stopped to watch the duel...

Whereas, on the Warlord's Field, the savagery continued...

After the tournaments, came Royal Court. The Marine Corps was present to collect for Toys for Tots. This was an awesome sight: His Majesty, dressed festively as Father Christmas for the occasion, with two Marine NCO's standing bolt-upright at attention!

Her Excellency the Baroness informed the Marines of over six HUNDRED toys which are at their disposal, her voice cracking with emotion as she praised their devotion to duty and spoke of her admiration...

And now, on to the Grand Feast! This was High Table for the Royal Party. The thrones of two kingdoms plus the hosting barony are here...

And of course, Low Table, where the boards for the populace were set.

And you can see the great hall bustling with people and servers and minstrels, courtly garb and manners, voices raised in laughter and song.

In addition to the field of battle, there were equestrian events, as well as art and poetry contests, something for every flavor of the days of yore. And to add to the evening, Sarge WON the Poetry Contest! The judges approached us during the feast, asking if Sarge might join the Kingdom Laureate competition later this spring! All in all, a wonderful time, and a wonderful journey through the Current Middle Ages!

[MEG33]

Good Morning Everyone

It's 35 degrees and wind chill 26..Brr
Wishing You A Great Week

~Thank You To All Who Serve Our Country~

[E.G.C.]

Well, we had a little bit of snowfall this morning. Didn't amount to too much. It is rather cold this morning.

My brother and his family from Texas are here for a visit. They're up in the city visiting my sister and her family. Taking care of his dog and Bo this morning.

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

[MEG33]

Loved the pictures..looks like great fun.

[Arrowhead1952]

Good morning beachy and (((HUGS))) to you too.

I had to work until midnight Sat and almost that late last night.

[beachn4fun]

Good morning Pro ((HUGS))

I bet you are very happy to have that truck back.

We had two rainy/misty days this weekend. Very dreary.

It’s getting close to “party times” for me. We had the company Holiday party on the 2nd, now I have the Writer’s Christmas party this weekend, then next week there are two here at work. Then I’m off for the holidays.

Hope you and son-boy have a real good time next week.

Have a sunnylicious day.

[Arrowhead1952]

Good morning ladies and (((HUGS))). Mighty chilly and windy here today.

[luvie]

Awesome pictures, Dear Knight! Looks like you two had a wonderful time! Glad you’ve gotten back at what you love! :)

[Arrowhead1952]

Looks like a good time was had by all.

[PROCON]

Gee whiz, golly, OMG!

When oh when will Army beat Navy???

Apparently not in my lifetime!

,Congratulations to the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen!!(dangit)