This day in History June 26th 1948
Jun 26, 2019 7:24:12 GMT -5
Gordon Lee, khj, and 4 more like this
Post by jonesy on Jun 26, 2019 7:24:12 GMT -5
On this day in history, June 26th 1948 the Berlin Airlift commenced.
After the defeat of Germany in WWII, Germany was split into 4 zones for the "victors" control of the occupied lands. The US, UK, France and the Soviet Union were all to have equal control and/or access to each of the quarters. Berlin was in the Communist controlled section with agreements for "easy access" granted within the unofficial agreement. In 1948, the Soviet Union started inspecting everything that came into Berlin. The communist leadership was trying to force capitulation of the populous of their socialistic ideologies which would lead to a total control of all of Germany which they would then claim for the Soviet Union in its entirety. In June they subsequently put a blockade in place on the roads and waterways in order to keep much needed food and fuel out of the hands of the people. Fortunately, within the agreement between the four powers that be, even though there were no formal agreements made between the 4 powers, three 20-mile wide air corridors were set up that allowed access to Berlin (located 100 miles inside the Soviet controlled sector). It took less than a week for the Airlift to begin once the decision was made to provide relief for the people of "East Germany". The airlift, while only thought to be needed for less than a month. lasted for 15 months. It would take 5000 tons per day to keep the people of Berlin in enough food and fuel to stave off starvation and being overcome by the harsh winter conditions that were rapidly approaching. The airlift delivered over 2 million tonnes of food and fuel (coal primarily) throughout the duration. The Soviet Union lifted the blockade on May 12th, 1949 though it was not officially over until September 30th of that year.
It was during the time of the airlift that the division of East and West Germany was made "official". The two parts of Germany would remained separated for the next 4 decades.
There have been many stamps dedicated to this airlift. Germany issued a 25, 40th and 50th anniversary stamp of the airlift. The US has issued the stamp which I have on the first day cover below.
25th Anniversary German Stamp. #9N346
First Day Issue #3211 (This is the Fleetwood Plate Block of 4)
40th Anniversary German Stamp #9N575
There is a 50th anniversary stamp that I do not have yet, however, Im sure to get one soon
Enjoy knowing history ladies and gentlemen. It is the only way we can know what to do to prevent such tragedies happening again. For as the old adage goes, Those who do not head the warnings of history are doomed to repeat it. Forgive the artistic license I granted myself with this phrase.
Jonesy
After the defeat of Germany in WWII, Germany was split into 4 zones for the "victors" control of the occupied lands. The US, UK, France and the Soviet Union were all to have equal control and/or access to each of the quarters. Berlin was in the Communist controlled section with agreements for "easy access" granted within the unofficial agreement. In 1948, the Soviet Union started inspecting everything that came into Berlin. The communist leadership was trying to force capitulation of the populous of their socialistic ideologies which would lead to a total control of all of Germany which they would then claim for the Soviet Union in its entirety. In June they subsequently put a blockade in place on the roads and waterways in order to keep much needed food and fuel out of the hands of the people. Fortunately, within the agreement between the four powers that be, even though there were no formal agreements made between the 4 powers, three 20-mile wide air corridors were set up that allowed access to Berlin (located 100 miles inside the Soviet controlled sector). It took less than a week for the Airlift to begin once the decision was made to provide relief for the people of "East Germany". The airlift, while only thought to be needed for less than a month. lasted for 15 months. It would take 5000 tons per day to keep the people of Berlin in enough food and fuel to stave off starvation and being overcome by the harsh winter conditions that were rapidly approaching. The airlift delivered over 2 million tonnes of food and fuel (coal primarily) throughout the duration. The Soviet Union lifted the blockade on May 12th, 1949 though it was not officially over until September 30th of that year.
It was during the time of the airlift that the division of East and West Germany was made "official". The two parts of Germany would remained separated for the next 4 decades.
There have been many stamps dedicated to this airlift. Germany issued a 25, 40th and 50th anniversary stamp of the airlift. The US has issued the stamp which I have on the first day cover below.
25th Anniversary German Stamp. #9N346
First Day Issue #3211 (This is the Fleetwood Plate Block of 4)
40th Anniversary German Stamp #9N575
There is a 50th anniversary stamp that I do not have yet, however, Im sure to get one soon
Enjoy knowing history ladies and gentlemen. It is the only way we can know what to do to prevent such tragedies happening again. For as the old adage goes, Those who do not head the warnings of history are doomed to repeat it. Forgive the artistic license I granted myself with this phrase.
Jonesy