The Berlin Airlift

This is a brilliant news reel from that eternal source of smugness and 'polite society speak': The British Government Public Information Films Service.
The accent of the commentator is pure Edwardian bliss, I love it!
The video itself concerns the Berlin airlift of 1948-49 whereby following various diplomatic breakdowns, the Soviets under the leadership of the less than helpful Stalin had closed all surface connections between West Germany and Berlin. Located as it is in the East of the country this meant that the western powers would have to fly supplies to their troops and the citizens under their control in Berlin.
Despite the levity of the commentator this was no mean feat - there were over 250,000 flights, more than 2 million tons of food was supplied and it cost the lives of 73 airmen.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Berlin
• Airlift
• Soviet
• Union
• Germany
• British
• Government
• Public
• Information
• Films
• Cold
• War
• America
• Britain

[Nachtjager02]

It should be noted that the usaaf did the majority of operations and not the raf, logistically 4 the british scrapping a lot of the force in 46/47 did not help,and even contractors were hired 2 plug  logistical gaps in ops, these were given approx. 40 pounds per flight, a lot of money, at that time period .!!! 4/5

[godbluff68]

I think that is a fair comment. The post-war period found Britain to be practically bankrupt. As I noted above, we owe a lot to the USA for propping us up and providing us with economic and military support (protection?).

Very interesting point about the hiring of private contractors and the plugging of logistical gaps, it really reminds me of the current semi-privatised train system we currently struggle with. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[dennytime2689181]

Thanks for making this fine British historical film available!

Pure Cold War 'You Were There' perspective. Great job!

[godbluff68]

Thank you very much for the comment. I grew up in the eighties from what could be perceived as a left of centre background. This meant that acheivements such as the airlift were often ignored in an attempt to paint the West and America in particular as the pinnacle of all that is bad. But of course this is not the case. No matter which way it is spun, the West (and the world in general) owes much to America and I felt that this would go some way to balancing the scales.

[NamVetBuck]

How refreshing ! A left of center raised person that doesn't hate the USA. You vid posting is a great effort, got 5 stars from me.

[godbluff68]

I think that too much is made of 'bad old Uncle Sam'. So many of those that I know constantly complain and belittle America. They do so whilst wearing their 501's, listening to Nirvana, John Lee Hooker or The New York Dolls (depending on age), and after digesting Noam Chomsky or Kurt Vonnegut. Like any country their is good and bad. How long will it take for the UK to get a Bazza Obama?

[godbluff68]

I cannot believe that I typed 'their' instead of 'there'. Bloomin' flippin' 'eck! It was my forebears that spawned the language I am writing in!

[NamVetBuck]

As an ally ...I wouldn't wish the Empty Suit in Chief on you...unless you were an enemy ! Cheers !

[chocolaterain2233]

i had to watch this for school but i have to say it's very interesting