When did Berlin blockage and airlift happen?

Answer 1

The Berlin AirliftWhen Germany was divided into zones at the end of World War 2, Berlin was divided into four sectors - one Soviet, one American, one British and one French. Geographically, Berlin was situated deep inside the Soviet Zone of Germany. In June 1948, following various disagreements between the West and the Soviet Union, Stalin had all surface links between West Berlin and the western zones of Germany cut. West Berlin (with a population of about two million) was in effect placed under a siege which is usually referred to as the Berlin Blockade. The point of the blockade was to try to force the Western countries out of Berlin. (The immediate trigger was the introduction of the new currency, the Deutsche Mark, in West Berlin as well as West Germany).

Much to the surprise of the Germans, the West responded by supplying West Berlin by air. It was a huge undertaking and a Western plane took off or landed every 30-40 seconds, round the clock. In the winter of 1948-49 conditions became very difficult as all coal for the electricity generating stations had to be flown in. (Please bear in mind that at the time military transport planes were much smaller than now). The blockade lasted till May 1949.

AnswerThe relief provided by air by America, Britain and France to West Berlin when it was blockaded by Stalin's Soviet Union in 1948-49. It lasted from 24 June 1948 to 30 September 1949, continuing even after the Soviet Union abandoned the blockade in May 1949, to enable a stockpile of three monthe supplies in case the Soviets attempted another blockade.

Answer 2

May 1948 to March 1949. 300 days and nights.

May I recommend the book Armageddon by Leon Uris. The last 1/2 of this excellent books covers the Airlift like nothing else.