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The Beginning of the Blockade
Soviet guards halted all passenger trains and traffic leading into Berlin. The Soviets delayed Western and German freight shipments and required that all water transport secure special Soviet permission. -
Sending Back Supplies
The Soviets halted an American military supply train heading to Berlin and sent it back to western Germany. -
Severed Communications
Soviets severed land and water communications between the non-Soviet zones and Berlin. The same day the halted all rail and barge traffic in and out of Berlin. -
Going Hungry
Soviets stopped supplying food to the civilian population in the non-Soviet sectors of Berlin. Automobiles from Berlin going to western parts were allowed, but required a 23 kilometer detour to a ferry crossing because of alleged "repairs" to a bridge. The Soviets also cut off electricity relied on by Berlin. They were able to do this because they had extensive control over the generation plants in the Soviet zones. -
The Beginning
The airlift begins with 32 flights by American C-47 aircraft in West Germany to the Tempelhof airport in Berlin. On this day 80 tons of provisions were delivered to the people of Berlin. -
Coal!
The first shipment of coal is delivered to the Gatow airport in the British sector of Berlin. -
Tons and Tons
The United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force conduct 707 flights into Berlin. In total they delivered 4,742 tons of supplies. That's 9,484,000 pounds of supplies! -
Operation Santa Claus
Groups of people bring Chistmas gifts to 10,00 Berlin children. Many families couldn't afford to buy Christmas gifts, so to the families of Berlin, this could be the greatest gift they've ever received. -
The Easter Parade
Tunner's "Easter Parade" operation breaks a 24-hour-delivery record, bringing nearly 13,000 tons of supplies to Berlin. The average of one plance touching down was every 62 seconds! -
The End
Delegates from the original Allied Powers announce that they are going to end the blocade in 8 days. -
It's Official!
One minute after midnight, the Soviets get rid of the barricades and restore access from West Germany to Berlin. We still send in supplies until there is an adequate stockpiling of supplies in the city.
