60th Anniversary of the Luftbruecke

Today, May 12th, marks the 60th anniversary of the end of Berlin’s Airlift. From June 1948 until May 1949, West Berlin was sliced off the rail and road supply lines by the Soviet Union, which was trying to gain control of the rest of the German capital. In a momentous effort of infrastructure and logistics, the Allies flew enough food into the city to keep the population going – over 200,000 flights kept this first act of the Cold War in check.

In celebration, today Tempelhof Airport will be open for visitors. One of Germany’s oldest airports, this was closed for business last year and there’s still discussions going on about what to do with the massive amount of land suddenly free in the middle of the city. Not to mention the amazing 1.2 kilometre long building.

The doors open at 2.30pm and over 150,000 visitors are expected. The festivities will culminate at 8.30pm when ten thousand balloons will be launched into the air above Tempelhof.

One of the more notable legends of the Luftbruecke (literally airbridge), is that of the Rosinenbomber (Raisin bomber, but also known as the Candy bomber). When he flew into land at Templehof during the blockade, Gail Halvorsen would throw candy out on handmade parachutes to the children waiting around the airfield. Tomorrow at 4.30pm, a Rosinenbomber with Gail Halvorsen on board will be doing that again.