World War II: Start of Operation Manna.

On April 29, 1945, a significant event took place during World War II – the start of Operation Manna. This operation was a joint effort by the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) to provide food aid to the Dutch population who were suffering from severe famine in the final stages of the war. In this article, we will explore the details and impact of Operation Manna, shedding light on this remarkable humanitarian mission.

At the time, the Netherlands was under German occupation, and the situation was dire. The occupying forces had implemented a “hunger winter” policy, cutting off food supplies to the country to punish the Dutch resistance movement. As a result, the Dutch people were facing a critical shortage of food and were on the brink of starvation.

Recognizing the urgent need, the RAF and USAAF devised a plan to airdrop food supplies into the Netherlands, targeting areas where the population was most affected. Operation Manna was mainly executed by Lancaster bombers and B-17 Flying Fortresses, which were modified to carry and drop food packages instead of bombs. The food packages were known as “Comet” parcels and contained essential items like chocolate, biscuits, and bread.

The first drops took place on April 29, 1945, when a formation of bombers flew low over the Dutch countryside, descending as low as 200 feet to ensure the food parcels reached their intended targets. The sight of the planes dropping food from the sky brought hope and relief to the starving population below. The operation was named “Manna” after the biblical miracle in which food rained from heaven to the starving Israelites.

Operation Manna quickly gained momentum, with a total of 3,424 sorties conducted between April 29 and May 8, 1945, dropping over 6,670 tons of food supplies to the Netherlands. The airdrops were coordinated with the German occupying forces to ensure the safety of the bomber crews, despite initial concerns that the Germans might fire at the planes.

The impact of Operation Manna was immediate and profound. The people of the Netherlands were overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion shown by the Allied forces. The airdrops not only provided much-needed sustenance but also lifted the spirits of the Dutch population, instilling a sense of hope and resilience. Children would eagerly wait for the planes, waving and cheering as the food parcels descended, grateful for the relief amidst the chaos of war.

Operation Manna also had significant historical implications. It was one of the first instances of humanitarian aid being delivered by air during wartime. This innovative approach paved the way for future humanitarian missions, demonstrating the potential of air power in delivering aid to affected areas.

Furthermore, Operation Manna served as a symbol of the compassion and solidarity of the Allied forces. It showcased their commitment to assisting those in need, even as they fought to secure victory over the enemy. The operation also highlighted the power of cooperation between nations, as the British and Americans worked together seamlessly to carry out this humanitarian mission.

As the war neared its end, the airdrops became less critical, as the German occupying forces surrendered in early May 1945. Nonetheless, Operation Manna played a crucial role in alleviating the suffering of the Dutch people and supporting their recovery in the aftermath of World War II.

Operation Manna was a remarkable humanitarian mission that provided much-needed food aid to the Dutch population during the final stages of World War II. The collaborative effort by the RAF and USAAF showcased the compassion and resilience of the Allied forces, while also pioneering the use of air power for humanitarian purposes. The impact of Operation Manna was significant, providing vital sustenance, hope, and a symbol of solidarity during a time of immense hardship.