I recently Iearned about Operation Manna and Operation Chowhound that British and U.S. forces undertook near the end of the war. In this time of civil unrest and pandemic, I thought it was a wonderful story to share.

Food Drops to the Starving Netherlands

The troops loaded up their bombers with food and then dropped parcels as they flew low over designated places in the occupied Dutch lands. There years of German occupation had left the locals, some 3 million, near starvation.

Done With German Permission

Even though the war wasn’t over, the Germans likely knew the end was coming. Nonetheless, the food drops were negotiated and done with German permission.

Manna Was First

The first was a British operation, Manna. The Brits were joined by squadrons from Australia, New Zealand, Poland and Canada. In all, this operation made 3,301 flights. They dropped their loads of food at 400 to 500 feet. In all, they delivered 6,680 tons of food to the starving Dutch.

What Food Was Dropped?

The food dropped was canned items, along with chocolate and dried food. The items were dropped in cartons without parachutes.

Operation Chowhound Came Later

A few days later, American bombers followed up with Operation Chowhound, dropping 800 tons of K-rations (military food) along with another 3,200 of food items.

Then Came Operation Faust

It became apparent that Manna and Chowhound would be insufficient. The need of a starving country was just too great. So Operation Faust was launched shortly with 200 Allied trucks delivering food to the city of Rhenen, behind German lines.

Some Became Ill, a Few Died

The idea was for people to redistribute the food after the drops. But some could not resist eating immediately, causing them to become ill. A few died as a result of putting fatty food into a starving body (re-feeding syndrome).

Losses

Three aircraft were lost during this operation, two in a collision and one due to an engine fire. Bullet holes were found in some aircraft upon their return, apparently from German soldiers.

Pleasant Story for a Sad Time

It’s a sad time in our country. I hope this story of international humanitarian generosity, brightens your day.