Douglas DC3

The Douglas C-47 Dakota (RAF designation) is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II. During the war the C-47 was used for troop transport, cargo, paratrooper, for towing gliders and military cargo parachute drops. The C-47 remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years.  It was produced in approximately triple the numbers as the larger, much heavier payload Curtiss C-46 Commando, which filled a similar role for the U.S. military.

Approximately 100 countries' armed forces have operated the C-47 with over 60 variants of the aircraft produced.

30 Sqn was to be reformed in the UK, the first time it had operated in the UK since it was formed in 1915.  Although it had been a fighter Sqn it  was now to move into the transport role with the C-47 Dakota at RAF Oakington.

The Sqn was fulfilling its transport role by moving troops around the world, dropping paratroopers and freight etc, when by mid Jun 1948 relations between the west and Russian deteriorated to such a point that Berlin could not be supplied by ground transportation across the Russian Zone.  Effectively, the Soviets wanted to get rid of the US, France and UK from Berlin. The only way western quarters of Berlin could be resupplied was by air a seemingly impossible task.

The Berlin Airlift began.

During the Berlin airlift, 30 Sqn operated from Lubeck once it was clear that the RAF’s contribution was too large for Wunsdorf alone.  It was a huge effort by the RAF and the 50,000th flight into Gatow was flown by a 30 Sqn crew carrying coal!  It was in Oct 1949 that 30 Sqn finally returned to RAF Oakington.

There is far more detail in ‘Flat Out’ and it gives a more in-depth insight into the Sqn’s social as well as operational life - well worth a read!  In the meantime, here is a video that helps tell the general story of the airlift.