Operations Manna and Chowhound

An

RAF ground crew loading food supplies into slings for hoisting into the bomb bay of an

Many Thanks spelt-out on the ground in

Operation Manna Commemoration Plaque

Operations Manna and Chowhound were humanitarian food drops conducted by the Allied forces during the final stages of World War II in Europe. These operations were carried out to provide food aid to the starving population of the Netherlands, which was still under German occupation. The operations took place in late April and early May 1945, just before the end of the war in Europe.

Background

By the winter of 1944-1945, the situation in the occupied Netherlands had become desperate. The German occupiers had confiscated food and fuel shipments, and the Dutch government in exile had called for a railway strike to support the Allied liberation efforts. In response, the Germans cut off food supplies to the western Netherlands, leading to a famine known as the "Hunger Winter." An estimated 20,000 people died of starvation.

Operation Manna

Operation Manna was initiated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) after negotiations with the German forces, allowing food drops to take place without the threat of being shot down. The operation was named after the biblical story of manna, food that God provided for the Israelites in the desert. From April 29 to May 7, 1945, British and Canadian aircraft dropped a total of over 6,680 tons of food supplies over the Netherlands. The drops were made at low altitude to ensure the packages could be retrieved by the people below.

Operation Chowhound

Following the success of Operation Manna, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) launched Operation Chowhound. From May 1 to May 8, 1945, American bombers delivered more than 4,000 tons of food to the Dutch people. The operation was carried out in close coordination with the RAF and the Dutch resistance to ensure the food reached those in need.

Impact

The food drops of Operations Manna and Chowhound provided immediate relief to the Dutch population suffering from severe famine. The operations also served as a symbol of hope and solidarity, strengthening the bond between the Netherlands and the Allied nations. The successful coordination between the Allies and the German forces, even as the war neared its end, demonstrated the potential for humanitarian efforts in times of conflict.

Legacy

Operations Manna and Chowhound are remembered as significant humanitarian missions of World War II. They highlighted the importance of air power not just in warfare but also in providing critical aid to civilian populations. The operations are commemorated in the Netherlands through memorials and annual events, serving as a reminder of the impact of war on civilians and the importance of international aid.