JD's Response to AC Reply

Dear Mr Donnelly

 Thank you for your e-mail and the attached letter of 17 July 2008 regarding the lack of a high profile by the United Kingdom and the RAF at the recent Airlift commemorative ceremonies in Berlin. I am responding as Air Command has responsibility for this issue.   

I am sorry that you were so disappointed at the lack of a high profile presence by the UK and the RAF during the Berlin Airlift Celebrations, one of which you attended on the 26th June 2008.   As I am sure you will be aware, the RAF traditionally commemorate the end of an operation or campaign and usually not the beginning of one.  Therefore, RAF representatives are planning to attend events next year to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Berlin Airlift. 

However, you may be interested to know that the RAF did commemorate the beginning of the Berlin Airlift 60th anniversary celebrations by participating in a number of activities.  These included a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Spitfire and Dakota display at the Berlin air show from 30th May to 1st June 2008.  The Dakota also flew past Matczyn on 5th June 2008 to commemorate the Op Wildhorn missions.  Squadron Leader Al Pinner, Officer Commanding the BBMF and other members of the BBMF attended a wreath laying ceremony with members of Poland’s Armia Krajowa their underground army.  The Spitfire and Dakota also participated in the Gorazka air show from 7th to 8th June 2008.  The RAF recognise the contribution of their personnel on this major humanitarian operation which is acknowledged by the BBMF‘s participation in these commemorative events.   

Clearly there were a wide range of events to commemorate the beginning of the Airlift, such as the ones that you attended and unfortunately it was simply not possible for the RAF to have an official representative at each of these events, or for the MOD to fund pilgrimages to Berlin.  The Berlin Airlift Association has a website, for further details this is www.bbaa-airlift.org.uk/.

 I hope this letter allays at least some of your concerns that the RAF did not do enough to commemorate the start of the Berlin Airlift commemorative ceremonies.