Operation Chowhound Info

By late 1944, the western Netherlands was isolated behind enemy lines. Following the Allied advance during Operation Market Garden, the Dutch government-in-exile ordered a national railway strike to disrupt German military movements.

The airdrops were carried out by crews from the 439th and 440th Troop Carrier Groups, who flew modified C-47 aircraft. The planes took off from airfields in England and flew to designated drop zones in Holland, where they released the food parcels using parachutes. operation chowhound

Operation Chowhound is remembered as a remarkable example of humanitarian aid and cooperation during a time of war. The operation's success was a testament to the bravery and dedication of the aircrews involved, as well as the generosity and compassion of the Allies. By late 1944, the western Netherlands was isolated

The operation was a masterpiece of improvisation. Over ten days (April 29 to May 8), Operation Chowhound (the U.S. component) flew 2,268 sorties and delivered over 4,000 tons of food. Combined with the British Operation Manna (which used Lancaster bombers), the total exceeded 11,000 tons. Remarkably, losses were minimal: one B-17 was lost to engine failure, and one crewman was killed. The German truce held, a tacit admission that even in the Götterdämmerung of the Third Reich, some shred of humanity remained. On May 5, 1945, German forces in the Netherlands surrendered, and ground convoys finally began to roll in. But the aerial deliveries continued for three more days, ensuring no gap in supply. The planes took off from airfields in England