In 1948, the Soviet Union imposed a blockade on West Berlin, cutting off all road, rail, and canal access in an attempt to force the Allies out of the city. In response, Britain and the United States launched a vast humanitarian effort, delivering essential supplies by air. Over 15 months, aircraft carried millions of tonnes of food, fuel, and medicine—keeping West Berlin alive and marking the first major confrontation of the Cold War.

Legasee’s Berlin Airlift Project

Despite the scale of the operation, the British contribution has often been overlooked. With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Legasee worked with the British Berlin Airlift Association, the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum, and Bungay High School to ensure these stories were recorded.

From 2012 to 2013, Legasee captured 50 interviews with British veterans who took part in the airlift — pilots, ground crew, engineers, and support staff. A permanent exhibition was also created at the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the airlift, featuring memorabilia and artefacts donated by veterans.