Former Milford resident Sir John Curtiss talks in new Legasee Educational Trust podcast about his part in the Berlin Airlift and as Air Commander of British Forces during Falklands War
IT WAS the victory that Britain forgot. That was the verdict of Sir John Curtiss who took part in The Berlin Airlift - one of the most critical standoffs in military history.
After the Second World War the Soviets attempted to take Berlin by starving its population into submission. They blockaded land and water access to the city, confident that Western powers would not risk another war by using force to end it.
Instead, the allies created The Berlin Airlift in direct response, which between June 1948 and May 1949 saw aircraft fly over 277,000 missions to bring the people of the city vital supplies.
To Sir John it was one of Britain’s finest moments, saving a city without firing a shot. But he became saddened by the fact that few of his fellow countrymen seemed to remember anything about it.
His proud son Peter, who also talks in the podcasts, said: “My father didn’t just serve, he shaped history. Like many of his generation, he did not talk about his war experiences.
“During WWII, he flew 28 missions over occupied Europe with Bomber Command.
“But the airlift was one thing he did talk about; he was very passionate about it and it was an amazing part of his life.
“The Russians felt that they could take over the whole of Berlin simply by closing the roads, closing the railways and effectively starving the city into submission.
"But by introducing this air bridge, as it was described, the Americans and the British were able to funnel huge quantities of food and coal into the city.
"If Berlin had not been saved from the Russians then West Germany and the reunification that came a few decades later, none of that would have happened.”
Sir John flew 263 missions during the Airlift, but Peter said his dad was “very frustrated” about the fact so little was made of them in the UK.
“He was furious when the Post Office refused to issue the stamp. He thought the nation owed it more recognition.
“But the people of Berlin never forgot. For the 50th anniversary they actually hosted around 1,500 veterans and family.”
Sir John was also heavily involved in the British Berlin Airlift Association, giving talks about it to groups.
Peter said: “I've got boxes and files of his speeches and I would like to see some of the documents go on display somewhere.
“This is why I am so pleased about the podcasts, as it will give people a chance to learn what it was and help keep its memory alive.”
Sir John was born in England but his family moved back to New Zealand. Desperate to join up, he left the country at the age of 17 to sail for England.
Peter said: “He joined the RAF as a navigator and was the first one to reach the rank of Air Marshall. During the Falklands War he was Air Commander of British forces.
“It was his idea to refuel Balkan and Vulcan bombers mid flight which was key in helping Britain achieve its victory over the Argentinians.”
After he retired he moved to Milford, where he became a member of the Royal British Legion and was also at one time chair of the trustees of Oakhaven Hospice.
Peter remembers his father as being “great fun”, adding: “He was known for his really loud laugh and his friends called him ‘laughing John’.”
Martin Bisiker, founder of Legasee Educational Trust and podcast executive producer, said: “Sir John Curtiss was one of the RAF’s most decorated and respected figures, a key player in shaping history.
“Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, we’re able to keep these memories alive.”
The Veterans’ Voice: Berlin Airlift podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms, featuring Sir John Curtiss’ own words recorded in 2013. Visit www.Legasee.org.uk/Collections/Podcasts
Legasee Educational Trust preserves over 700 filmed veteran interviews, freely available at www.Legasee.org.uk