Avro Saviours

29th of April, 1945 - operation manna.

An operation involving humanitarian aid drops using Lancaster bombers in response to the Dutch famine of 1944-45 due to German occupation and a German blockade which cut off food and fuel shipments from local farm towns.

The operation was carried out by British, Australian, New Zealand, Polish and Canadian squadrons. The American forces also had a Humanitarian aid operation alongside Manna called chowhound and with the combined efforts they managed to supply 11,000 tones of supplies to western Netherland regions still occupied by the enemy. The Germans however showed no protest to help as many of the Dutch survive the famine.

The first Lancaster bomber chosen for the test flight was named bad penny and despite the Germans (having yet to agree to the ceasefire to help feed the Dutch) presence, still took off and flew as low as 50ft over the enemy to start the urgently needed relief.

This is a fine example of British bravery, audacity as well as displaying the compassion to help those who required Great British strength.