Food distribution in West Africa: the Dutch contribution
The 6-man detachment set off for Senegal in an F-27 Troopship from Soesterberg air base on Saturday 7 July 1973, under the command of first pilot, Captain G.E.C. Soons. The detachment consisted of 3 pilots, 2 flight engineers and a radio operator.
Distribution of relief supplies
From their base in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, they spent 11 weeks distributing the assembled relief goods to many affected areas throughout West Africa. The isolated and densely wooded areas where landings were impossible were supplied with relief goods by air drops. In more than 2 months’ time, the Dutch unit distributed 240 tons of food and animal feed. The job was finished on 21 September 1973 and the detachment returned to the Netherlands.