Secrets of the Mountain Airstrip: How a Runway Was Built Behind Enemy Lines in WWII

Amidst the dense forests and jagged peaks of Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia, a group of Allied airmen and local villagers undertook an extraordinary task: building a runway suitable for C-47 cargo planes to land and take off, all in secret and with no heavy machinery.

The runway had to be just long enough—about 700 yards—to accommodate the planes, but constructing it meant moving rocks, leveling uneven ground, and clearing dense foliage by hand. Working day and night, the team faced challenges from the terrain, weather, and the ever-present danger of German patrols.

Resources were scarce. The community shared what they had: goat milk to nourish workers, hay to feed animals, and hard bread to sustain everyone. This cooperation forged a powerful bond between the locals and airmen, united by a shared goal of survival and rescue.

The secrecy and precision required were immense. Any discovery by German forces could have spelled disaster for the entire operation. Yet, against all odds, the runway was completed, a marvel of human will and ingenuity that paved the way for the daring evacuation flights.

This feat stands as a testament to the power of cooperation and resourcefulness in the face of adversity, a shining example of how ordinary people can achieve the extraordinary when united by purpose.

Sources: SuperSummary, SOFREP, Shortform 2 3 4