The Hump WWII Museum: A Glimpse into History

The world is familiar with the enmity that brewed between the United States and China. In terms of the economy, the U.S. has held the top spot for 80 years. Even today, most international business transactions are conducted in American dollars. Whether it’s nuclear weapons or any other facet, China often lags behind. Trade wars have entangled these two giants, and political tensions continue to persist. However, did you know that once, in a time of great need, America extended its full support to China? This support came at a hefty price, with the sacrifice of 650 warplanes.

The Hump WWII Museum’s Tale – Unveiled by the American Ambassador

The Indian government is set to inaugurate the ‘The Hump WWII Museum’ in Arunachal Pradesh. This museum will preserve the remnants of the Second World War that are part of history. Named ‘The Hump Museum,’ this collection is being prepared at Passighat, in Arunachal Pradesh, under the leadership of the state’s Chief Minister, Pema Khandu.

The museum holds the remains of aircraft associated with ‘The Hump’ operation. Chief Minister Pema Khandu is overseeing this project. To mark the inauguration, the state government is planning to invite the American Ambassador to India.

The Untold Story of 1942

The historical enmity between America and Japan dates back many years. In 1942, the Japanese army cut off the 1150 km-long Burma Road, which connected Lashio in present-day Myanmar to Kunming in China. During that time, the allied forces of America and other nations undertook one of the most extensive aerial campaigns in the history of aviation. They named this route ‘The Hump.’

During World War II, nearly 650 aircraft met with accidents due to the extremely challenging flying conditions in this region. During that time, the United States, leading the allied nations, operated the largest airlift mission in history. In this operation, nearly 650,000 tons of supplies, including ration, fuel, and ammunition, were delivered.

With the help of allied nations, American aircraft conducted perilous flights from airfields in Assam to Kunming, spanning a treacherous 500-mile route. The pilots had to navigate through deep gorges and ascend to altitudes of more than 10,000 feet at high speeds.

The Hamp Operation and Its Significance

‘The Hump’ encompasses Arunachal Pradesh, Tibet, and parts of Myanmar. It is said that the extremely challenging flying conditions during the Second World War led to the loss of approximately 1600 aircraft in this region. Some of these aircraft were found, but many remain unaccounted for to this day. Even today, Arunachal Pradesh’s mountains often experience unpredictable weather conditions, with sudden high winds and near-zero visibility. Flying in such conditions remains extremely challenging.

In conclusion, the ‘The Hump WWII Museum’ stands as a testament to a remarkable chapter in history when nations united to face adversity. The sacrifice of 650 aircraft is a testament to the courage and determination of those who participated in ‘The Hump’ operation. It serves as a reminder of the price paid for international cooperation during a time of great need.