📡 2025 - Special Event Station PH80MAN
Date: April 25–27, 2025
Location: Duindigt Racecourse
Operators: Erwin (PA3EFR), Sander (PD9HIX), Michel (PE1MR), Frans (PE0F), and Lynette (PD4LYN) + guest operators
Callsign: PH80MAN
Occasion: 80 years after Operation Manna – commemorating the Allied food drops in 1945
Purpose of the Event
The special event station PH80MAN was activated in memory of Operation Manna, the humanitarian mission in which British and American aircraft dropped food over the western Netherlands in April and May 1945. Through this activation, we commemorated 80 years of gratitude and hope, and shared this story via amateur radio worldwide.
On the Air
- Bands used: 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m, 2m, 70cm (SSB and FT8)
- Modes: Voice (SSB), FT8
- Total QSOs: 1212 from 77 countries
This event would not have grown to its scale without the support of other participating stations. Several operators recognized the story behind the callsign and expressed their appreciation.
Operator Experience
It was a special experience to draw attention to this unique and lesser-known WWII mission. PH80MAN attracted curious stations and led to meaningful conversations about history and gratitude.
Feedback and QSLs
We received many positive reactions. Several stations shared personal stories about their parents, grandparents, or other relatives who lived through the food drops. Very moving.
Interviews
We also conducted interviews with individuals who remembered the events as children.
You can read the interviews on the next links
Interview with Mr. KulikInterview with Family Schenk
Interview with Mr. Hofstede
Conclusion
With PH80MAN, we beautifully combined radio, history, and human connection. It added meaning to our hobby and honored a remarkable mission. Thank you to everyone who made contact!
For more information, please visit the Wikipedia page about Operation Manna and Chowhound.
Table of Contents
📡 2024 - PA3EFR/J – Jamboree on the Air
Date: October 17–20, 2024
Location: Scoutinggroep WABO, Heemstede
Operators: Erwin (PA3EFR), Sander (PD9HIX), Michel (PE1MR), Thomas (PA3TVV), Lynette (PD4LYN) + girl scouts
Callsign: PA3EFR/J
Occasion: Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) with Scoutinggroep WABO – a girls-only scouting group
Purpose of the Event
The special event station PA3EFR/J was activated during the annual Jamboree on the Air, a worldwide event connecting scouts via amateur radio. This time, we were hosted by Scoutinggroep WABO, a girls' scouting group in Heemstede. The event aimed to introduce the scouts to the magic of wireless communication and to promote international friendship.
On the Air
- Bands used: 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m, 2m, 70cm
- Modes: Voice (SSB)
- Total QSOs: 110 from 39 countries
Scouts were actively involved in making contacts, learning about call signs, phonetic alphabets, and global communication. The enthusiasm was contagious!
Operator Experience
It was inspiring to see young scouts engage with technology and communication. Their excitement when making a contact was priceless, and many showed real interest in the hobby.
Activities and Reactions
Besides operating the radio, the scouts also participated in pacman with communication-device, searching signals and much more. Parents and leaders expressed great appreciation for the interactive and educational setup.
Conclusion
PA3EFR/J at Scoutinggroep WABO was a successful and joyful event. We sparked curiosity, made international contacts, and most importantly, gave young people an unforgettable experience. Until next JOTA!
📡 2024 - Special Event Station PA80OMG
Date: September 13–20, 2024
Location: Groesbeek, Netherlands
Operators: Erwin (PA3EFR), Sander (PD9HIX), Michel (PE1MR), Frans (PE0F), and Lynette (PD4LYN) + guest operators
Callsign: PA80OMG
Occasion: 80 years after Operation Market Garden – commemorating one of the largest Allied operations of WWII
Purpose of the Event
The special event station PA80OMG was activated to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, a major WWII Allied airborne operation aimed at liberating the Netherlands. Through amateur radio, we honored the bravery and sacrifices of those involved and shared this historical event with a global audience.
On the Air
- Bands used: 80m, 60m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 10m, 6m, 2m, 70cm (SSB and FT8)
- Modes: Voice (SSB), FT8, Morse (CW)
- Total QSOs: 2422 from 99 countries
Operators reported great interest in the story behind the callsign, with many contacts taking a moment to reflect on the historical significance of the event.
Operator Experience
Activating PA80OMG was both inspiring and humbling. We were proud to use our hobby to educate others about a pivotal moment in Dutch and European history. Many conversations during the event turned into heartfelt exchanges about family connections to WWII.
Feedback and QSLs
Numerous stations expressed their appreciation, and we received messages from those whose families had been directly affected by the liberation.
Conclusion
PA80OMG brought together the spirit of amateur radio with the enduring legacy of Operation Market Garden. It was a meaningful tribute and a powerful way to engage people in remembering history. Thank you to everyone who made contact!
For more information, please visit the Wikipedia page about Operation Market Garden.