The German Invasion of the Netherlands – May 1940 in Pictures

In the morning of May 10th 1940 the German Army invaded the Netherlands. Below are a set of pictures that were taken by the accompanying war photographers. We do not try and paint a complete picture of the fighting, it’s a lose collection of images relating to the battle.

All images courtesy of the Bundesarchiv / Wikimedia commons.

Maastricht

Maastricht, in the extreme South of the Netherlands was attacked in the early morning of May 10th 1940.

Related Post
  1. Wakefield firm restores WWWII Sherman tank

      A tank which fought in one of the biggest battles of the Second World…

German troops take cover on road parallel to the Maas river. In the background a destroyed bridge can bee seen. It was demolished by the Dutch army to deny it’s use to the Germans German Engineers build a temporary bridge at Maastricht. A German tank (Pzkfz III) in front of an anti-tank obstacle. A German Tank (Pzkfz III) in the streets of Maastricht. German troops and equipment in the streets of Maastricht. German troops on the march in Maastricht.

Rotterdam

The town of Rotterdam was attacked by parachutists that were quickly reinforced with troops flown in on transport planes. They linked up with ground forces that managed to fight their way through the Netherlands. The city of Rotterdam defended itself stubbornly, to force it’s surrender and the surrender of the Netherlands the Germans bombed the town on May 14th.

Destroyed Junkers JU-52 airplanes at the Waalhaven airport in the Netherlands. This was one of the airfields where the Germans landed parachutists to capture the airfield. Reinforcements were then flown in by Junkers JU52 planes. Waalhaven airfield burning as seen from above. Note the white parachutes that litter the area. Aerial shot of the burning city of Rotterdam. The Germans bomber Rotterdam to force it’s surrender. The capitulation of Rotterdam, a Dutch envoy enters German lines to discuss terms. The capitulation is discussed by German and Dutch officers. German troops in get ready to enter the town of Rotterdam after it’s capitulation. A view of the destruction of the center of Rotterdam.

 

German troops march trough the destroyed city of Rotterdam. A Dutch defensive position, houses burn in the back because of the German Bombing.

Amsterdam

Victorious German troops enter Amsterdam. Most onlookers stare in silence, a handful greets the occupiers.

 

Joris Nieuwint: Joris Nieuwint is a battlefield guide for the Operation Market Garden area. His primary focus is on the Allied operations from September 17th, 1944 onwards. Having lived in the Market Garden area for 25 years, he has been studying the events for nearly as long. He has a deep understanding of the history and a passion for sharing the stories of the men who are no longer with us.
Leave a Comment