Full Description
In May 1940, the Netherlands were overrun by German armed forces. The five-day campaign might seem to be a prime example of Blitzkrieg, which led shortly afterwards to the rapid and unexpected overthrow of France. This book, based on the newest scholarly research, argues that this is too simple a view. Even though the German assault on the Netherlands made use of tanks, aircraft and airborne troops, it was still a classic campaign against a weak opponent in a theater on the margins of Fall Gelb. In many instances, artillery and infantry were the decisive factors and it is debatable whether the bombing of Rotterdam can be seen as a precursor to the aerial terror campaigns against civilian populations that marked the later stages the Second World War.
Contributors are H. Amersfoort, H.W. van den Doel, P.H. Kamphuis, P.M.J. de Koster, C.M. Schulten and J.W.M. Schulten.
Contents
Preface
Colour maps
I. Introduction, H. Amersfoort
The Netherlands and the war
The shock
The questions
II. The Emergence of the German Threat, H.W. van den Doel
The consequences of the First World War
Versailles
The 1920s: seeking stability
Fascism and National Socialism
National Socialists in power
The German Lebensraum ambitions
Conclusion
III. Between Hope and Fear: The Netherlands armed forces in the interwar period, C.M. Schulten and P.M.J. de Koster
Introduction
The legacy of neutrality
After the First World War
The cupboard is bare - from 1922 to 1933
Turning point
Rising tensions
The military geography of the Netherlands
Strategic policy
Winkelman's operation plan
IV. The Gathering Storm: The German armed forces in the interwar period, J.W.M. Schulten
Introduction
The German rearmament
Baptism of fire
The German operation plan for the Westfeldzug
Plan of attack of the 18th Army
The alert
V. The Generals' Duel: Five days of war at the military strategic level, H. Amersfoort and J.W.M. Schulten
Düsseldorf, Friday 10 May 1940
The Hague, Friday 10 May 1940
Düsseldorf, Saturday 11 May 1940
The Hague, Saturday 11 May 1940
Düsseldorf, Sunday 12 May 1940
The Hague, Sunday 12 May 1940
Düsseldorf, Monday 13 May 1940
The Hague, Monday 13 May 1940
Düsseldorf, Tuesday 14 May 1940
The Hague, Tuesday 14 May 1940
Rijsoord, Wednesday 15 May 1940
VI. 'Fall Festung': A surprise attack on The Hague, C.M. Schulten
Introduction
Ypenburg, Valkenburg and Ockenburg captured by the Germans
The continuing battle for the airfields on 10 May
The recapture of Ypenburg
The battle for Valkenburg
Ockenburg back in Dutch hands
Further actions against the airborne troops and the battle at Overschie
Concluding remarks
VII. Disputed Territory: The battle in the Dutch provinces of Limburg, Noord-Brabant and Zeeland, H.W. van den Doel
Introduction
Operations against the bridges over the river Maas
The battle at Mill
Passage through Noord-Brabant
Zeeland struggles on
The final pocket of resistance eradicated
Conclusion
VIII. The Field Army Defeated: The battle for the Grebbe Line, H.W. van den Doel
Introduction
The fall of the IJssel Line
The attack on the outposts of the IVth Division
General Harberts' countermeasures
The German attack on the main resistance sector
Chaos among the military leadership
The fall of the Grebbe Line
The battle at Scherpenzeel
The end
Conclusion
IX. "Vorwärts denken, vorwärts sehen, vorwärts reiten!": The battle in the northern provinces, P.H. Kamphuis
The territorial defence of the northern Netherlands
A morning of battle and a pursuit in vain
The collapse of the Wons Position
The offensive reconnaissance mission fails
Conclusion
X. Not a bridge too far: The battle for the Moerdijk bridges, Dordrecht and Rotterdam, H.W. van den Doel
The German plans
Dutch combat readiness
The German airborne landings
Consolidation of the German positions
Actions by the border battalions and the Kil Group
The Light Division takes action
Die Panzer arrive on time
The battle in Rotterdam
The bombing of Rotterdam
Conclusion
XI. Myth and reality, H. Amersfoort
Still coming to terms with the past?
Analysing the military operations
Pre-war defence policy: does it require re-evaluation?
Annex: Table of land forces rank equivalents
Annotated bibliography
Index
Biographical notes
Photo acknowledgements
