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Book SynopsisIn 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.
Trade Review"This edited volume is a fascinating read from beginning to end. ... Fully footnoted and benefiting greatly from an annotated bibliography, the source material is in itself a valuable resource enhancing greatly the detailed narrative and analysis found within the main body of the text. The translation is of the highest quality and amply demonstrates the considerable time and effort that this must have taken. The range of photographs is extremely impressive and really helps to illuminate the story not just of the invasion and defense, but also the events leading up to the start of the European war. Especially noteworthy are the thirteen color maps at the book's beginning, which are later reprinted within the main text in monochrome. This is indeed a most commendable military study, one of the best that this reviewer has ever received, and would grace any bookshelf." - Andrew Stewart, Defence Studies Department, King's College London, in: Global War Studies 8 (2) 2011, 98-100 [DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5893/19498489.08.02.10]
Table of ContentsPreface 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
