German invasion of Belgium (1940)

The Battle of Belgium or Belgian Campaign was part of the greater Battle of France.  This was an offensive campaign by Germany during the Second World War. It took place over 18 days in May 1940.  It ended with the German occupation of Belgium following the surrender of the Belgian Army.

The Allied Armies tried to stop the German Army in Belgium.  They thought it was the main German attack. After the French had fully committed the best of the Allied Armies to Belgium between 10 and 12 May, the Germans went towards the English Channel. The German Army reached the Channel after five days. They encircling the Allied Armies. The Germans forced the Allies back to the sea. The Belgian Army surrendered on 28 May 1940, ending the battle.Shirer 1990, p. 729.

The Battle of Belgium included the first tank battle of the war.Healy 2007, p. 36. It was the largest tank battle in history up to that date.  The battle also included the Battle of Fort Eben-Emael, the first strategic airborne operation using paratroopers.

Belgium was occupied by the Germans until the winter of 1944–1945. It was freed by the Western Alliance.

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Category:1940 in Europe
Category:1940 events
Battle of Belgium
Category:Battles involving Belgium
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Category:May 1940 events