Title: De helden van de Willemsburg, Rotterdam, mei 1940
Description: The Willemsbrug is a bridge in Rotterdam crossing the river Maas. In 1940, it was a major target for the invading German army. The "heroes" in the book's title are the Dutch marines who, although with little equipment, less training and no experience, kept the Germans occupied for four days. When no advance was made by 14 May, the attackers decided to wipe the city out in a heavy bombardment and, after theatening to do the same with Utrecht, Haarlem and other cities, forced the Dutch to surrender.
Subjects: Campaigns, World War, 1939-1945, marine, second world war
Places: Netherlands, Rotterdam
Time periods: 1940