Holland 1940: The Luftwaffe's first setback in the West
Product code 9781472846686
Series Air Campaign 23
Publisher/Brand Osprey
Author Ryan Knoppen
Format a5
No. Pages 96
Version Soft cover
Language English
Category Aviationbooks
Subcategory WW2 » WW2 Netherlands
Availability only 4 remaining
This product was added to our database on Wednesday 24 August 2022.
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The German invasion of the Netherlands was meant to be a lightning-fast surgical strike, aimed at shoring up the right flank of the assault on France and Belgium. With a bold plan based largely on Luftwaffe air power, air-landing troops, and the biggest airborne assault yet seen, a Dutch surrender was expected within 24 hours.
But the Netherlands possessed Europe's first fully integrated anti-aircraft network, as well as modern and competitive aircraft. On 10 May, the German attack was only partly successful, and the Dutch fought on for another four days. On the fifth day, with its original strategy having largely failed, the Luftwaffe resorted to terror-bombing Rotterdam to force a surrender.
Explaining the technical capabilities and campaign plans of the two sides, and charting how the battles were fought, this fascinating book reassesses this little-known part of World War II. Author Ryan K. Noppen argues that while the Holland campaign was a tactical victory for Germany, the ability of the well-prepared but outnumbered Dutch to inflict heavy losses was a warning of what would come in the Battle of Britain.
Piece of thought... Is Russia in the same position in Ukraine now as Germany was in 1940...










