Lezing Meidagen 1940

In Rotterdam from 10 to 14 May 1940 there was a continuous battle for the city. An incredible, largely unknown story that precedes the devastating bombing. Rotterdam has been in the middle of the front line from the very beginning of the German invasion on May 10, 1940. Five long days of fighting rage in the streets, on the river and in the skies above the city. German and Dutch troops face each other along the Maas. The people of Rotterdam are caught between two fires.

After this days-long battle for Rotterdam, the German bombing of May 14, 1940 reduced the city center of Rotterdam to ashes. The Netherlands capitulated that day, which was formally ratified in Rijsoord on May 15. However, this does not end the war, not in the Netherlands and not in Europe.