The Dutch war-history foundation Kennispunt mei 1940 presents a website dedicated to the events that took place during the brief war in the Netherlands in May 1940. German forces invaded the neutral country at 03:55 (Dutch time) on 10 May 1940. This invasion formed part of the German offensive—Fall Gelb (Case Yellow)—against the neutral countries of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, as well as France, which was already at war.
The name of the website, War over Holland, refers to a unique aspect of the German operation in the Netherlands. For the first time in history, a large airborne and air-landing force was deployed by a vast Luftwaffe transport fleet, with the specific aim of placing troops directly in the heart of the Dutch defences: the Fortress Holland. This operation, launched “from the sky,” played a crucial role in enabling Germany to achieve a rapid victory over its smaller and only modestly prepared northwestern neighbour.
The website provides a detailed account of the events of May 1940. It offers a chronological overview of developments across all Dutch fronts, as well as beyond the national borders, where the battles in Belgium and northern France were taking place simultaneously. In addition, it includes general information on the belligerents, along with specific insights into the Dutch theatre of war and its armed forces. A dedicated section focuses on the events in the southwestern province of Zeeland, where significant French forces were involved.
The menu structure is designed for clear navigation and ease of use. Updates and news items are presented in separate menus, prominently linked from the homepage. Visitors are invited to submit questions directly to the website’s author, and feedback can be provided via the contact page.
As research into the events of May 1940 continues - both by members of the foundation and by other scholars - the content of the website will be updated regularly to reflect the latest findings. The menu clearly indicates newly added or revised material, and a dedicated news blog keeps readers informed about relevant developments and updates to the site.
Disclaimer: All content, texture, pictures, sketches, maps, photographs, illustrations, etc.etc. that are displayed on this website are protected by propriety rights. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission of the owners of this site.