Holland 1940: The Luftwaffe’s first setback in the West

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.