Five Brothers and a War

May 10, 1940

The first mission of the German forces was to take control of the airfield—in order to allow transport planes to bring in foot soldiers and supplies. Three airborne companies and a battalion staff, comprising about 430 soldiers were scheduled to land in the drop zone. Of the 53 planes coming in on the first wave, only 27 made it back. In fact, the first nine Ju-52 transport planes, each carrying about 12 soldiers, flew directly into a defensive barrage. A number of heavily-damaged planes landed at Ypenburg, but in the process blocked the field for other aircraft.

Burning and crashed aircraft at Ypenburg airfield.

The second wave, arriving about fifteen minutes after the first, received roughly the same reception as the first. By the time the third wave arrived, the field was littered with burning aircraft. In order to land, planes diverted to roads that had been closed by the Germans or ordinary fields anywhere around the Ypenburg or Delft areas. The fourth wave was diverted to Ockenburgh and to the dunes of Kijkduin. The Germans took control of almost the entire base, with the exception of one corner. However, as the day progressed, the Dutch counterattacked, and re-took control. In the process, the Dutch had 94 men killed, while the Germans lost 130 who were killed, and around 500 who were wounded and at Ypenburg itself, 720 men had become prisoners of war. In the surrounding area (Delft, Nootdorp, Pijnacker, Bleiswijk) another 575 were taken prisoner. In other words, 1,300 POWs and about 650 killed and wounded.

the war

The Ypenburg airfield was very heavily damaged during the battle.

Five Brothers and a War

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