Rotterdam Rechter Maasoever , South Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

May 1940 War Memorial

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 20, 2024

1. May 1940 War Memorial Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Ter eerbiedige nagedachtnis aan hen die vielen
mei 1940

Onthuld 4 mei 1950

Uit erkentelijkheid jegens allen, die tot de verdediging van onze stad hebben bijgedragen.

(English translation:)
In respectful memory of those who fell
May 1940

Unveiled May 4, 1950

Out of gratitude to all who contributed to the defense of our city.

Erected 1950 by Burgerij van Rotterdam.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II.

Location. 51° 55.015′ N, 4° 29.492′ E. Memorial is in Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland (South Holland). It is in Rotterdam Rechter Maasoever. It is on Boompjeskade, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: Boompjeskade 11, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland 3011 XB, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

the Benelux Low Countries,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire

and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nationaal Monument Voor De Koopvardij / National Merchant Marine Memorial (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Loods 24 / Warehouse 24 (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Waalse kerk / Eglise Wallonne / Walloon Church (approx. 0.9 kilometers away); a different marker also named Loods 24 / Warehouse 24 (approx. one kilometer away); Monument Voor Joodse Oorlogslachtoffers / Jewish War Victims Memorial (approx. one kilometer away); Verzetskruis Herdenkingsmonument / Resistance Cross Memorial (approx. 1.1 kilometers away); International Congregational Council (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); March 12, 1945 Hofplein Execution Memorial (approx. 1.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rotterdam.

Also see . . . German Bombing of Rotterdam (Wikipedia).

Overview: Rotterdam was subjected to heavy aerial bombardment by the Luftwaffe during the German invasion of the Netherlands during the Second World War. The objective was to support the German troops fighting in the city, break Dutch resistance and force the Dutch army to surrender. Bombing began at the
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 20, 2024

2. May 1940 War Memorial - wide view
The memorial is located at what was the north end of the Willemsbrug - the bridge depicted on the plaque which was destroyed by the German bombardment on May 14, 1940.
outset of hostilities on 10 May and culminated with the destruction of the entire historic city centre on 14 May, an event sometimes referred to as the Rotterdam Blitz. According to an official list published in 2022, at least 1,150 people were killed, with 711 deaths in the 14 May bombing alone, and 85,000 more were left homeless.

The psychological and the physical success of the raid, from the German perspective, led the Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (OKL) to threaten to destroy the city of Utrecht if the Dutch command did not surrender. The Dutch surrendered in the late afternoon of 14 May and signed the capitulation early the next morning.

(Submitted on March 31, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 171 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.