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.

INTRODUCTION The Dutch Defences Fallschirmjager And Luftlande Troops Attacker's Capabilities Luftflotte 2 In The Holland Operation Fighter Cover For Airborne Operations Strike Capabilities The Transports Orders Of Battle - May 10, 1940 Defender's Capabilities The Dutch Defences Dutch Military Aircraft In The 1930S Order Of Battle, May 10, 1040 Campaign Objectives Unternehmen F The Campaign Five Costly Days Operations On 10 May 1940 Attack On Schiphol Attack On Bergen Attack On De Kooy Luftwaffe Airborne Operations Within The Vesting Holland Operations On May 11-14, 1940 Analysis And Conclusion Bibliography Index