ince the voice of the Netherlands cannot remain unheard, I have finally decided to transfer the symbol of my nation, as manifested in my person and in the government, to a place where it can continue to work as a living force that can make its voice heard.
[Radio speech by Queen Wilhelmina to the Dutch people, broadcast by the BBC on 24th May 1940]
The days of May 1940
One of the things that was given a great deal of attention during mobilisation was the development of anti-aircraft firepower. The anti-aircraft artillery was successful during the German invasion: attempted landings by the Germans in the Hague region were a failure.
The museum has a unique combination of large pieces from that period, including for instance a searchlight and a firing guidance system. The antiaircraft gun that was positioned near Ypenburg is of major historical interest. The gun was hit during a German air attack and the entire crew were killed. The damage can still be seen.
The Dutch army was incapable of resisting the German forces. Attempts to stop the German advance failed. But the Dutch army did succeed in slowing down the invading forces. But the Germans army was far superior on and in the air. Resistance was broken with the bombing of Rotterdam. The Dutch army surrendered on 10th May, five days after the start of the invasion, surprisingly quickly for the people at the time
Occupation (1940 1944)
Dutch soldiers were active on a variety of fronts during the Nazi-Germany occupation of the Netherlands in the period between 1940 and 1945. Soldiers who had fled to England formed the Princess Irene Brigade, which was to take part in the liberation in 1944. At the same time, Dutch soldiers were to be found in various special British units. Uniform and equipment were completely British. Many ex-soldiers also joined the Resistance. In these different ways the Dutch soldiers contributed to the liberation of their country.
The members of the Royal Dutch Indonesian Army in Indonesia landed in Japanese POW camps after surrendering. They were dealt with in a brutal fashion and many died.
The Germans succeeded in recruiting approximately 20,000 soldiers from the occupied Netherlands to serve in the Waffen-SS. Some of them entered service because they were convinced National-Socialists to the National-Socialist cause. Others were certain that communism in the Soviet Union posed a major threat. Of those who fought on the Eastern Front, many were killed or died from the cold and malnutrition.
