3 thoughts on “The Cycling Regiment of the Dutch Army on the eve of the German invasion, 1940.”
I cannot say for certain, but I believe this photo just might explain the outcome of the German invasion.
I wonder if those that had motorcycles fared better than the ones with bicycles.
While the Dutch Army lacked equipment, the cycle brigade was not how they were defeated by the Germans. The Germans had complete air superiority.
Prior to a deadline expiring the German air force utterly destroyed the core of undefended Rotterdam from the air. One building was left damaged but standing. At that point the Dutch had run out of options and capitulated.
Interestingly, the German paratroopers that had previously landed in Rotterdam had by then been surrounded by Dutch forces and were about to be captured. Maybe the bicycles had been of some use after all!
I cannot say for certain, but I believe this photo just might explain the outcome of the German invasion.
I wonder if those that had motorcycles fared better than the ones with bicycles.
While the Dutch Army lacked equipment, the cycle brigade was not how they were defeated by the Germans. The Germans had complete air superiority.
Prior to a deadline expiring the German air force utterly destroyed the core of undefended Rotterdam from the air. One building was left damaged but standing. At that point the Dutch had run out of options and capitulated.
Interestingly, the German paratroopers that had previously landed in Rotterdam had by then been surrounded by Dutch forces and were about to be captured. Maybe the bicycles had been of some use after all!