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Originally posted by �scar:
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I think anything having to do with Lt.Kerfin and the Willems Bridge is very interesting, and quite hard to come by.
In April and May 1940 there were some daring actions carried out by the Fallschirmj�ger. They showed both the special training and "attitude" - so to speak - of the Fallschirmtruppe. I compare the Willems Bridge action with the raid on Elverum, Norway, on 9-10 April 1940. Around 96 FJs from 2./FJR1, included Hauptmann Walther himself. They got into enemy territory 150 kms. to capture the King and the government. They failed in this objective, but captured 600 soldiers and officers, approximately... The German casualties were 4 men.
Regards. �scar
I have to say this time that I don't agree with you Oscar. BTW How's live over there?
I think we should not forget the fact that the only problem Kerfin had was the fact that he couldn't move. Reinforcements couldn't reach him most of the time as it was almost impossible to cross the Willemsbridge. However, the Dutch had the same problems. They too couldn't cross the bridge. On the other side of the water the Noordereiland was a German strongpoint, with all their sMg's, Mortars, IG and AT-guns etc. And they revused to let the civilians who lived on the Noordereiland go. It would have been easy to let them leave using the Koningsbridge to leave the Island and walk into the south of Rotterdam, but instead they were used by the germans as human shields. And indeed, the Dutch didn't bomb or shell the hell out of the Noordereiland thus leaving Kerfin well coffered by German troops on the Noordereiland.
Whilest this all was going on German troops were flown in constantly, using Waalhaven airfield and, when it got shelled by arty to much, the Rotterdam-Dordrecht "highway".
To this we also have to add the fact that the Germans had air-supriority, Dutch Airforce was down, there were no AA's at Rotterdam(only 1 AA-MG platoon whitch was used as a "normal" MG platoon).
I do agree that it wasn't a party, but I do think the heroism by Kerfin was also a very well organised propaganda. If you have elite troops, you sell them to the public as being elite. All credits go to the FJ and Kerfin whilest 11 and 9/16 IR did a hell of a job too. We do have to remember that, while Kerfin and his men already took the buildings as the Dutch weren't reaction strongly, many men of 9 and 11/16 IR crossed the bridge under heavy Dutch fire, getting many killed and wounded.
And let's not forget, Olt. Schrader was also awarded the RK, but never got the public honour Kerfin was given.
Cheers,
HugovD