Zwijndrecht bridge - May 1940.
On this page, you will find original photographic material of the Zwijndrecht bridges in May 1940. The bridges were of great importance for the advancement of German troops towards Rotterdam. Paratroopers were deployed to capture and hold the bridges until German armored troops could cross the bridge towards Rotterdam.
The first photo shows a very rare image of German paratroopers on the Zwijndrecht bridge. Behind them, you can see the Chemproha factory on Lindtsedijk in Zwijndrecht. The photo is described on the back and dated May 12, 1940. The text reads: "Meine Gruppe im feuerkampf bei dem vom starken feind verteidigten Hafen Dordrecht-Holland" which translates to "My group in a firefight near the strongly defended port of Dordrecht, Holland."
The paratroopers marked with a cross in the center of the image is thought to be the one who wrote the text on the back of the photo, possibly the group commander. On May 12, the bridge was still defended by paratroopers from the 2nd and 4th companies of Fallschirmjäger Regiment 1. Dutch troops in the EMF (Electro Engine Factory on the Dordrecht side of the bridge) and its surroundings regularly fired upon the German bridgehead. Throughout the day (and evening), the paratroopers at the bridgehead came under fire multiple times from Dutch artillery. The warehouses behind the paratroopers, next to the factory, were likely hit by that artillery. It appears that a parachutist quickly took a photo in between the gunfire, as the paratroopers are still in cover. It is presumed that the Dutch soldiers who occupied the EMF and the surrounding buildings on the Dordrecht side had been driven out, as it is highly unlikely that the paratroopers could have stayed in their positions within the firing range of those defenders, let alone have the time to take a photo. Regardless, it is a very intriguing photo. *1
The second photo shows a large troop movement across the Zwijndrecht bridge. It is notable to see both motorized vehicles and horse-drawn wagons. The German army was not solely motorized during the May days of 1940. This photo was found together with the photo of the destroyed warehouses at the Spoorweghaven. It is very likely that this photo was taken during May 1940 or shortly thereafter.
Photo three is equally fascinating. The photo shows three German soldiers at hastily constructed positions, likely of the 7th Infantry Regiment 16, along the Oude Maas. They have a view of the Grote Kerk in Dordrecht. The situation appears relaxed, as if they are having a chat. The photo was likely taken shortly after the May days of 1940, after the evacuation of the Dutch army from Dordrecht. It is certain that they could not have been standing there during the fighting. The man on the far left with the MP40 submachine gun appears to be a paratrooper judging by his helmet, although the photo is somewhat blurry.
The following photos were taken on the Zwijndrecht bridge and its vicinity. They are three very unique photos of German paratroopers in May 1940. The first photo shows a German paratrooper posing on the Zwijndrecht bridge. In the background, the outlines of the bridge near the Noord River can vaguely be seen. Something seems to be on fire. The paratrooper is wearing a Dutch ammunition pouch attached to his belt. It is an interesting and rarely seen image.
The second photo shows a group of paratroopers, likely at their positions near Weeskinderendijk. They appear to be enjoying a moment of rest. They have captured several Dutch Hembrug rifles, and the obergefreiter seems to be pointing to the spot where he found them.
The last photo shows a German paratrooper who is also a machine gunner. He is holding a stick grenade in his hands, and his machine gun, the MG34, is next to him in the grass. In the top right corner, a small part of the Zwijndrecht bridge ramp can be seen. The building in the top left corner could be the Ozon laundry. The photo was most likely taken at Weeskinderendijk as well. Unfortunately, the photo is damaged, but it remains a very unique image. For more interesting photos for comparison, visit the Dordt Open Stad website under "beeldmateriaal - Weeskinderendijk (Click on the photos to enlarge).
Below is a photo of German vehicles, taken from Zwijndrecht. On the right, there is still significant war damage, likely on the premises of the Chemproha chemical factory. The bridge can be seen between the buildings. The photo was presumably taken shortly after or duringMay 1940. The following photo was also likely taken shortly after May 1940. A German soldier poses for the photo on the Oude Maas. Something is still burning in the direction of Papendrecht.
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*1 Sources:
The book: The German Fallschirmtruppe 1936-41 It's genesis and employements in the first campaigns of the wehrmacht door Karl Heinz Golla.
Zuidfront-Holland1940