Zwijndrecht and the Zwijndrecht bridges. 

On this page, you will find original photographic material of Zwijndrecht and the Zwijndrechtse bruggen (bridges) during World War II.
The Zwijndrechtse bridges have an interesting history during the war. They were one of the main objectives for the paratroopers who landed in and around Dordrecht in May 1940. Both before and during the war, these bridges were the primary connection between Dordrecht and Rotterdam. Similar to the Moerdijk bridges, anti-aircraft emplacements were soon installed on these bridges as well.

Zwijndrecht. 

1. Zwijndrecht - 1940 - 1945 - NSB leader Anton Mussert at Raadhuisplein in Zwijndrecht.

2. Zwijndrecht 1940 - 1945 - German soldiers on a ship near the Zwijndrechtse bruggen (bridges) over the Oude Maas (Old Meuse).

3. Zwijndrecht 1940 - 1945 - Julianastraat seen from the Ringdijk in Zwijndrecht.

4. Zwijndrecht 1940-1945 - Rotterdamseweg at the level of Noteboomstraat in Zwijndrecht.

The above photos show several shots of Zwijndrecht during World War II. In photo 1, you can see a rare image of Anton Mussert in Zwijndrecht. The NSB leader visited Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht on June 7, 1941. In photo 2, you can see German soldiers on a ship at the level of the Zwijndrechtse traffic bridge. Photo 3 was taken on Julianastraat at the height of Ringdijk. The photo shows Allied aircraft, seemingly B-17s, presumably during Operation Manna at the end of the war. The Allies dropped food supplies in the region due to the Hunger Winter. In photo 4, you can see German soldiers on Rotterdamseweg at the level of Noteboomstraat.


Zwijndrecht bridges. 

1. A German vehicle drives over the Zwijndrechtse Bridge during World War II.

2. A German vehicle on the Zwijndrechtse Bridge during World War II.

3. The Zwijndrechtse bridges during World War II

4. German Kettenrads on the Zwijndrechtse Bridge during World War II.

5. The Zwijndrechtse bridges during World War II

6. German soldiers on the traffic bridge in Zwijndrecht during World War II.

7. On the Zwijndrechtse Bridge during World War II.

In the above photos, you can see a number of shots of the Zwijndrechtse bridges over the Oude Maas. In the first two photos, multiple German Wehrmacht vehicles can be seen driving over the traffic bridge. The next photo shows both bridges over the Oude Maas. There is a Kriegsmarine ship still present by the water. The following photo shows Germans with a "Kettenrad," a type of motorbike, on the traffic bridge. Then there is another beautiful shot of both bridges and the dok bridge. This is followed by a photo of German soldiers cycling on the traffic bridge. The last photo is taken from the traffic bridge, with a view of the railway bridge. It is a beautiful shot of the Grote Kerk.

  Zwijndrecht railroad bridge blown up. 

8. Blown-up railway bridge in Zwijndrecht during or shortly after World War II.

9. Another shot of the destroyed Zwijndrecht bridge during World War II.

On September 20, 1944, the bridges were prepared for potential destruction. This was a measure taken by the Germans in response to the airborne landings of Operation Market Garden. Unexpectedly, a charge exploded, destroying the railway bridge. Three German soldiers lost their lives in the incident. Later, the Germans decided to blow up the railway bridge again for definitive destruction, but this time it was a planned action. The traffic bridge was not blown up as it was reportedly prevented by the resistance. *2

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*1 Source: The book: 40-45 written by Wim van Wijk. 
*2 Sources : The book : 40-45 written by Wim van Wijk and  Website Museum de Vergulde Swaen.