Zwijndrecht bridges
On this page you will find original photographic material of the Zwijndrecht bridges during the Second World War. The Zwijndrecht bridges have an interesting history from the war years. In the days of May 1940, they were one of the main objectives of the paratroopers who landed in and around Dordrecht. Both before and during the war, the bridges formed the most important connection between Dordrecht and Rotterdam. Before long, anti‑aircraft positions appeared on these bridges as well, just like on the Moerdijk bridges.
On 20 September 1944, the bridges were prepared for possible demolition. This was a German measure in response to the airborne landings of Operation Market Garden. Unexpectedly, one of the charges detonated, destroying the railway bridge. Three German soldiers were killed. Later, the Germans decided to blow up the railway bridge once more as a final act of destruction — this time planned. The road bridge was not demolished, reportedly because this was prevented by the resistance. 1
1. A German vehicle is driving across the Zwijndrecht road bridge during the Second World War
2. A German vehicle is driving across the Zwijndrecht road bridge during the Second World War
3. The Zwijndrecht bridges during the Second World War
4. German Kettenrads on the Zwijndrecht bridge during the Second World War
5. The Zwijndrecht bridges during the Second World War.
6. German soldiers on the Zwijndrecht road bridge during the Second World War.
7. On the Zwijndrecht bridge during the Second World War.
8. Blown‑up railway bridge of Zwijndrecht during or shortly after the Second World War.
9. Another photograph of the destroyed Zwijndrecht bridge during the Second World War.
10. Painting of Fallschirmjäger Regiment 1 on the Zwijndrecht Bridge.
11. Painting of Fallschirmjäger Regiment 1 on the Zwijndrecht Bridge.
12. German Luftwaffe soldiers on a FLAK position on top of the Zwijndrecht railroadbridge during the Second World War
13. German Luftwaffe soldier on a FLAK emplacement on one of the Zwijndrecht bridges between Zwijndrecht and Dordrecht
14. German Luftwaffe soldier on a FLAK emplacement on one of the Zwijndrecht bridges between Zwijndrecht and Dordrecht
15. Photo taken from one of the FLAK emplacements on one of the Zwijndrecht bridges over the Oude Maas between Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht
16. FLAK emplacement on the railway bridge between Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht during the Second World War
17. FLAK emplacement on the railway bridge between Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht during the Second World War
18. Nice photograph of both bridges over the Oude Maas between Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht
19. German Luftwaffe soldiers on the FLAK emplacement on the railway bridge over the Oude Maas between Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht
20. German Luftwaffe soldiers on the FLAK emplacement on one of the bridges over the Oude Maas between Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht
Sources: The book: 40-45 by Wim van Wijk and Museum de Vergulde Swaen Zwijndrecht ↩︎