German War Machine

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Infodetails


1940 - May 7-15 1940 - May 7-15

May 7-10
Politics, Britain
Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain is severely criticized over the Norwegian campaign during a House of Commons debate. Chamberlain resigns after a significant fall in government support in a vote of confidence and the opposition Labour Party's refusal to serve under him in a coalition. Winston Churchill replaces him and forms a coalition government.

May 8
Politics, Soviet Union
General Semyon Timoshenko replaces Marshal Kliment Voroshilov as the Soviet commissar for defense.

May 10
Western Front, Luxembourg/Holland/Belgium
The Germany's Army Group A, under General Gerd von Rundstedt, and Group B, commanded by General Fedor von Bock, invade after preliminary air attacks. Successful airborne landings are made against Belgium's key Frontier fortress of Eben Emael, and in Holland, to dislocate resistance. General Ritter von Leeb's Army Group C covers France's Maginot Line, the line of subterranean forts and other defensive positions running along its border with Germany.

In accordance with Allied planning, the left flank of the British and French line moves into Belgium. This decision facilitates Rundstedt's surprise Ardennes advance, which eventually divides the Allied armies in Belgium from those in France. The Allied armies advancing into Belgium up to the Dyle and Meuse Rivers above Namur, a position known as the Dyle Plan Line, are hampered by poor coordination with Dutch and Belgian forces.

May 11-15
Western Front, Holland/Belgium
Dutch resistance to the German attack crumbles, despite opening the flood gates and mining the Rhine River to obstruct the enemy. German forces begin to approach the Allied Dyle Line, while Belgian defenders are driven back from the Albert Canal.

Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands escapes with the Dutch government to Britain on May 13. The city of Rotterdam is bombed before a cease-fire is declared on the 14th, and the Dutch Army capitulates the next day.

 

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