Waalhaven - The Matrix Games version of West Front

Waalhaven Airfield, south of Rotterdam. [Best played as axis] Operation 'Fall Gelb' was the German code name for the invasion of the 'low countries.' As part of this invasion large air droppings- and landings were done on and around several Dutch airfields in the hart of Holland. Located south of the strategically important city Rotterdam and nearby bridges, Waalhaven airfield was one of the main targets. Further it was planned that this airfield would be the main gate for the 7th Flieger division. Learned from the Norwegian tragedy (the quick capturing of the Norwegian airfield Sola by German paratroopers) the Dutch high command ordered in mid April of 1940 to quickly improve the defense of key airfields in the hart of Holland. On the early morning of May 10, 1940 German planes attacked the defensive positions on and around Waalhaven airfield, which was now defended by a Dutch Jager battalion and strong AA units. At the same time the 3rd battalion of the 1st German parachute regiment landed around the airfield, expecting only light resistance. Just after the air attack and para droppings, the first waves of Junkers-52 transport planes; carrying the 1st and and 3rd battalions of the 16th air landing regiment landed already on Waalhaven airfield, which was still in strong Dutch hands.