The Battle of Maastricht (1940) - The German Invasion of South Limburg

During the German invasion of the Netherlands the city of Maastricht, located in the southern province of Limburg, was to be taken by the German armies. Dutch defenders had to blow up the bridges crossing the Meuse River that divided the city. The Germans wanted to get the bridges in hands undamaged. Would the Dutch be able to blow up the bridges and delay the German advance?
History Hustle presents: the Battle of Maastricht (1940) - The German Invasion of South Limburg. A forgotten WW2 battle.
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON ► / historyhustler
SUPPORT ME ON PAYPAL ► www.paypal.com/paypalme/Histo...
SUBSCRIBE ► / @historyhustle
INSTAGRAM ► / historyhustle
FACEBOOK ► / historyhustler
TWITTER ► / hustlehistory
SOURCES
- Mei 1940. De strijd op Nederlands grondgebied (Herman Amersfoort & Piet Kamphuis).
- Oorlog in Zuid-Limburg, 10 mei 1940 (E. H. Brongers).
- www.waroverholland.nl/index.ph... (16-05-2023).
IMAGES
Images from commons.wikimedia.org.
VIDEO
Video material from:
• Beeld van Nederland - ...
Beeld van Nederland - De oorlogsjaren 1940 - 1945
openbeelden.nl/media/1191917/...
NEDERLAND WAAKT
theater.openbeelden.nl/media/...
NEDERLAND WAAKT, EEN TOCHT LANGS ONZE VERDEDIGINGSWERKEN
• WWII--The Invasion of ...
WWII--The Invasion of Holland
• Duitsland valt Limburg...
Duitsland valt Limburg binnen mei 1940
"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."
MUSIC
"Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"Exciting Trailer" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"Evil March" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
SOUNDS
Freesound.org.
EMAIL
historyhustle[at]gmail.com

[@HistoryHustle]

Ypenburg 1940: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np7Qf3iDmNNpfKs Rotterdam 1940: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omXWl62KmceHf6s Grebbeberg 1940: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXvUl3aMpM6kmLM

[@marcoskehl]

✅ 🇧🇷( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)__👍

[@avengernemesis7990]

My family have lived in Maastricht since 1770. I was born in Maastricht. Thanks for this documentary. Australia -New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for your reply.

[@davidraper5798]

A footnote of a footnote, perhaps but still an interesting story that deserves to be told. Too often the German invasion of the Netherlands is seen as a simple walkover for the Wehrmacht, so it's worth noting that the Dutch did put up a fight and did the best they could with what they had.

[@HistoryHustle]

Agree, glad you liked the video!

[@robertriley4442]

Thanks for the video! My uncle was in the Dutch army from Gronsveld and fought in the Battle of Maastricht. He was captured and later paroled.

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for watching.

[@rickbear7249]

I am an Englishman who had the pleasure of living and working in the Netherlands for many years from the 1980s. Of all the peoples of Europe, who our nation has fought alongside and helped to liberate their country, ONLY the Dutch deserve our unreserved respect and ONLY the Dutch helped us to repay our country's astronomical war debt which they assisted us in paying to the end just before the new millennium. True friends. Indeed, on my first visit to your wonderful country, I arrived on your Liberation Day. I was not permitted to pay for any food or beer (of which your countrymen gave so much) nor would the taxi driver accept payment to return me to my hotel. Compare this with De Gaule and France's demand for war damages to be paid in Gold. The Netherlands and England will always be true friends 🤝 ❤

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for your comment!

[@antoniomari2730]

More than the English , the Canadian helped a lot,, but that's okay.

[@rickbear7249]

@antoniomari2730 yes, absolutely, and ALL the Allies. Apologies if you thought I was only giving credit to the English (excluding the rest of the UK and all of the old dominions), however, my story was about how the Netherlands people still reach out their friendship to this day. No intention to disrespect other friends.

[@antoniomari2730]

@@rickbear7249 nono, don't worry ahah, I know, I was just saying..👍

[@rickbear7249]

@antoniomari2730 Good. I thought that was the case, but wanted to be sure. Too many times, we English do not credit our real friends. You people saved our bacon in WW2 and don't always get that recognition from my fellow Englishmen. Hopefully you've also visited the Netherlands on Liberation Day? Their welcome and appreciation is truly astounding. Wonderful people.

[@Italian_Military_Archives]

Nice to view this video, since I spent one year studying in Maastricht

[@HistoryHustle]

👍

[@sirdarklust]

On Saturdays, I wake up, get my coffee, watch your and the WWII channel's new videos. Saturday mornings are WWII mornings for me. Nice video. Take care.

[@HistoryHustle]

Glad you enjoyed, cheers!

[@giotheunissen8204]

There is a plaque in Wijck in the Hoogbrugstraat that commemorates the fighting of 10th of May by the 13th regiment

[@HistoryHustle]

Too bad I missed that memorial! Would have loved to take a video shot of it.

[@SunKing968]

GREAT job Stefan and I love the fascinating details you found regarding this interesting "footnote"! Great job by the brave Dutch defenders!

[@HistoryHustle]

🎄👍

[@historicfootball2926]

Great video Stefan! It’s fantastic to see forgotten battles like this being covered!

[@HistoryHustle]

Glad you appreciate it.

[@Blitz9H]

Much appreciated! Thank you for sharing history. This is valuable in the grand scheme. There is always more to learn about WWII. I am grateful for your time and effort.

[@HistoryHustle]

Awesome!

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

Thank you Sir Stefan and (History Hustle )channel for sharing this informative episode with historical interest and enjoyable watching....good luck and best wishes with appreciation

[@HistoryHustle]

Many thank as always Mo!

[@apintofbeer1667]

Thank you for your work

[@HistoryHustle]

👍👍👍

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you Stefan fascinating bit of history. Have a great weekend, be safe 🍺🍺🍺 Cheers

[@HistoryHustle]

Many thanks Jesse. Enjoy the weekend!

[@Die_Bereitschaft]

Great video as always

[@HistoryHustle]

😀👍

[@a-8007]

Great work and thank you. Please keep more "footnote of a footnote" coming. Just came back from a trip to the NL. Happy to see familiar scenery so soon.

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for your reply.

[@bigsarge2085]

Awesome, thank you!

[@HistoryHustle]

👍👍👍

[@fransvanderzee9480]

Love you're footnotes.

[@HistoryHustle]

😎👍

[@thomasozminkowski2589]

My favorite rifle was made in Maastricht, The Dutch Beaumont! I have three examples that i love and shoot! Im Polish/German but this rifle has brought me to interest in Dutch history! Great people!

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ChaufMT]

As a Maastricht resident (born) I envy you a lot 😊

[@jean-francoisrousseau1108]

Very interesting thanks

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for your response.

[@8000296]

Top Stefan!

[@HistoryHustle]

👍

[@kencoleman7762]

Thanks for another very interesting documentary. Also, your graphics continue to improve.

[@HistoryHustle]

😁👍

[@joannecarolyn5018]

Very informative. Great video and footage 👌🏻 Thank you 😊

[@HistoryHustle]

Many thanks Joanne!

[@joannecarolyn5018]

@@HistoryHustle My pleasure 😊❤️

[@liamtahaney713]

Crazy i made a small city trip to Maastricht just today. Hardly the most important caduality of war, but im glad the beautiful historic city more or less survived.

[@HistoryHustle]

Indeed!

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Hammered enemies, blown bridges.. Lets keep these footnotes alive 👍 Groet'n oet Grun', T.

[@HistoryHustle]

😎👍

[@checkcommentsfirst3335]

Now, I study as a German in Maastricht. Ironic how much can change in so little time.

[@HistoryHustle]

👍

[@JeHaVe]

Ach, kijk. Je was in Mestreech. Jammer dat ik dat niet wist. Deze opnieuw zeer informatieve, zeer goed gedocumenteerde video zal veel mensen hier interesseren en aanspreken. Compliment Stefan.

[@HistoryHustle]

Dank voor je bericht Jef!

[@louisgiokas2206]

Glad you covered it. I did some work in Maastricht early in this century when I was based in England. Beautiful city.

[@HistoryHustle]

👍👍👍

[@justanapple8510]

Loved this video! Ever been at Margraten cemetary?

[@HistoryHustle]

Yes! I visit it.

[@justanapple8510]

​@@HistoryHustleja dat is een indrukwekkende plek

[@Adrian-ju7cm]

Thanks 👍

[@HistoryHustle]

😁

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

Interesting Professor Stephan!❤🇨🇦

[@HistoryHustle]

Thank you James!

[@gibraltersteamboatco888]

Great video. Thanks German reports of the time contain awe and respect for the Dutch defenders.

[@HistoryHustle]

Many thanks for your reply!

[@salsheikh4508]

I like the bridge flag attack graphic, Sir!

[@HistoryHustle]

😁

[@Josephbyrnehistory]

I really feel for the guys who stayed for the beers. Had I been there at the time I have a feeling it could have been me! Fascinating as always

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for your reply.

[@Vergeten-oorlogsverhalen]

Er wordt veel te weinig vertelt over de mei dagen van 1940. Goed opgezet. Wij zijn inmiddels begonnen met de voorbereidingen voor het filmen van de slag bij Coevorden

[@HistoryHustle]

Dank voor je bericht!

[@thomasozminkowski2589]

It seems to me that the Dutch were(and are) great people who did the best they could in a very difficult time. RESPECT

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for your reply, Thomas.

[@paulohenriquenettodealcant6578]

Talvez uma nota de rodapé MAS cada uma das vidas perdidas na defesa da liberdade e da honra de um povo merece ser celebrada e não esquecida diante das novas formas que o fascismo se apresenta sempre que os cidadãos se descuidam de defender seus direitos contra a exploração econômica e o aviltamento da dignidade humana! Parabéns pelo esforço!❤🇧🇷👏🌹

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for your reply.

[@FreeAmericaChannel]

Thank you very much for covering this battle. My family is from Maastricht and lived through the German occupation and the Liberation by the US Army on 14 September, 1944. I needed the history you provided, much of what I know was oral tradition from my family and your coverage of the facts is deeply appreciated. There are a few histories of the liberation written, but I have not found a book on the German invasion and occupation. Thanks again!

[@apintofbeer1667]

Why did the Americans join the war so late ?

[@historicfootball2926]

@@apintofbeer1667Mostly because they weren’t interested in fighting a war and quite frankly, they didn’t have a reason till until pearl harbour. Hope that answers your question!

[@FreeAmericaChannel]

@@apintofbeer1667 I can only give my opinion, of course, but the fear of being involved in another international conflict that did not impact the lives of average Americans is the academic answer. As a Dutch/American I love and respect the soldiers that fought Nazism and liberated my family, but I think political considerations and every-day cowardice on the part of the US Government is the real answer. The US government is just as corrupt and self serving today as it has ever been.

[@apintofbeer1667]

@@FreeAmericaChannel It wasn't the government it was US corporations arming the Nazi war machine

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for your reply!

[@stephanottawa7890]

It might be a footnote of a footnote, Stefan, but I admire the Dutch soldiers defending their homeland despite the odds stacked against them. They are real Dutch heros!

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for watching.

[@belstar1128]

This is close to where i live can you make a video about Belgian Limburg.

[@HistoryHustle]

Sorry, not anytime soon.

[@Ludwig_Cox]

Echt vet dat ge allemaal veldslagen van België en Nederland uitlegt hier, ik woon vies dicht bij Maastricht dus is interessant om te weten dat die soldaten zich niet gewoon overgaven!

[@HistoryHustle]

Dank voor je bericht. Heb er ook wentje gemaakt over Eben-Emael. Komt later uit.

[@dickyiwansetiawan555]

hi Stefan, can you make a Video about Anton de Kom and Georges Maduro, thank you

[@HistoryHustle]

See my videos on Suriname and Dutch Antilles in WW2.

[@dickyiwansetiawan555]

@@HistoryHustle is it available?

[@HistoryHustle]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHW0gnmLrN6ijqcsi=-kEynVJ4-m9_D25F

[@user-rh9sg9qj2h]

One very valuable note in this video. No one counts the civilian casualties of any warfare (the smart ones and the stupid ones). In my town in Silesia (10 km from the German-Polish border) on September 1, 1939, there was no Polish army. There was only one machine gun bought from a collection of residents. The rifle was a celebrity there. The rifle was at all patriotic ceremonies and was blessed in the church. But no one had practiced its use or maintained it. The Polish army expected its 3 man crew to stop the Germans for 2-3 hours before the Polish army launched a counterattack. At the decisive moment the rifle jammed (diversion or too much holy water) and no shots were fired. The town was saved and no one died. On September 1, 1939, the Polish army was already 60 km east of the border and was still fleeing to the east. A defective machine gun that saved civilians.

[@HistoryHustle]

Interesting to read.

[@aidankitson7877]

Because of the short time it took for Germany to conquer Holland, it's easy to forget that many Dutchmen fought and died defending their country. I first became of Holland's involvement in WW2 when, as a boy, I watched the Colditz Story movie and saw Dutch POW s portrayed

[@Heike--]

Most of the Dutch who fought in WW2 did so on the Eastern Front, in the SS.

[@HistoryHustle]

Thanks for your comment!

[@kimwit1307]

I have a feeling that drunk patrol had some explaining to do later on...

[@HistoryHustle]

For sure!

[@cohenworrior898]

Het wordt gewoon Eben Emaal uitgesproken. Al een paar keer gemeld trouwens.

[@HistoryHustle]

Ik leer het nooit trouwens.

[@user-rh9sg9qj2h]

I don't really understand what was the approach of the Netherlands to a possible conflict with Germany? Did they want to fight or did they want to stay neutral? For Germany, the Netherlands was not a significant adversary. If they wanted to destroy the Netherlands, would they blow up the bridges themselves instead of sending their soldiers to protect them? The Germans needed a route through the Netherlands and Belgium to bypass the French defenses on the Franco-German border. France had been at war with Germany since September 2, 1939. So the Netherlands entered the war voluntarily. If they wanted to be neutral they should leave the bridges, leave the toll box and go for a beer. And the next day they should issue an international protest note for the passage of German troops through Dutch territory without a proper visa.

[@herisimonsen2560]

For the Dutch is not a Footnote

[@franciswhite4032]

Maas not Meuse. The British predilection for adopting French names is absurd (e.g. Aix-la-Chapelle instead of Aachen). I lived in South Limburg from '86 - '97, some of which I worked at Tapijn Kasern in Maastricht. En ik spreek Nederlands maar wel met een zachte g.

[@HistoryHustle]

Ok, internationally it is named is Meuse.

[@theodorossarafis7370]

Great video but i disagree with the footnotes. every battle even if it is a small has has a cost in human lives but also in the turn of a war. maachricht maybe was not that important but the invasion of Netherlands brought a new rise to warfare.

[@HistoryHustle]

I understand. With footnote I mean it's not very well known.

[@jokodihaynes419]

if they send military advisors to France or Britain to learn their tactics the Dutch could put up better resistance

[@HistoryHustle]

Perhaps yeah..

[@gordanaparthur9267]

What a nightmare for 🇳🇱 civilians. Gives me a thought of a possible project for you in UK 🇬🇧

[@gordanaparthur9267]

Could cthis be truer than we think ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n368d5aXfbKLrKc

[@HistoryHustle]

Possible project?

[@gordanaparthur9267]

@HistoryHustle Nothing firm in my mind as yet. Limitations: no money or time. Positives: I have a love of History and maps constrained academical by dyslexia, so worked in local region government in land and property issues, and anti-poverty action; which involved a lot of travel around region looking to make new connections, but then finding old historic connections had often faced and resolved things within the constraints of their times tech knowledge, but that had been forgotten about

[@zillsburyy1]

if germany and russia stayed friends do you think they would have been dislodged?

[@HistoryHustle]

Dunno.

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

Your beautifulness is ultra sweet and remarkable ❤❤❤❤

[@HistoryHustle]

👍