Sturmgruppe Beton

A dangerous salient in the Belgian frontier defenses was centered on the city of Maastricht Due to treaties and prewar politics the Belgian Army was unable to effectively garrison the approaches to Belgian territory over the Albert Canal. The capture …

1940-05-10

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A dangerous salient in the Belgian frontier defenses was centered on the city of Maastricht Due to treaties and prewar politics the Belgian Army was unable to effectively garrison the approaches to Belgian territory over the Albert Canal. The capture of the bridges over the canal at the towns of Vroenhoven, Veldwelezt, and Kannes was critical to the success Army Group B's invasion of the West. In a daring coup de main assault glider borne paratroopers in the predawn hours of 10 May captured the bridges at Vroenhoven and Veldwelezt. The bridge at Kannes was blown by defending Belgian forces prior to its capture. The Belgian High Command responded with repeated assaults, both ground based and by air, to recapture or destroy the captured bridges. The beleaguered German paratroopers resolutely defended in place awaiting relief by the main body of the German invasion.

Vroenhoven, Belgium

The Battle of Belgium or Belgian Campaign, often referred to within Belgium as the 18 Days' Campaign, formed part of the greater Battle of France, an offensive campaign by Germany during the Second World War. It took place over 18 days in May 1940 and ended with the German occupation of Belgium following the surrender of the Belgian Army.

Wikipedia: Battle of Belgium

German

Belgian