Paratroopers on the Zwijdrechtse brug

The Zwijndrecht Bridge - May 1940. German paratroopers are seen looking in the direction of the electric motor factory (EMF). Lieutenant Plasschaert and his men occupied the Dutch positions here. The Victoria Factory was also taken over. From these positions, there was constant gunfire exchanged with the German paratroopers holding the Zwijndrecht bridges. In this photo, it is clear that the German paratroopers have used captured Dutch Vickers machine guns. However, this photo is likely staged. During the actual battles, these paratroopers couldn’t stand like this as they would be immediately fired upon. The Zwijndrecht bridges were crucial for the advance of the 9th armored division towards Rotterdam and were fiercely defended by the paratroopers. Today, the EMF and the Victoria Factory no longer exist. They have been replaced by the Maasplaza. Nevertheless, the scene here remains nearly unchanged because the Zwijndrecht bridge is exactly the same as it was in May 1940. It presents a unique image.