TracesOfWar.com

Building Ypenburg Airfield

(Netherlands, the - South Holland - Den Haag)

In May 1940, there were heavy fights for Ypenburg Airfield between the Dutch defenders and German paratroopers. It was seized by the Germans but later on the Dutch managed to seize it back. On both sides, many soldiers were wounded of killed.

The original building, built in 1936, largely burned down in the battle but the Germans repaired it during their occupation.

In the walls, many bulletholes still are visible. There is a small museum dedicated to the history of the airfield in the building. The building itself will be renovated in 2011.

Source

• Text: Koert Engelsman
• Photos: Koert Engelsman