Invasion in 1940
In August 1939, amid growing tensions in Europe, the Netherlands began mobilizing its armed forces. Despite its neutral position, the Netherlands decided to prepare for a possible conflict. Thousands of young men were called up to defend their homeland, while barracks and forts were reinforced.
This mobilization brought significant changes to the daily lives of the Dutch people. Soldiers moved in with families, schools were converted into shelters, and the economy was adjusted to support the war effort. The tension and uncertainty were palpable throughout the country as everyone prepared for what was to come.
When the Germans invaded the Netherlands on the morning of May 10, 1940, the effects were also felt in our region. To slow down the Germans, the Dutch army decided to blow up all the bridges. However, this did not have the desired effect. The disruption experienced by the civilian population, as well as the advance of the Allies in 1944, was far greater than that for the Germans.
Soon, German troops passed through the region. The stories from the municipalities of Valkenswaard and Waalre indicate that experiences varied. Many people recall how the first Germans went to the bakery to get bread. Others speak of looting of food, valuable items, and bicycles.
Shortly after the first troops had marched through in their advance towards Belgium and France, the first German troops also arrived in the villages where they would settle. They requisitioned various buildings and quartered their men with different families. For the years to come, the Germans became an inescapable part of everyday life.
Wilhelmus Godefridus Pas
Born on January 16, 1914, in Borkel en Schaft
Died on May 10, 1940, in Roermond
Wilhelmus lived with his parents in Borkel when he was called up for military service. During the invasion on May 10, 1940, he was among the troops tasked with guarding the Meuse River near Roermond. He was killed along with five others when the Germans fired a projectile at a shelter where Wilhelmus and his comrades were taking cover. He is now buried in Roermond.
Johannes Poppeliers
Born on May 19, 1904, in Bergeijk
Died on May 10, 1940, in St. Agatha
Johannes lived with his family in Valkenswaard. When the Germans crossed the Meuse River in northern Limburg, Johannes was in a pillbox with two other Dutch soldiers, tasked with guarding the Meuse. The Germans fired multiple times at the pillbox, resulting in the deaths of the entire crew. Johannes is now buried in Valkenswaard. The pillbox has been relocated to the war museum in Overloon.
Henricus Rijkers
Born on April 9, 1920, in Dommelen
Died on June 3, 1940, in Hardinxveld
At the outbreak of the war, Henricus was still living with his parents in Dommelen. During the mobilization, he was assigned to the troops defending the Peel-Raam Line. He survived the German attacks in May and moved with his unit to Hardinxveld, awaiting their next orders. Unfortunately, Henricus would never return to Dommelen. On June 3, he drowned while swimming in the Merwede River.
Gerardus Schoenmakers
Born on December 22, 1912, in Groesbeek
Died on May 11, 1940, in Tilburg
The Schoenmakers family settled in Aalst with their nine children after the father got a job at Philips. Gerardus was the only one in the family who had to serve in the military. During the 1940 invasion, he was stationed in Tilburg. When Gerardus and his comrade Beurskens saw soldiers approaching the bridge in Tilburg, they decided to blow it up. During this action, shots were fired, and both Gerardus and Beurskens were killed. Gerardus is now buried in Aalst.