Introduction in 1940

Much has been written about the capture of the Belgian fort Eben-Emael by German paratroops on 10 May 1940. It was probably the best known and most daring attack of the Second World War. In this operation troop gliders and hollow charges were used for the first time in military history, and proved it possible to set down paratroopers behind enemy lines as special commandos in the pure sense. Training, secrecy, precision and speed linked to the element of surprise made these men into deadly weapons causing chaos amongst the Belgian defenders.

It must be mentioned that these paratroopers were part of a large unit, Sturmabteilung Koch (SA Koch), in 1940 the elite of the German Luftwaffe. Their mission was not only the capture of the Eben-Emael fort but also the three strategically important bridges over the Albert Canal at Veldwezelt, Vroenhoven and Kanne. The rapid capture of these bridges (two intact, one damaged) was decisive for the success of the German attack on Belgium and France. Although this latter aspect of the mission was an important part of the overall operation, it is fair to say that little is known of it.

The aim of this book is to provide a comprehensive and detailed report on how the attack on the bridges was planned and carried out using text based on documents, archives and personal statements, and many previously unpublished photographs. The authors have placed special emphasis on the latter. Every detail, from the training of the unit commanded by Walter Koch through to the final attack, was investigated thoroughly from best-source material together with eyewitness reports of many German and Belgian soldiers. From there we aimed for an objective historical chronicle from a military point of view but including honest moral judgements. This is a policy we consider essential in any research of the twentieth century with all its tensions and upheavals leading us to the unavoidable conviction that “war dehumanizes”.

Despite our best efforts we are aware that our investigation is not error-free. It is impossible to find the absolute truth and we hope that the reader will make allowances for the errors and omissions occurring in this book.Our heartfelt thanks go to all persons and institutions who helped us throughout the years of our research. The close contact to historians of standing such as Joost Vaesen and Jo Fiévez, active members of the Society for the Administration of Fort Eben Emael, and also Stijn David, Mike and Martin Opitz, David Lenk, Peter Selinger, Mathieu Geurts and Colonel Robert Calmeyn provided major motivation for this work. Equally, this book would not have been possible without the advice and support of Günter Schalich, one of the major experts on World War II fortifications and on everything related to the attack on the Albert Canal. We can hardly find the words to thank Lucas Molina, friend and passionate historical researcher, for his helping hand and sincere commitment to this book.

Last but not least. The skeletal structure of this volume is formed of the statements made by the survivors and their family members: H.Angelkort, I. Axenbeck, E. Bähr, A Bauer(+), H. Becker, T. Becker, M.Bergmann(+), I. Böning, H.Böse, H. J. Buchbender, H. Büschen(+), E.Burgard, G.Burrock, H.Christiansen, I.Clavora, M.Czayka, R.Dannenberg, M.Dellin, G.Döbbelin, E.Dullnig, K.Eling, R.Ellersiek, H.Engeling, K.Engelmann, S.Fickel, P.Fräbel, N.Gahno, Fr.Gaida(+), L.Gilg, E.Gomolka, G.Graef, B.Hafermass, M.Hanker, K.Harbisreitinger, M.Heinen, B.Heise, R.Hentschel, K.Herse, B.Hoffmann, H.J.Horlbeck, H.Hübner, H.Jaunich, S.Jordan, J.Kainz, H.Kaliczok, S.Heinrichs, G.Kerzmann, Dr.W.Keudel, H.Koch, O.Köster, G.Kühnemund, R.Lange, J.Lammerding, A.Lenz, R.Lerchenfeld, P.Lobindzus, B.Markowka, H.W.Maulhardt, K.Mayr(+), W.Meier(+), R.Merz, H.Meyer, J.Meyer, B.Müller, W.Pisk, B.Quadflieg, J.Richter, K.Rieser, H.Rubelt(+), I.Ruch, W. von der Ruhr, H.Schaefer, F.Schindele(+), H.Schlaghecke(+), P.Schlombs, T. Schmitt(+), B.Schrowange(+), A. Schütz, M.Spanehl, S.Stahlberg, K.Stern, H.Strakeljahn, R.Susdorf(+), S.Toschka, B.Wechsler, E.Zummack.

Their thoughts and reflections have given this book historical value from a time beyond recall, and prevented it from being a mere cold appraisal. Above all we remember those who died before this project (which is also theirs) terminated: the Belgian veteran Josef Schaumans and the German participants Hermann Büschen, Reinhold Susdorf, Heinz Schlaghecke and Rudi Opitz. It was an honour for the authors to know these people, who were the true protagonists of the dramatic events of 10 May 1940, the day when The Silent Attack became reality.

Oscar Gonzalez Lopez
Ian Tannahill
Thomas Steinke