Remembering Rotterdam Blitz
Erasmus Bridge, Lines of Fire
On the 14th May 1940, Rotterdam was bombed heavily by the German air force. Leaving thousands homeless and lost their love ones, it ruined historical buildings, it was devastating how a city could be destroyed heavily. The bombing followed by the Dutch capitulation to Germany on the following day, 15th May 1940. Two years after the Netherlands’ surrender, Indonesia, which was colonized by the Netherlands, fell to German’s ally, Japan. Five years later, 1945, the World War Two ended: the Netherlands was freed from Germany occupation and Indonesia declared its independence. However the wars did not end for Indonesia and the Netherlands. In the period of 1945 to 1949, Indonesian army had to fight the Dutch army, for the Dutch longing to reoccupied Indonesia.
Maas Boulevard, Lines of Fire
No wars have real winners, no citizens would enjoy living when their freedom and their identity being scrapped. The truth is people suffered most during the wars. It is a tragedy to be avoided. To remember the bombing tragedy, a couple years ago, Rotterdam held light shows at night time to present the bombing area (Rotterdam Blitz) in 1940. The show was very touching and beautiful at the same time. A date to be remembered for not happening again.
Willems Bridge, Lines of Fire
indahs: dive, travel & photography 
Breathtaking!
Thank you Lorraine! The light show itself was pretty impressive to see directly 🙂
Beautiful and crisp photos, and also a great recap at the intertwined history.
Thank you Randall, happy here to hear! Have an awesome Friday – almost weekend..yay!
We should always celebrate war being over, Indah. Wouldn’t it be a fine world with no more war? 🙂
Agreed Jo! I found the light show was a beautiful to remember it and at the same time be glad that there was no more..too bad the city govt decided to stop the event in the last couple years..
That’s a fascinating way to remember the tragedy. I’m guessing everyone just looked up and tried to imagine the horror of all those years ago.
Thankk you Draco! Indeed and actually the view from the high-rise towers was amazing too – I saw some impressive pics taken from Euromast tower. But to enter the tower during the event was just madness – could not stand queuing too long :))
Another beautiful piece Indah! 🙂 I remembered studying these in history classes during primary school in Indonesia.
Thank you so much Suri! 😉 haaa..same history lesson!! Sincerely I forget most of the details..the recent update is finally in 2005 the Dutch govt acknowledged that Indonesian’s independence in 1945 (not in 1949 anymore) ..I guess that will be update in today’s history lesson 😉
As always, stunning photos. I love the way you had juxtaposed the beauty of the skyline to the horrors of war. Very touching work, Indah!
Thank you Rob! Finally weekend here and finally have time to check blogs 🙂 have a good weekend to you!
Thank you, Indah! I hope yours is an enjoyable weekend too!
An interesting piece of history Indah and beautiful night photography! Very touching 🙂
Thank you Norma! That night was quite memorable indeed…I guess it would be good to have such event to be reminded how ugly a war could be..
what a great way to remember- and I love how you summed it up so succinctly – hearing history in such a conversational style like this is absorbable and nice. and the photos are great – love the vertical lines you gave us – 🙂
oh – and have a great weekend –
Thank you Yvette! Happy hear to hear 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful weekend too!