An important part of the hostilities during the Second World War took place in the air. As the war lasted, the Allied industry began to produce increasing numbers of aircraft, The inhabitants of the occupied Netherlands witnessed huge air fleets on their way to Germany.

The Allies tried to paralyze the German war industry and break the morale of the German population through intensive air bombardments. Fierce battles with German Fighters were the result, while the notorious FLAK took its toll.

The Netherlands, on the main approach route to Germany, got its share of battles. Thousands of aircraft of friend and foe were shot down above our country on the outward or return flight, day or night, and crashed into the ground or into the IJsselmeer, Wadden Sea or North Sea.