ROTTERDAM Gateway to Germany - John R Schroeder - January 1986

John R Schroeder

THE MIRACLE of Rotterdam is much like the miracle of neighboring West Germany. Both have been reborn from ruins. Many German cities were destroyed by Allied bombers during the closing years of World War II. Likewise Rotterdam in 1940. In one hour the bombs of the Luftwaffe (Air Force) set fires that turned Rotterdam into a virtual desert. Six hundred forty acres of buildings were destroyed. Twenty-five thousand families were left homeless. Nine hundred people died. Much of the port area was finally destroyed in 1944. Rotterdam had to start all over after VE Day. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library