Den Helder the most bombed city of the Netherlands

During the Second World War, Den Helder endured more air attacks than any other place in the Netherlands. This is easily explained, as Den Helder was and is a strategically located naval port with important facilities such as an airfield, warehouses, and a shipyard.

It was precisely this maritime and military function that made the city a prime target. At the same time, not only military objects were damaged or destroyed, but also many civilian targets. This had much to do with the technology of the time. During the day, the chance of a direct hit with a bomb was only 8 percent, and in the dark, that chance dropped to as low as 4 percent. As a result, bombs often landed somewhere other than planned.

The defense also made the situation particularly dangerous. A large amount of anti-aircraft artillery was positioned around Den Helder. In addition, shots were fired from Kriegsmarine ships calling at the port of Helderse.

Moreover, German fighter planes made things even more difficult for the Allied crews. The map shows this rain of bombs and makes it clear at a glance how great the impact on Den Helder was. This provides a clear insight into the devastation that befell this nautical and maritime city during the war.