The Silent Attack

“An enthralling account of how German Special Forces fought to take and hold the key river crossings to allow the main German Army to swarm into France.”—Firetrench

Much has been written about the capture of Fort Eben-Emael in Belgium by German paratroopers, on May 10, 1940. This operation marked the first use of gliders and shaped charges—and proved it possible to drop paratroopers behind enemy lines. Training, secrecy, accuracy and speed linked to the element of surprise made these men lethal, causing chaos among Belgian soldiers.

However, it should be stressed that these paratroopers were part of a larger group: The Sturmablteilung Koch (Koch Assault Group), the elite of the Luftwaffe in 1940, whose mission was not only to take Eben-Emael, but also the three bridges over the Alberto Canal near Veldwezelt, Vroenhoven, and Kanne. The success of the attack on Belgium and France would depend on the rapid conquest of those bridges.

The aim of this book is to show how the assault on the Albert Canal bridges was planned and carried out, based on documents, records and evidence, and also through many photos never published until now. Every detail—from the creation of the Koch Assault Group to the final attack—has been impeccably researched, as well as verified through testimonies of Belgian and German soldiers.

“An impressive and beautifully presented book, with a meticulously researched, clear and readable narrative which is generously supported by innumerable photographs, first-hand accounts and a complete list of all those who took part. This must be considered an important addition to the library of airborne literature.”—Pegasus Archive