The Grebbeberg

The main defence of the Netherlands rested on the Grebbe line, which barred access to the heart of the country. Its key point was the Grebbeberg, a height near Rhenen — one of the few elevations in a flat country — which the Germans attacked from 11 May to break through towards "Fortress Holland".

The Dutch defenders, less well armed and without sufficient armoured or air support, had to decide on their conduct. To hold the position whatever the cost, to preserve the integrity of the line and gain time. To conduct a flexible defence by falling back on the water line (the "Waterlinie") to the rear. Or to counter-attack to retake the lost ground.

The command could hold the Grebbeberg firmly, withdraw in good order to the line of defensive inundations, or counter-attack to restore the situation. The aim was to delay the enemy long enough for the flooded defence of the heart of the country to play its part — and for the Allies, perhaps, to intervene.