The Allied bombings of Amsterdam-Noord took place in July 1943 during the Nazi-occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. Three strategic bombing attacks by Allied Forces were aimed at the former Fokker Aircraft Factory in the northern part of Amsterdam, which was of interest as the factory was confiscated by the Nazis and employees were forced to produce aircraft for the Luftwaffe. However, only 7 out of the 326 bombs from these three airstrikes hit their target, while the others fell on the surrounding residential area, resulting in the loss of more than 206 lives in total. The attacks were the most damaging and deadly bombardment of Amsterdam during the Second World War, and the most disastrous airstrike the city has ever endured. As these were Allied attacks, the losses and trauma caused by the event have always been a sensitive and painful topic for the citizens of Amsterdam-Noord.
Time line
Three times within 11 days, the former Fokker Factory in Amsterdam-Noord was the target of strategic bombings by the Allied Forces:
Saturday 17 July 1943 — United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 41 B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers of the US Eighth Air Force came into action. The bombing was disastrous; more than 200 high-explosive bombs fell on residential areas in Amsterdam-Noord. Not a single bomb hit the factory, resulting in the deaths of 185 citizens, leaving 119 seriously injured, and hundreds injured, of which many later died from their injuries.
Sunday 25 July 1943 — Royal Air Force (RAF) 10 British B-25 Mitchell heavy bombers did manage to hit the aircraft factory and largely destroyed the complex. 4 more people were killed during this attack.
Wednesday 28 July 1943 — Free French Air Forces (FAFL) 12 French heavy bombers attempted to repeat the bombing of the factory. This time, again the factory was not hit by a single bomb out of the 48, but another 17 civilians lost their lives.
Camouflage
The German occupier had camouflaged the roof and sides of the factories with nets, fake small houses and trees. This made the factory look like a rustic residential area from above, which could have contributed to the fact that the factory was missed during two of the three airstrikes. However, through witness statements it appears the Allied Forces were aware of the situation of the Fokker site in detail. For example, the USAAF Bomb Groups were well aware of the fact that the aircraft factory was difficult to find. According to the crew briefing, the Fokker complex was “one of the finest pieces of camouflage ever photographed.”
U.S. bombing
Details
The attack of 17 July 1943 by the USAAF is the most severe bombardment the city of Amsterdam endured in World War II, and the resulting total devastation was enormous. In this first attempt to destroy the Fokker Factory, 41 heavy bombers (B-17 Flying Fortress) of the then inexperienced 385th (21 bombers) and 388th (20 bombers) Bomb Groups of the US Eighth Air Force had their first combat operation. On paper it seemed like a simple assignment, being a short distance from their base in eastern England and expected to meet little resistance from Luftwaffe fighters. The crews referred to such an "easy" attack as a milk run. They had received clear instructions prior to the attack: “do not bomb unless the target is seen.”
When the 41 bombers flew over IJmuiden, it became clear that the weather conditions were unfavourable. The bombardier in the lead aircraft could not identify the intended target in time due to cloud coverage, so the formation was ordered to break off the attack. However, confusion arose among the still inexperienced crew. An aircraft flying behind the lead aircraft saw the target and decided to continue to drop its bombs, followed by other aircraft behind him. The aiming and dropping failed, and the bombing was disastrous. The in-air observation of the USAAF-crew was clear: “no bursts were seen in the immediate vicinity of the Fokker complex.” In reality not a single bomb hit the intended Fokker Factory, over 200 high-explosive bombs landed 600 to 1200 meters from their target on the surrounding residential areas, a monastery, churches, and furniture and tar factories. The attack resulted in a total of 185 casualties. Hundreds were injured, of which many later died from these injuries. 130 houses were destroyed, 206 houses were severely damaged, and 676 houses suffered glass and roof damage.
Anne Frank
Anne Frank wrote in her diary on 19 juli 1943 about the American bombing of Amsterdam-Noord, which she heard and fell from her hiding place in the city centre of Amsterdam: