CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45

The CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 (Crash Air War & Resistance Museum ’40-’45) is located in Aalsmeerderbrug, near Amsterdam in the Netherlands. This museum is dedicated to the Dutch resistance during World War II, as well as the air warfare that occurred over the Netherlands during the conflict.

The museum’s name refers to its focus on the air war and the crashes of aircraft during World War II, as well as the efforts of the Dutch resistance to oppose the German occupation. It features a comprehensive collection of artifacts, aircraft remnants, and personal stories from those who lived through this challenging period in history.

CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 (Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′)

Aalsmeerderdijk 460

1436 BM Aalsmeerderbrug

Netherlands

www.crash40-45.nl

secretaris@crash40-45.nl

+31 297 321 408

Saturday 11:00 – 16:00

Admission

Gift shop

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Aircraft collection

Fokker D.XXI 229 Royal Netherlands Air Force

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229

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Fokker C.X (frame)

Fokker D.XXI (wreck)

Supermarine Spitfire (replica)

Main hall Crash Museum Aalsmeerderbrug
armament, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
B-24 engine - Vijfhuizen, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Diarama V-1, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Display Fokker T.V 850 & Fokker D.XXI 229, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Display Resistance, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Flight gear Bomber crews, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Flight gear Bomber crews, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Fokker C.X frame Finland, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Fokker C.X frame Finland, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Fokker C.X, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Fokker C.X frame Finland, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Fokker D.XXI 229 Royal Netherlands Air Force, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Fokker D.XXI 229 Royal Netherlands Air Force, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Fokker D.XXI 229 Royal Netherlands Air Force, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Fokker D.XXI 229 Royal Netherlands Air Force, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Parts of crashed North American P-51D Mustang, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Short Stirling Portengen, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Supermarine Spitfire replica, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Supermarine Spitfire replica, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Uniforms, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Wireless operators room, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Wireless operators room, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Wireless operators room, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Lecture, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Temporary exhibition about Indonesia, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′
Temporary exhibition about Indonesia, Aalsmeerderbrug – CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 Crash Air war – and Resistance Museum ’40-45′

Key Features of the CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum:

  1. Air War Exhibits:
    • The museum’s primary focus is on World War II air warfare and the role it played in the Dutch resistance and the larger conflict. The museum displays remains of crashed aircraft, many of which were shot down during bombing raids and military operations over the Netherlands.
    • Visitors can explore a variety of aircraft parts, including wings, engines, and cockpits, many of which are from Allied and Axis planes that were involved in missions over the Netherlands.
    • There are also displays detailing aircraft operations and missions flown by the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and other Allied forces, showcasing the challenges faced by air crews and their contributions to the war effort.
  2. Dutch Resistance:
    • The CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 highlights the role of the Dutch resistance during the German occupation of the Netherlands. Exhibits include items such as documents, leaflets, and personal stories that illustrate how Dutch citizens and underground movements fought against the occupying forces.
    • The museum offers insights into the various resistance groups that operated throughout the Netherlands, their methods of sabotage, and their efforts to help downed airmen evade capture.
    • One key aspect of the resistance effort was the assistance to Allied airmen, including the airmen evasion routes and safe houses that helped downed pilots escape from German-controlled areas.
  3. Aircraft Recovery and Restoration:
    • The CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45’s collection includes pieces of aircraft that have been recovered from crash sites across the Netherlands. Some of these remains have been restored to provide a more complete representation of the aircraft used during the war.
    • There are examples of planes that were shot down during aerial battles, showing the damage inflicted on both Allied and Axis aircraft. The museum also highlights the efforts to identify and restore these aircraft parts, often collaborating with aviation enthusiasts and historians.
    • The CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 is home of a Fokker D-XXI wreck, which provides visitors offers insight into the Dutch air defense during the early days of World War II.
  4. Personal Stories and Memorials:
    • The museum incorporates many personal stories of people who were involved in the air war and the Dutch resistance, including those who lost their lives in aerial combat or were captured by German forces.
    • Memorials to those who made sacrifices, especially airmen, are displayed throughout the museum. Visitors can learn about the men and women who fought to liberate the Netherlands and honor their contributions to the Allied victory.
  5. Resistance Artifacts:
    • Artifacts related to the Dutch resistance include underground newspapers, hidden radios, and items used by resistance members to evade detection. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the courage and ingenuity of those who resisted the Nazi occupation despite the risks involved.
    • The museum also displays German military equipment and documents that were used in the occupation, providing context for the daily struggle of civilians and resistance fighters.
  6. Educational Programs and Tours:
    • The museum offers guided tours and educational programs for both individuals and groups. These tours delve into the history of the Dutch resistance, the air war over the Netherlands, and the personal experiences of those who lived through the war.
    • The museum is a valuable resource for schools and historical organizations, as it provides a clear and engaging way to learn about the impact of World War II on the Netherlands and the bravery of those involved in resistance and military operations.
  7. Interactive Exhibits:
    • The museum features a number of interactive displays, including films, audio recordings, and interactive touchscreens that help bring the history to life. These multimedia presentations make the experience more engaging, particularly for younger visitors or those with a keen interest in aviation and history.
    • Visitors can watch documentaries about the air campaigns and the resistance movement, as well as hear testimonies from people who lived through the war.

Why Visit the CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45?

The CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum offers a unique and poignant look into the history of air warfare over the Netherlands during World War II and the role of the Dutch resistance in opposing the German occupation. It is an excellent destination for those interested in aviation history, as well as the broader story of resistance movements during the war.

With its detailed exhibits on the aircraft involved in the war, the personal stories of resistance fighters, and the artifacts from the period, the museum provides a comprehensive experience of the struggles faced by both civilians and military personnel during the conflict. It is also an important place of remembrance, honoring the courage of those who fought for the liberation of the Netherlands and contributed to the Allied victory.

For aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the role of the Dutch resistance, the CRASH Luchtoorlog & Verzetsmuseum ’40-’45 offers an in-depth, engaging experience that brings the history of World War II in the Netherlands to life.

Photos Rob Vogelaar 2023.