Shadows of Soesterberg: Tracing the Cold War Legacy in The Netherlands

https://www.nmm.nl/en/visit/

In this documentary I delve into the secretive world of the Cold War era through the lens of the former Soesterberg Air Base in the Netherlands.
Nestled amidst the serene Dutch landscape, one hours drive from the bustling city of Amsterdam; Soesterberg Air Base was once a pivotal stronghold in the NATO defense network during one of history's most tense geopolitical periods.

Starting out as a civil aerodrome constructed on flat, open grass heathland east of the city of Utrecht in 1910, and becoming a full military airfield in 1918 after the end of World War One.
Dutch neutrality protected the airfield during the enormous conflict and loss of life in Flanders. But 20 years later despite confirming Dutch neutrality. On Adolf Hitler's orders, in 1940 Nazi Germany invaded The Netherlands and transformed the airfield into a Luftwaffe Air Base, now renamed by the occupying German forces as 'Fliegerhorst 'and used to attack the UK in bombing raids.

After 5 dark years of occupation by National socialist German Forces, which included the war crime of the execution of 33 Dutch resistance Fighters at the base in 1942, the Airbase was liberated by the Allies in 1945. Heavily damaged by allied bombing during the last years of WW2, the Dutch Government retained. and repaired the airbase.

By 1950 it was clear Europe had a new clear and present danger, the expansionist, Communist Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin.
Soesterberg became a NATO Air Base, set far to the West of the expected Flashpoint European theatre of conflict in what would be a 3rd World War, combating any Soviet Red Army Invasion from the East, and out of range of Soviet fixed wing fighter aircraft, but not soviet nuclear missiles

In 1954 the Royal Netherlands Air Force was joined in Soesterberg by the US Air Force, with a Fighter Squadron moved from England to help defend Dutch territory and Western Europe in the Air defence Role. The documentary also shines a light on the stories behind the military machinery, The 32nd Tactical Fighter Sqn of the US Air Force, Nicknamed 'The Wolfhounds.' equipped variously with the Delta Dagger, Panavia Tornado, and the Mcdonnell Douglas F-15

At the height of the cold war Soesterberg was firmly in the sights of Soviet Nuclear weaponry, with the airbase set to be targeted by a 500kt SS-20 Missile in the opening minutes of any superpower atomic conflict, which would also have leveled most of Amersfoort and some of Utrecht.

Through a blend of archival footage,and commentary, the film unveils the operations, strategic significance, and lasting impact of this Cold War relic. Viewers are taken on a journey through time, exploring the base's role as a frontline defense outpost, its pivotal moments during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the palpable tension that permeated its atmosphere.

I dont merely dwell on the past; I also highlights the transformation of the air base into the Dutch National Military Museum (Nationaal Militair Museum) after the end of the Cold war and its redundancy to the Dutch Military. This transition symbolizes the Netherlands' journey from a frontline battleground of the Cold War to a nation dedicated to preserving its military heritage and promoting peace, by creating a natural habitat and country park (Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg)

You can witness the museum's painstaking efforts to preserve Soesterberg's legacy, showcasing artifacts, aircraft, and stories that bring the Cold War era to life.

Through immersive exhibits and interactive displays, visitors are invited to confront the complexities of the Cold War and reflect on its enduring implications for global security..

Ultimately, Soesterberg" serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the Cold War call of duty, and the importance of remembering history to shape a more peaceful future. With stunning visuals, insightful interviews, and a compelling narrative, this documentary offers a profound exploration of a pivotal chapter in Dutch and global history.

Chapters:

00:10 Intro
01:50 Cold War Airbase and The Wolfhounds
06:20 National Military Museum / Nationaal Militair Museum
09:33 World War 2 and German Occupation Years
15:46 The Armoury
20:53 The Former Base Forest Park /Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg
28:25 Visiting Yourself / Outro

#amsterdamtravel #coldwar #worldwar2 #museum #utrecht #soviet