Shadows of Soesterberg: Tracing the Cold War Legacy in The Netherlands
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 тра 2024
- 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
It was a fine place to be stationed. I was a Wolfhound from '87-'90
@J.C.1966 it is still a fine place to live! Just a friendly, relaxed no-nonsense kind of village with still a bit of flying and america in its DNA 🙂
@@timmie426 I stayed in the Netherlands after my time in service. In the mean time I've migrated to north east Groningen.
Andy thank you for your report on the former Soesterberg Military Air Base. I was born and raised in Amersfoort South and “Soesterberg” was a household name for me. Around the age of five, 1965/1966, the Phantoms, Starfighters with their typical howling noise, Orions and Aloutte III helicopters and other fighter jets attracted my attention. In the 1970s, mainly the F15s and F16s came to Soesterberg. And if you sometimes saw a passenger plane, it was Queen Juliana (from May 1980, Princess Juliana after her abdication) or other members of the Royal Family returning from their trip abroad. Their residence was Paleis Soestdijk located between Soest and Baarn. When I was in my twenties, I often went to visit the Military Air Base in the 1980s when there was a lot of flying activity. In the late 1970s, the Gemini, Mercury and Apollo neighbourhoods in Soesterberg were built especially for the American military. And in 1987, the first McDrive in the Netherlands was opened on the Amersfoortseweg in Huis ter Heide due to the presence of American troops. Although Soesterberg Air Base is closed, the area around Soesterberg Du Moulinkazerne, Amersfoort Bernardkazerne / De Vlasakkers and Leusderheide is still a military area. In 2022, a Thank you and Memorial monument was unveiled: S.A.M (Soesterberg Air force Memorial). Attention to freedom thanks to the Americans who were present in Soesterberg in the period 1954 - 1994. The monument is located on the Amersfoortsestraat / Oude Tempellaan viaduct where the Aloutte III helicopter is also located.
I was stationed at Soesterberg AB from 1989 - 1993. Best assignment of my Air Force career.
Hi Andy and all your supporters. I don't mind admitting that I found your fantastic resource of videos and information when I found 'Operation Foot', which I well recommend.
This is one place I would love to visit, if my mobility allows; though I haven't been over the Channel since Dec-1993. Born in Sept-1957, I have always been interested in the Cold War, Space Race and other events of the time. It was happening all around us on TV etc. It's been very interesting seeing all the comments from ex-forces, or those with links to each video- From former 'Wolfhounds, to residents. Thankyou all.
.I intend to see all of your videos, and I have to admit to clicking 'Like' before even watching. Long may you continue producing these excellent videos.
I was stationed there 85 to 88. 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, USAFE. We were the Wolfgounds. The slobbering dogs.... I loved it there.
Re. a British perspective on the Cold War, we tend to forget that apart from the UK and USA/Canada, NATO member states all had national service until the end of the Cold War and beyond. In the Netherlands it's technically still there but ''suspended''. All Dutch citizens (men and women) receive a letter from the Ministerie van Defensie (no need to translate that!) when they are 17 informing them that they are registered for military service. Nobody has actually been called up since 1997.
I'm currently watching this from Soesterberg, which is where I grew up. I gotta say, you did an amazing job on this video! I'm an avid model builder and aviation enthusiast (definitely sparked by growing up near the airbase ;) )and thus I regularly visit the museum to gather reference material and chat with the staff. It's good to see it get some international attention. Thank you.
Impecable timing to cover Soesterberg 1 day before dutch war memorial day. I never considered the Soviets basically had a short list of targets for nuclear strikes but it does make sense and i am sure the US and the UK had their own lists. I love your deepdives into topics. The forst zina story really stuck with me
My late father served there as a fighterpilot trainee, a motorcycle accident brought it to an end, He got then a deskjob as a liasionofficer to the American part of the base. Al in the early '60
I live in the south of The Netherlands so not that close to Soesterberg. But you convinced me it's absolutely worth visiting the museum, so I probably will soon :)
A very complete and detailed video. I think when you say "scrapped", that means the piece of equipment was actually dismantled and melted down, rather than preserved in a museum. The airplanes in a museum are actually "saved" not scrapped.
Really good overview of the museum. Certainly looks like a place to visit for a military history buff like me.
Hi Andy, if you're still in the country I can highly recommend Overloon (plz check if open).
Been to Overloon, Normandy,Verdun and West Flanders (Ieper Flanders Fields as, Passchendaele Museum in Zonnebeke).
Cheers from a Dutchy.
I’ll be doing more Dutch history content later in the year.
Excellent video. Maybe someday I'll get there.
Great video. I echo this is a world class museum with lots of interesting displays!
Thank you for this great video sir!
Kind regards from the Netherlands
I live right next to Soesterberg now and used to go there many times when I was a child :D
Outstanding video! I’m familiar with the former base via my USAF job in West Germany in the 1980’s.
Been multiple times there when it still was a airport and after. It's unique military base and the museum looks amazing.
I absolutely love your Cold War video’s, Andy. This video about our National Military Museum was a real treat! Big thumbs up!
I'm a Dutch guy, and never been there bcz its a 3 hour drive there from where I live, but damn, what a great video man!
Thank you for the great video. It indeed is a very interesting museum.
One remark thou, the wooden observation platform didn't survive all that time. It was rebuild a view years back.
Dear Andy, excellent video about NMM, for sure it is worth a visit! Thanks! 🙏🏻 Greets from NL!
Another great video Andy can't wait for the next one
I was looking forward to seeing this video, and you did not disappoint! Thank you Andy, for another outstanding presentation.
Thanks again!
I was in the Netherlands back around 2005, and visited this museum, and was very impressed... But since then, they've added the new main building, etc and now I'd really like to go back! 🙂 Thank you for your nice tour of the new layout. I'm pretty sure I've watched all of your Cold War videos! 👍
The old museum (Militair Luchtvaart Museum or MLM) was Air Force only and on the other side of the highway as well.
Thank you for a great review. You’ve just added a new destination to my bucket list!
great video, thanks for reviewing it and pointing out things i missed on my last visit.
Excellent video, Andy. I really enjoy these! 👏👏👏
You always have the most interesting videos Andy. I actually visited a decommission AF base in the Netherlands last year, near Enschede. Great place for bird watching these days. G'day from Australia.
As always a very interesting and informative video. Thank you.👍🏻🏴
Great content and video, Andy.
FYI, at 2:55 : the 32nd received F-15s already in 1978… Starting with F-15As and Bs, getting F-15C/Ds soon after, and later on the F-15A/B MSIP - the latter seemed older, but it was a major step in radar and avionics.
Excellent video as always! Thanks for the overview, this looks like a super interesting place.
Fantastic again , I am guessing the project e video is comming?
Fantastic! Wow! Speechless!
When visiting, it's perhaps interesting to know that a small piece on the other side of Soesterberg was brought under Scottish law for the duration of the Lockerbie trial.
How did I miss that when I was researching this video , that should have been in the history section. 🤔
Welcome back and thanks for this!
Top drawer again!
I think I suggested it some time last year, but have you considered doing a tour and/or hostory of any/all of the former RAF "clutch airfields" Laarbruch, Bruggen, Wildenrath and Gutersloh?
Just two corrections to your vid: 1) the F-15s arrived at SB in 79 not 89, and (2) the aircraft you seem to identify in the museum as a Tornado is in fact an F-15.
Other than that, thanks again and we're looking forward to your next Cold War vid!
Cheers from Cape Town, SA!
I thought I’d mixed the aircraft up, but once uploaded I’m stuck with the error. Trying to get out the Germany again soon.
Excellent report
Interesting vid Andy.
I had a day's visit to 32nd TFS in 1977, very impressive.
I was there for an airshow in 1981. It was a great trip. Highlight was I guess the F-15 display pilot crashing his brand new Eagle and writing it off- also I had a look inside Sally-B. 80-0007 was the F-15, from Bitburg.
Well done!
You where near my hometown!
Hi .. Fantastic video.
Do you think the airbase could be used again if needed ?
No
Despite living in NL I yet have to visit this museum. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to see the F-15 in action during the only 5 years of operation at Soesterberg.
Form the N238 right at the end of the East-West situated runway the F-15 would roar right over your head and pull up to an almost vertical flight.
I think I had the luck to witness a scramble training, and a pair of F-15s with afterburners roaring and pointing right at you is something you don't forget.
The funny thing is that there are quite some luxury forest villas right around this spot, I imagine it could get pretty loud in these places and roof tiles may have had the need of replacement after some of these take offs.
Certain assets we now only have in the museum are dire needed in the current political landscape.
Excellent video, now I know where to visit next time I'm in The Netherlands.
But at 16:45 I spotted a mistake. You don't pan from a F-16 to a Tornado. The Tornado is a two-seat with a single tail-fin, what you're looking at there is an F-15 (single-seat, twin tail-fins).
nice one Andy :) #goedbezig !
Correction: S.A.M . is located on the Veldmaarschalk Montgomeryweg / Amersfoortsestraat viaduct.
Next one in the Netherlands, the navy museum in the port of den helder. It has a collection of old decommissioned navy ships and I can give you a tour of you like 😂
Have you made a video about Weeze? Apologies if you have and I haven’t noticed it, I remember being able to explore the full place in the very late 90’s and again in the early 2000’s, I have the pics on photobucket but no videos unfortunately.
Hi, I cannot find your Project E film on your channel.
Sorry , its delayed while I deal with copyright issues surrounding some archival footage.. dont worry.. coming soon. Check out my Community Tab for updates
That was a very nice video Andy! Next time when you are in The Netherlands, see if you can visit former NATO headquarters Cannerberg. One weekend in every month you can have a guided tour in it. And it costs only €7,50.
Thanks for the tip!
Good video, Andy. One error though. At 16:43 you misidentified the F-15 Eagle as a Tornado.
I always incorporate one error to make sure people are paying attention. 😇
@@AndyMcloone
Very good! 👍
Did you know that from this airbase a QRA F-15 was scrambled to intercept the MIG without a pilot that had flown from Poland and crashed in Belgium?
23:10 Thanks to the Norden Bombsight... ;)
Yet another place to go on the visit list.
Keep up the good work!
The Dayton Air Museum is free... aircraft of all kinds and more. Two days isn't enough to see it all.
Could you do Star City ?
The planes doing a dogfight and the watch building is a replica
16:43 Its a F15 from the 32th not a Tornado.
It's interesting if you use the proper Google Earth and look at jistoric imagery, the airbase and buildings / bunkers nearby but not in the airfield are censored and blurred up to about 2007.
Like every other Dutch military and sensitive area around that time.
The tornado is a f15
I recomed going to kamp amersfoort, it was build by the dutch to house troops manning the grebbenlinie. Later the nazi's occupied it and usid it as a prisonercamp. And small correction: that is a F-15 not a tornado
Thanks for another great documentary. Have you considered doing the F9 Säve cold war air base near Gothenburg Sweden?
It's a public secret that we do have nuclear weapons at Gilze-Rijen airforce base...
No, that's actually Volkel Air base, but yeah it does house B61 bombs guarded by a small American contingent on base.