Subject:- Shooting Incident between Germans and N.B.S.. on May 1945, in Amsterdam.
To:- HQ. 720 (P) C.A. Det. (P.S.)
On the afternoon of the 7th May 19,45, in Amsterdam, shooting took place between armed German soldiers and the N.B.S. whereby 22 civilians were killed and 125 injured (some seriously); German casualties; believed to be 11 dead and several seriously injured.
Most of the civilian casualties occurred at the Dam, a main public square which was crowded at the time.
Firing seems to have commenced with one or two shots, not known by whom fired, and subsequently spread to other parts of the City.
The civil police have no report of the incident other than a detailed list of civilian casualties, the only source of information being the N.B.S.. who dealt with the matter throughout.
Attached are statements of Major C. F. Overhoff (O/C N.B.S.in Amsterdam) N.C. Vos and J.J. van Leusden (also N.B.S. officers) and a signed statement by a It. Bergmann (German officer who assisted Major Overhoff to restore order), which was supplied by Major Overhoff, also a rough sketch plan of the Dam where the major incident occurred.
Special attention is drawn to the part played by Major Overhoff, in restoring order, as undoubtedly his courage, presence of mind, and prompt action under most difficult circumstances, averted what might easily have proved a disastrous situation.
It must be appreciated that although the Commanding officer of the N.B.S.. of Amsterdam, he was unknown to all but a very few, while his only mark of identification was the usual comparatively insignificant N.B.S. armband.
He is an elderly man, a reserve officer in the Netherlands Army,and on the occasion in question undoubtedly risked his life many times, from flying bullets, in endeavoring to restore order. The fact that his own driver was shot dead instantaneously, is sufficient indication of how real that danger was. –
I am convinced that it was his efforts alone which prevented many more casualties, and suggest that his very able handling of the whole situation merits being brought to the notice of the Netherlands Government, with a view to it being officially recognized.-
For detailed list of civilian casualties, see Appendix “A”.
(signed) M.S.Oxley
Lt. Col. R. A.
O.C. 717, C.A. Det.
Source: Niod Amsterdam
