1940: Elmer Davis Reports Germany's Blitzkrieg Begins | CBS Radio

Historic CBS Radio news analysis by Elmer Davis, broadcast on May 11, 1940, during the second day of Germany's invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. Reporting as the German Blitzkrieg unfolds, Davis summarizes the rapidly changing military situation, the fierce resistance of Dutch and Belgian forces, and the first major political changes brought about by the widening war. Broadcast only one day after Germany launched its Western offensive, this report captures the uncertainty of the opening phase of the campaign that would soon transform the course of World War II. 00:00 - Historical Context and Introduction 00:26 - Germany's Blitzkrieg Begins 01:31 - Dutch Resistance Against German Invasion 02:18 - Initial German Air Raids and Civilian Casualties 03:47 - Political Shifts and Italian Neutrality 04:40 - German Blitzkrieg Tactics and Resistance 06:37 - German Advances and Air Raids 08:04 - Air Fighting in Norway and British Cabinet Changes 08:42 - International Reactions and US Stance Key topics covered in this broadcast: The opening of Germany's Western offensive: • Davis reviews the first full day of fighting after Germany's surprise invasion of the Low Countries, describing the rapid but contested advance of German ground and airborne forces. Dutch and Belgian resistance: • The broadcast reports determined resistance by Dutch and Belgian troops as British and French mechanized forces move into Belgium under prewar defense plans to confront the German attack. Germany's airborne operations: • Special attention is given to Germany's unprecedented use of parachute troops and airborne assaults around Rotterdam, The Hague, and key bridges, introducing a new style of modern warfare. Air raids across Western Europe: • Davis describes German bombing attacks against military targets, transportation networks, and airfields throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Britain, while both sides accuse each other of attacks on civilians. Political upheaval in Britain: • The broadcast covers the appointment of Winston Churchill as Prime Minister following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain, marking a decisive change in Britain's wartime leadership. Strategic developments beyond the battlefield: • The report also discusses Britain's occupation of Iceland, Allied protection of Dutch Caribbean oil facilities, Italy's continued neutrality, and growing concern over the global consequences of the expanding conflict. Significance: Broadcast on May 11, 1940, this report documents the dramatic opening phase of Germany's Western campaign, when Blitzkrieg tactics combined fast-moving armored forces with large-scale airborne operations to overwhelm traditional defenses. Elmer Davis provides a detailed contemporary account of one of the most important turning points of the Second World War, recorded as events were still unfolding and long before the outcome of the campaign was known. Subscribe for more rare radio broadcasts, historic news reports, and original recordings from the Golden Age of Radio. #ElmerDavis #CBSRadio #Blitzkrieg #WorldWarII #Netherlands #Belgium #Churchill #WWIIHistory #HistoricBroadcast #OldTimeRadio