How many civilians died in Rotterdam?

Short answer

At least 1,150 people died in the German bombing of Rotterdam, of which 711 correspond solely to the attack of 14 May. Another 85,000 were left homeless. That morning, around 10:30, General Rudolf Schmidt delivered an ultimatum while two formations of Heinkel He 111s approached the city.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

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The victims

Death toll figures from the German bombing of Rotterdam amount to at least 1,150 people, of which 711 correspond solely to the attack of 14 May. In addition to the death toll, another 85,000 people were left homeless.

How it happened

Around 10:30 on that 14 May, German general Rudolf Schmidt delivered an ultimatum. Two formations of Heinkel He 111 bombers were already approaching the city: 36 aircraft from the south and 54 from the northeast. The smaller group, approaching from the south, saw the flares and most of its aircraft turned back, but the larger group pressed on and destroyed the city. In total, 1,150 bombs of 50 kilograms (110 lb) and another 158 of 250 kilograms (550 lb) were dropped on Rotterdam.