This section also includes additional information on the events that unfolded after the capitulation of the islands of Walcheren and Zuid-Beveland.
For the sake of clarity, the description of the events on the final day of the campaign has been divided into two parts. The first part covers the events that took place north of the Western Scheldt (Westerschelde), while the second focuses on developments south of the estuary. The latter section also provides an overall assessment of the campaign and includes a brief account of the numerous naval vessels that participated in the fighting in Zeeland.
A separate epilogue is devoted to the role and experiences of the French forces during the campaign
During the night, the Germans completed their deployment for what would become the final phase of the campaign in Zeeland. Once again, the 1st and 3rd Battalions of SS Regiment Deutschland occupied the front line, supported by the reinforced 3rd Company of the SS Reconnaissance Battalion (SS.AA). The 2nd Battalion remained east of the canal, where it guarded the southern coastline of Zuid-Beveland against any potential Allied counteraction. It was supported by elements of the 225th Infantry Division, whose remaining units were deployed in western Noord-Brabant, securing the rear areas of both SS regiments.
Meanwhile, SS Regiment Germania, together with the remainder of the SS Reconnaissance Battalion, faced the French and Belgian forces north of Antwerp. To the north, Gruppe Wirtz occupied Tholen and St. Philipsland and was preparing for a crossing of the Zijpe in order to seize the island of Schouwen-Duiveland.
The Germans had completed their preparations for the final advance. Their forces were concentrated, their objectives clearly defined, and their commanders confident that the campaign in Zeeland was approaching its conclusion.
The remaining question was whether their opponents were equally prepared.
The Allied position had deteriorated sharply during the preceding days. French and Dutch units had been forced into a series of withdrawals, often under considerable pressure and with limited coordination. Communications were becoming increasingly difficult, supplies were scarce, and the Luftwaffe continued to dominate the skies. While pockets of determined resistance had been encountered - most notably around Kapelle - the overall trend had been one of steady German progress.
Nevertheless, the defenders still possessed several advantages. The Sloedam remained a formidable obstacle, and the waterways surrounding the islands continued to complicate German operations. Allied naval forces were active in the region and could provide artillery support where required. Furthermore, despite the setbacks suffered, a substantial number of French troops remained on Walcheren and were preparing for what many expected to be the decisive engagement of the Zeeland campaign.
As dawn broke on 17 May 1940, both sides stood ready for the final struggle north of the Western Scheldt. The Germans were poised to deliver the decisive blow; the Allies faced the challenge of proving that they still possessed both the means and the determination to resist. The outcome would determine not only the fate of Walcheren, but effectively that of all remaining Allied resistance in Zeeland north of the estuary ...