Eben-Emael was a Belgian fortress between Liège and Maastricht, near the Albert Canal, defending the Belgian-German

border. Constructed in 1931–1935, it was reputed to be impregnable. But on 10 May 1940, 78 paratroopers of the German

7th Flieger (later 1st Fallschirmjäger Division) landed on the fortress with gliders. One day later, they were reinforced by the

German 151st Infantry Regiment. At 13:30 h on 11 May, the fortress surrendered. 1200 Belgian soldiers were captured.