P. W. Scharroo

Who was P. W. Scharroo?

Colonel Pieter Wilhelmus Scharroo was the Dutch commander in charge during the Battle of Rotterdam. While he was trying to negotiate a ceasefire with his German counterparts, the Rotterdam Blitz took place. He was frustrated after the bombing, and refused to continue the negotiations with the German army.

Scharroo was born in The Hague. Prior to the Second World War, he had an impressive civil and military career in the Netherlands as well as the Dutch Indies. Scharroo was also a long-time member of the IOC. He died, aged 79, in his home city of The Hague.