(Belgian prisoners and German captors - a common sight in May 1940)

Seventy years ago this week, the war in Europe inched closer to the brink when Germany launch a full-scale invasion of Belgium, Luxembourg and Holland on May 10th. On the same day, Neville Chamberlain offered his resignation and the duties of Prime Minister went to First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill.

H.V. Kaltenborn: “Let us, in this evening hour, attempt to summarize what has happened during the day, in which three neutral countries were invaded; Luxembourg. Belgium and Holland. In which there were two cabinet changes. A complete change of leadership in England and the addition of further parties to the cabinet in France.”

All signs were pointing to an eventual invasion of Britain as each country was invaded and fell under Nazi rule. And, despite assurances to the contrary, it was only a matter of time before the U.S. would get involved. But that wouldn't be for another year.