Years of service 1904–1940 Service/branch Royal Netherlands Army | Name P. Scharroo Rank Colonel | |
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Born 16 September 1883
The Hague ( 1883-09-16 ) Allegiance Netherlands The Netherlands Battles/wars World War II
Battle of Rotterdam Died August 19, 1963, The Hague, Netherlands Battles and wars Battle of Rotterdam, World War II | ||
Colonel Pieter Wilhelmus Scharroo (16 September 1883 - 19 August 1963) 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. After the war he retired from the army and started a career as a hydrological adviser. He died, aged 79, in his home city of The Hague. He was never decorated for his attempts to defend the city of Rotterdam.