Upon the commencement of the Italian invasion of the Netherlands, the German Kriegsmarine dispatched the pocket battleship Graf Spee to Dutch waters. The Graf Spee, together with escorting vessels, passed through an Italian fleet screen early in the month then, on 13th May 1939, entered the port of Nijmegan, much to the consternation of the Italian government.

Whilst in port, the Graf Spee welcomed aboard members of the Dutch Royal Family, including Queen Wilhelmina, and much of the Dutch government. After nightfall, the ship left port, followed by the Dutch fleet. Immediately, the Italian 3rd Bomber Wing's Z. 506 torpedo bombers were launched on an intercept course, attacking the Graf Spee at 0600 on 14th May, and a number of escorting vessels were sunk.

Immediately upon their return to Italian soil, the Z. 506 bombers refuelled and made a second attack run in the evening, this time attacking and sinking the Dutch cruiser Sumatra. Following this attack, the Graf Spee rendevoused with the Confederate 7th Fleet and passed out of range of Italian aircraft.

Germany and Italy threatened one another with war but, although considerable fire was exchanged and loss of life incurred by both sides, no declarations of war were forthcoming.

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