Editing Martinus Antonius Johannes Paap (section)

==== France ====

On 1 March 1940, Martinus was promoted to ''Generalmajor'' and appointed commander of the [[31. Infanterie-Division]]. When the German offensive in the west began on 10 May, the division crossed Belgium and advanced toward [[Liège]]. It later fought around the Dyle near Wavre, continued toward the Scheldt and Lys, and entered France.

During fighting on the [[Aisne]] in June, the division's first attempt to establish a crossing failed under French resistance. Martinus went forward to the regimental command posts, altered the crossing point and shifted the available artillery support.

The renewed attack established a bridgehead. Martinus committed additional infantry across the river and expanded the position before continuing the advance. He received the Clasp to the Iron Cross, 1st Class and was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]].

After the French armistice, Martinus visited [[Julien van Noord]] in [[Paris]]. Julien had been his closest friend since the beginning of the century, and the two had maintained their friendship through visits and correspondence.<ref name="julien"/>

Martinus was promoted to ''Generalleutnant'' on 1 September 1940. Later that month, the 31st Division was transferred by rail from France to occupied Poland.