On 10 May 1940, the German attack on the Netherlands began. In order to seek support from the Allies, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, E. Van Kleffens, wanted to go to London as soon as possible.
Other ministers also wanted to go to London.

The R-1 and R-3 started from the Braasemermeer and the R-4 and C.VIII W (the G-8) started from Marine Vliegkamp De Mok (Texel) and were directed to Scheveningen Beach.

The R-3 left the beach at Scheveningen for London with Van Kleffens, his wife and Colonial Minister Charles Welter.

The aircraft was fired upon by the Germans but managed to escape and landed safely in Brighton.

The R-1 was severely attacked by the Germans and had to be returned to MVK Schellingwoude for repairs, as this was also where the T.VIII W aircraft were built.

At MVK Schellingwoude they managed to make the R-1 airworthy again and it was eventually able to fly to England.

The C.VIII W (G-8) came to an end on the beach at Scheveningen on 12 May 1940.

The R-4, c/n 5585 and delivered on 28 July 1939, is also used for the evacuation.

Very early in the morning of May 10, 1940, the R-4 is sent to the Scheveningen beach.

Some members of the government were due to leave for the UK but were not fully present.

This caused a considerable delay and ended badly.

The Germans had the R-4 in their sights and shot the aircraft on fire around 09:15.

The Off/Vl J. Uijtenhoudt and Korp/Vliegt.Maker N. Kooijman were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Both died there on May 12, 1940.