Belgium's Resistance: The German Invasion of 1914

The German invasion of Belgium on 4 August 1914 marked a pivotal moment at the outset of World War I. This invasion was part of Germany’s strategic Schlieffen Plan, aimed at quickly defeating France by marching through Belgium and attacking from the rear. The German High Command demanded passage through Belgium, but King Albert I, standing firm on his nation's neutrality, refused. Belgium's commitment to neutrality had been declared on 24 July, and by 31 July, the country had mobilized its armed forces in preparation for potential conflict. Concurrently, Germany declared a state of heightened alert, anticipating the imminent clash.

On 4 August 1914, the German army commenced its invasion, expecting a swift and decisive victory as per the Schlieffen Plan. However, Belgian resistance proved formidable. On 12 August, in the town of Halen, the German Uhlans, light cavalry units armed with lances, attempted a direct charge against well-prepared Belgian forces. The Belgians successfully defended their position, marking one of the early instances of significant resistance against the German advance.

Throughout the invasion, German forces faced unexpected resistance from Belgian civilians. This led to brutal reprisals by the Germans, who executed civilians in towns such as Dinant, Aarschot, and Leuven, under the suspicion of civilian attacks. The destruction extended to cultural landmarks, with buildings set aflame and the University Library at Louvain and Rheims Cathedral suffering significant damage. These actions were driven by the German army’s fear of civilian resistance, which they deemed illegal and deserving of harsh punishment. Consequently, executions, massacres, rapes, and hostage-takings were rampant, leaving a trail of devastation.

By October 1914, the fortress city of Antwerp had fallen to German forces. The beleaguered Belgian Army, significantly weakened, withdrew to a defensive line along the River Yser in the western Flanders region. Here, they dug trenches and held their ground for the remainder of the war, maintaining a stalwart defense until 1918. Meanwhile, the Belgian government operated from Le Havre, France, and King Albert I stayed with his troops in unoccupied Belgium, embodying the nation's resilience and defiance.

The aftermath of World War I saw significant geopolitical changes. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, nullified Belgium’s obligatory neutrality, a condition that had constrained the nation for decades. Additionally, Belgium regained the cantons of Eupen and Malmédy, territories lost in previous conflicts. This treaty not only redrew the map of Europe but also recognized the sacrifices and endurance of the Belgian people during the war.

The German invasion of Belgium not only catalyzed a prolonged and brutal conflict but also highlighted the resolve of a small nation defending its sovereignty against a formidable adversary. Belgium's staunch resistance and the subsequent international repercussions underscore the profound impact of the invasion on the course of World War I and the shaping of post-war Europe.
Belgium's Resistance: The German Invasion of 1914

Battle of Passchendaele

Battle of Passchendaele, also called Third Battle of Ypres, happened between July 31 to November 6, 1917. On one side were the forces of France and Britain (along with other allies such as Canada) and on the other were the Germans. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured appalling conditions.

The offensive at Passchendaele was launched on the 18th July 1917 with a bombardment of the German lines involving 3,000 guns. In the 10 days that followed, it is estimated that over 4¼ million shells were fired.

The rain began on 31 July - the first day of the battle. The battlefield had been churned up by the Allied artillery bombardment, destroying the ditches that acted as a drainage system.

Early in October 1917, the Canadians were sent to Belgium to relieve the battered ANZAC forces and take part in the final push to capture Passchendaele. Advancing through the mud and enemy fire was slow and there were heavy losses but the soldiers clawed their way forward. The name Passchendaele has become synonymous with mud, blood and futility.

On 6th November 1917, after three months of fierce fighting, British and Canadian forces finally took control of the tiny village of Passchendaele in the West Flanders region of Belgium, so ending one of the bloodiest battles of World War I.

The Allies suffered over 250,000 casualties - soldiers killed wounded or missing - during the Third Battle of Ypres. Casualties among German forces were also in the region of 200,000.

The Allies lost an estimated 275,000 casualties at Passchendaele - soldiers killed wounded or missing - during the Third Battle of Ypres and casualties among German forces were 220,000, making it one of the war’s most costly battles of attrition.

Passchendaele, often remembered as the low point of the British war effort, remains synonymous with the terrible and costly fighting on the Western Front.
Battle of Passchendaele

Battle of Verdun

The Battle of Verdun (February 21–December 18, 1916), was among the longest, bloodiest, and most-ferocious battles of World War I. In the battle that slogged on for 10 months, the French held off a major German offensive. It was originally planned by the German Chief of General Staff, Erich von Falkenhayn to secure victory for Germany on the Western Front.

Verdun was an ancient city that had been among the last to fall during France’s humiliating defeat in 1870-71’s Franco-Prussian War, and it had since been built into one of the most heavily fortified strongholds along the border with Germany.

The attack was aimed right at a sacred part of the French defensive line and was conceived by General Erich von Falkenhayn. The Battle of Verdun began on 21 February 1916 at 7.15 am when the German army began pounding the forts and trenches with artillery fire.

100,000 shells poured into Verdun every hour, Wilhelm's intention being to kill the majority of the French defenders before the infantry even started their advance into the fortress. Five days into the battle, German forces captured Fort Douaumont, the largest and highest of the 19 forts protecting Verdun.

On 1 July, the British and French launched a major offensive on the Somme, relieving some of the pressure being put on the French troops by the Germans in Verdun. The Germans tried to capture the town one last time, on 11 and 12 July, but they failed again.

The battle closed down on 15 December, as winter conditions and results of fighting on the Somme made further activity impossible. French casualties amounted to about 400,000, German ones to about 350,000. Some 300,000 were killed.
Battle of Verdun