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Siege of Antwerp centenary
Siege of Antwerp centenary
On:
September 30, 2014
By:
Patrick Wingrove
Posted in
Blog, Centenary Events
0
The 28th September 2014 marked the centenary of the Siege of Antwerp. The Belgian city had been a target of German Zeppelin dirigibles since early September, but on 29 September the Germans used heavy guns to severely bomb the city, forcing the Allies to retreat by mid-October. Antwerp was subsequently occupied by German forces until its liberation in 1918.
Today, the City of Antwerp commemorates the First World War with its “Antwerp 1914 – 1918” series of events. Designed to appeal to a wide audience, the programme emphasises the dark side of the war and the need for peace while focusing on personal testimonials and wartime daily life.
Among Antwerp’s city-wide, commemorative events, which include exhibitions, walks and an education programme for children, is the reconstruction of a pontoon bridge that helped the Belgian army and more than 10,000 refugees flee the burning city in search of a safe haven in 1914. Symbolising the connection between the past, present and future, this “Peace Bridge” will be built by Belgian and Dutch battalions on the River Scheldt, near the medieval Steen Fortress.
The Peace Bridge will be officially inaugurated with a parade on Friday 3 October. This will feature prominent personalities from Belgium and abroad and thousands of children. The country’s Poet Laureate, Charles Ducal, will also recite the poem “Soldaat ’14-’18” in Belgium’s three national languages. In the evening, around 7pm, Antwerp’s church bells will herald a spectacular sound and light show on the water, after which the bridge will be opened to visitors (until 5 October).
Accompanying the opening are musical and theatre performances, a “dreamboat” with covered panoramic terrace offering an amazing view of the bridge, a children’s entertainment programme and a play area at the Boeienweide (Field of Buoys) beside the city’s open-air maritime museum.
Commemorating a dark time in Antwerp’s history, “Antwerp 1914-1918” has been conceived with particular attention to children and young people so the events of the First World War aren’t forgotten.
Related articlesAntwerp after the Bombardment: The Effect of German ShellsThe bombardment of Antwerp by the Germans elet practically urrnjured the pnncipal ,cubit buildings: The city, such as the Cathedral. the Royal Palace, the great hospital adjoin- ‘c it. the…The Fall of Antwerp: The Heroic Defence before the Evacuation, and the Flight of the Civil PopulationEvery measure of defence within the power of the defenders of Antwerp was provided beforehand, but proved unavailing against the gigantic siege-guns with which the Germans battered down the forts…Action Leading up to the Fall of Antwerp: An Artillery Duel across a Cathedral CitySince the Germans snvaded Belgium there has been much fighting at Malines, whose fine cathedral has suffered a good deal of damage from German shells. It was stated on August…
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