Belgian Nation Day - 21 July 2025

John and I drove down to Cambridge City cemetery where we were joined by Fergus (one of our committee), several local WFA members and Helen Franklin, Eastern Region Coordinator for the CWGC “Eyes On Hands On” (EOHO) project.

We had assembled to mark Belgiums National Day and commemorate those Belgian soldiers, our Allies, who rest in our county. Four Belgian soldiers of the Great War who fell in 1914 and were evacuated to the First Eastern Hospital in Cambridge, are buried in Cambridge City cemetery. We heard a little about Belgiums history and the Belgian army of 1909-1914 before each of the casualties was introduced. Emrys and Fergus then laid flowers (in Belgiums national colours) at their gravesides whilst the band played La Brabanconne.

Helen then had a chat with those of us present, explaining her interests and role within the CWGC.

We then moved on to Histon Cemetery to pay our respects to the fifth Great War Belgian soldier who rests in Cambridgeshire. We heard how he had been made a Knight of the Order of Leopold II, and awarded the Belgian War Cross during a brief ceremony at his bedside in May 1917. He had died of tuberculosis in December 1917. Fergus laid flowers at his grave and we spent a few quiet moments before departing.

Printed in every WFA publication are these words, explaining why the Western Front Association was formed “………to perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of those of all sides who served their countries in France & Flanders..…..”.

We will remember them

As in previous years we stopped off on the way home at “The King of the Belgians” in Hartford, Huntingdon for some late refreshment. The staff were unaware of the days significance, and we took the opportunity to explain about the day and the Western Front Association. They seemed genuinely interested. Several Great War posters and pictures adorned the walls, including one for you Martyn! A family-owned pub, its worth popping into then if you are in the area. Did I mention they have a beer festival over the 22-25 August?