On 4 August 1914, the 1st Regiment of Mounted Chasseurs and 3rd Regiment of Foot Chasseurs left their barracks in Tournai – Germany had invaded Belgium.
On 24 August 1914, the war arrived in Tournai: Two battalions of French territorial infantry from the Vendée region took on several regiments of the German 2nd Cavalry Corps as they attempted to cross the river Scheldt. An entire gallery is dedicated to this heroic and formidable battle.
October and November 1918 saw the advance of the Allies to the river Scheldt and an offensive against the German army that lasted until the eve of the Armistice on 11 November.
In 1940, war broke out again, and on 16 May, Tournai was heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe.
By the end of the second battle to rage by the Scheldt on 20, 21 and 22 May, with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) putting up fierce resistance to the German infantry regiments, the historic centre of the city was reduced to nothing but a smoking ruin.
The long-awaited moment finally arrived: On 2 and 3 September 1944, American, and then British forces liberated Tournai, but not before the Allied bombing raids on the station district in 1944 had added to the number of casualties and extent of destruction.
A selection of weapons, uniforms and documents capture both the dark and glorious days of wartime Tournai.
Salle 1914-1945
This album contains 7 items.
