When the University of Leuven Library was burnt down – twice!
The burning of the University of Leuven Library in 1914 led to the loss of a quarter of a million manuscripts. 26 years later it was burnt down again.
First World War
From Mechelen to Auschwitz
On August 4, 1942, a train left Mechelen carrying nearly a thousand Jewish men, women and children. Its destination was Auschwitz.
Gabrielle Petit: First World War Spy
Gabrielle Petit was a Belgian woman who spied for the British Secret Service during the First World War.
Women and horses in the First World War
A guest post on the topic of “Women and Horses in the First World War” by military historian Lucy Betteridge-Dyson.
A historical walk around Nieuwpoort
A historical walk around Nieuwpoort and a review of the book “From The Ashes” which describes the reconstruction of the Westhoek
Salient by Elizabeth T. Gray, Jr.
Salient by Elizabeth T. Gray Jr. is a book-length poem that combines reflections on the Battle of Passchendaele with the Tibetan Buddhist practice of Chöd,
First World War Quiz
This new Discovering Belgium Quiz focuses on the First World War. Answer these 20 multiple-choice questions and share your score!
Touring the Battlefields of Flanders Fields
Discover the history of battlefield tours in Flanders Fields, and what makes a good battlefield tour guide.
The Photographer of the Lost by Caroline Scott
The Photographer of the Lost by Caroline Scott is an excellent and moving novel about the aftermath of the First World War
My Belgium: Nele Bille, Area Coordinator, CWGC
Nele Bille, who works for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, describes her job and her favourite locations in Belgium.
Why do we remember the casualties of war?
Some thoughts on why we remember the soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. Plus news of upcoming posts on this topic.
Tyne Cot
Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial in Zonnebeke, Belgium is one of the largest and most moving resting places for thousands of casualties in the First World War.