Fort Breendonk

Fort Breendonk is a fortification built in 1906 as part of the second ring of defenses (the Réduit national) around the city of Antwerp (Belgium) The fort was used as a prisoncamp by the German occupiers during World War II. Nowadays, the site is a national memorial (Nationaal Gedenkteken Fort van Breendonk in Dutch), and can be visited.

World War I

Belgium was invaded in August 1914 by the German army after refusing its request of unhindered passage to northern France.

Related Topics:
Belgium - August - 1914 - German - France

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The invasion began on August 4, 1914. Eager to reach Paris as soon as possible, the German army concentrated all its efforts towards the south, ignoring Antwerp.

Related Topics:
August 4 - Paris

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Continued Belgian resistance from the north forced German command to attack Antwerp. On September 9, General Beseler was ordered to attack Antwerp. Siege artillery was sent north, having precipitated the fall of Namur and Maubeuge.

Related Topics:
September 9 - Beseler - Namur - Maubeuge

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fort Breendonk was first attacked on October 1, 1914 by howitzers located 5 to 6 kilometers out of range of the fort's own guns. The Germans breached Belgian lines in Lier. The German army could attack Antwerp avoiding Fort Breendonk. On October 9 Fort Breendonk surrendered, after the fall of Antwerp.

Related Topics:
October 1 - Howitzers - Lier - October 9 - Fall of Antwerp

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~