Fort Breendonk

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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 prison camp 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.

1 World War I
2 World War II
3 Present memorial
4 External links

[edit] World War I

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

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.

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.

[edit] World War II

The German army invaded and occupied Belgium in 1940. Fort Breendonk was obsolete and was no answer to mechanized warfare. The fort was briefly the headquarters of the Belgian command during the first weeks following the invasion, but was abandoned in the face of German advances.

The Nazis transformed Fort Breendonk into a prison camp. On September 20, 1940, the first prisoners arrived. Initially prisoners were petty criminals, people deemed asocial, or trespassers of the new race laws. Later on, resistance fighters, political prisoners and innocent hostages were detained as well.

German as well as Flemish SS units guarded this camp. 185 prisoners were executed, and many others were transported to concentration camps. The execution poles and gallows are still there, as is a gruesome SS torture chamber. Contrary to popular belief, there were never any gas chambers at Fort Breendonk.

Following the liberation of Belgium, trials were held in Mechelen/Malines of Nazi collaboraters - including some of guards and officials at Fort Breendonk. Of those who were convicted, some were executed by firing squad in 1947.

[edit] Present memorial

The site on which the fort stands is a national memorial. The fort is a well-preserved example of the prison camps operated by Nazi Germany during WW II.

Fort Breendonk is open to visitors all year round.