Remembrance Commemoration 2025 – Belgian War Memorial on Sunday 9th November
We continue the second part of our Act of Remembrance here at the Belgian Cross. It’s one of the earliest memorials commemorating First World War dead, having been erected and dedicated as early as 1916. It commemorates those Belgian soldiers named here, and the response of the people of Southampton in giving sanctuary and support to them and civilian refugees.
Today’s Remembrance Sunday marks the eightieth anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe, on 8 May 1945, and the formal ending of the Second World War on 2 September 1945 following the Japanese surrender on 15 August. Standing here at this Belgian Memorial, it’s appropriate to recall events in Belgium. On 10 May 1940 German troops advanced rapidly into Belgium. On 18 May, the first civilian refugees from the Netherlands, Belgium and France began disembarking here in Southampton. Arrangements had quickly to be put in place to process what rapidly became a flood of displaced persons, and once again the people of Southampton responded. Records show 6,150 refugees arrived here in those summer months of 1940, together with 2,400 evacuated from the Channel Isles.
Belgium surrendered on 28 May 1940. By that time, British, French and Belgian armies had been pushed back to the coast. We all remember the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk at the end of May 1940. It must have been a difficult time.
Belgium became an occupied territory under German military control. The Allied advance through France reached Belgium in September and October 1944. But December 1944 saw a fierce German counter offensive, and much damage in Belgium from V2 rocket attacks. It was February 1945 before German forces had withdrawn from the whole of Belgium, and the difficult task of reconstruction could begin.
Bringing the proceedings to a close Leading Cadet Eleanor Bassett will play Sunset,a prompt for me to say a word about FoSOCs President, James Stevens Curl, who died a few days ago, and who we remembered with respect at the beginning of the ceremony. It’s difficult to know but I think his books, talks and enthusiasm had much to do in creating today’s appreciation of the historical significance of Victorian cemeteries. Quite a legacy.
It only remains for me to thank Eleanor, and all of you for attending today’s Act of Remembrance. Look at the bottom of the front cover of today’s programme. Next year is the 180th anniversary of the opening of the Cemetery on 7 May 1846. We are planning a commemoration on Saturday 9 May and would appreciate suggestions as to how we should mark the occasion. So, thank you for joining us today, put the date in your diary and we hope to see you on 9 May next year.
Graham Linecar
Photos Bruce Larner
