From October 1914 to September 1918 the last remaining piece of unoccupied Belgium was no bigger than a pocket handkerchief. Yet in this small strip of land there were 180,000 combat soldiers, as well as local people who clung to their homes, refugees, the wounded and medical staff. It was incredibly busy: breweries, laundries, supply depots, field kitchens, hospitals. Everything was geared to the war. For four years, the unoccupied zone was the heart of the country - until the Final Offensive of September 1918 paved the way for liberation. The 92 kilometre ‘Free Fatherland’ route will take you to all the most important sites.
Available in Dutch