Belgian War Graves Opont

Au-delà de l’Eau, Opont (Paliseul)

Belgium Luxembourg Opont (Paliseul)

The cemetery in Opont contains 2 Belgian war graves.

THIRY Jules, Private 1st Reg. Ardennes Hunters 2nd Bat 5th Comp
"Fallen in the field of honour
at Bodange on May 10, 1940.
Was 27 years old."
He was fatally shot by a bullet while carrying out demolition orders in the vicinity of the German-Belgian border immediately after the German invasion.

MARTIN Edouard, killed in the First World War.
" Memory
to our bereaved son
Edouard MARTIN
30th Line Regiment
Glorious fallen
during the defense of the fortress
from Marchovelette
in August 1914
at the age of 24 years"

The fortress of Namur consisted of nine fortresses: Cognelée, Emines, Marchovelette, Malonne, Saint-Héribert, Suarlée, Andoy, Dave and Maizeret.
All these forts were built between 1888 and 1891 on the initiative of General Brialmont.

In 1914 the Fort of Marchovelette was commanded by Captain-Commander Duchâteau, whose garrison was about 300 artillerymen and 100 infantry.
Marchovelette first opened fire on the German troops on August 20, 1914.
The fortress was immediately attacked the next day. It surrendered after heavy bombardment by guns up to 420mm caliber. On August 23, the fortress suffered an explosion in a powder charge, rendering Captain-Commander Duchâteau incapacitated and surrendering shortly afterwards. The garrison counted 20 dead.

Source : Wikipedia and Bunker Belt Bridge Head Ghent