Memorial King Albert I

The bust of the king is a work from 1952 by the sculptor Victor Demanet.

The figure of King Albert I is common and usually in the form of a bust.
The large number of representations of the Belgian monarch emphasizes his popularity among
the population. Unlike the Belgian government, which went into exile in Le Havre from the first days of the war, the king, as army commander, remained with his troops in the trenches on the Yser for the entire duration of the war of positions.
That also earned him his nickname 'King-Knight'.
He also refused to allow his army to participate in the Allied attacks.
This explains why, compared to armies of other countries, far fewer Belgian soldiers were killed.

The statue by sculptor Victor Demanet shows the king in an open robe, through which we can see the collar of his uniform and the insignia of his rank.
The two bars and the three stars indicate the highest degree: that of lieutenant general.
The king wears the Adrian helmet, so the helmet that the soldiers themselves wore at the front.
This is how his involvement with his troops is illustrated.

Source : 14-18 Pictures tell, Brussels Urbanism and Heritage

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!