Information Board 14-18 Sambre Rouge - The National Aid and Food Commission

Information Board at the entrance of the cemetery in Erquelinnes.

In 1914, Belgian imports more than 75% of its food. The German invasion and the blockade, installed by the British Royal Navy in the spring of 1915, interrupted trade. This gave rise to an economic crisis and a major food shortage. In order to tackle this food emergency, the mayor of Brussels Adolphe Max, the industrialist Ernest Solvay and the businessman Emile Francqui founded the first "National Aid and Food Commission" which quicky spread throughout Belgium. At the same time, the "Commission for Relief in Belgium" was responsible for supplies in Belgium and the north of France. This American-led international organisation was headed by three ambassadors from neutral countries: the US, Spain and the Netherlands. Various forms of aid appeared, such as the arrival of clothing, bread, shoes, meat, petro, etc.

In Erquelinnes, on 1 August 1916 a "Welfare Commission for School Meals" sought to provide a supplementary ration to children in the form of biscuit and a cup of coffee distributed for free. This various national and international commissions contributed significantly tot the population’s immediate needs.

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