Monument Besloten Hof Herentals

In the Besloten Hof lies the monument that pays tribute to the six orphans who lost their lives there at 2 p.m. on Sept. 15, 1944, following a shell blast. After the smoke from the grenade blast cleared, there were six young victims to mourn. There were also several seriously injured with permanent injuries, all children between the ages of 6 and 12. Due to the chaotic period just before the liberation, these children were buried quietly in the Herentals cemetery.

On August 26, 2017, a monument was placed in the Besloten Hof in memory of these little victims. It is a design by artist André Lievens. His granddaughter Febe served as the model. Attached to the monument is a lily, referring to the innocence of the many children who lost their lives there.

There is also a black marble plaque with the names of the children:

• Stephania Broos, Diest on 28-1-1932 (age 12)
• Elisabeth Hendrickx, Herselt on 18-2-1933 (11 years)
• Angelina Labeu, St.Pieters-Jette on 8-6-1933 (11 years)
• Maria Heremans, St.Katelijne-Waver on 21-2-1934 (10 years)
• Magdalena Wille, Overijssche on 14-4-1936 (8 years)
• Odilia Vandermeulen, Vlierzele on 16-9-1936 (9 years)

These (orphan) children have gradually become a symbol for all the victims of Herentals during the Second World War.

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