Monument of Vieux-Sart 1914-1918

On Aug. 5 and 6, 1914, from the hamlet of Saint Hadelin (municipality of Olne), 65 civilians were executed at this site by the German army.

Some 40 houses were also set on fire in retaliation. This was all in revenge because the nearby Fort Fleron had caused many casualties in the German 11th Infantry Brigade and held it up longer than the German High Command had anticipated. The German army followed the so-called “Von Schlieffen Plan” which provided for a tight timetable to reach Paris before Russia could mobilize its forces and Germany entered a two-front war. Pushing through without losing time was vital for the German Meuse Army. In memory of the massacre of the citizens of Sain-hadeling, this crucifix was erected.

The victims of this brutal act are buried in the Saint-Hadelin municipal cemetery. The fallen civilians are commemorated separately on the monument at Saint-Hadelin. All the names of civilians executed by the German army are included on this monument.

The inscription on the small plaque on the tree (photo 5);

Who passes here, remember the fate of those who died here on August 5 and 6, 1914.

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Source

• Text: Ed Lewandowski
• Photos: Ed Lewandowski (1, 2, 4, 5), Peter Clermonts (3)
• Luik, augustus 1914, zoektocht naar een vergeten slag, J. Brabers & Rob Lemmens