Memorial Fort Aubin-Neufchâteau 1940

This monument commemorates the Belgian soldiers killed or wounded in the battle for Fort Aubin-Neufchâteau in 1940.

The first seven names are the soldiers who died in the battle between May 10 and 21, 1940. The other 17 names are of the soldiers who were wounded in the battle.

The last two photos were taken at the fort in the Fort Chaplain's Room. This had been decorated to give the room more the look of a church. Also in this room, the 7 soldiers who perished are marked on the wall. The last two names are still just visible with a pen. The last three names are still just visibly applied with a pen. They are Schmetz, Straetmans and Denis. Died on May 20 and 21, 1940.

Somewhat oddly, some names appear to have been crossed out. Such as the name of ERNST J. Soldier, and two more names that are not legible. It is likely that these soldiers were not killed during the siege of the fort, but later died of their wounds.

Killed during the battle for Fort Aubin-Neufchâteau

DEMAIN Jacques, age 20, born in Liège, from Schaerbeek, Brigadier with the Regiment de la Fortresse de Liège at Fort Aubin-Neufchâteau, killed May 11, 1940 during a patrol near bunker bunker NV 1 at Neufchâteau.

DENIS Jean-Baptiste, age 21, from Verviers, Brigadier with the Regiment de la Fortresse de Liège at the Aubin-Neufchâteau fort, was wounded May 20, 1940 in Bloc C 2 when a cannon was knocked in by an explosion, and died of his wounds May 21, 1940. The day of the surrender of the fort. This cannon now is located at the entrance to the fort in Bloc B 3.

LESCRENIER Charles, age 22, from Jemeppe-sur-Meuse, corporal with the Regiment de la Fortresse de Liège at the Aubin-Neufchâteau fort, killed May 10, 1940 at observation post O363 at Saint-Martens-Voeren, The first day of the war.

LOUYS Albert, age 23, from Aubel, soldier with the Regiment de la Fortresse de Liège at the Aubin-Neufchâteau fort, killed near Bloc P on May 10, 1940 on his return from patrol. The first day of the war and one day before his 24th birthday !

NYSSEN Mathieu, age 20, from Gemmenich, soldier with the Regiment de la Fortresse de Liège at the Aubin-Neufchâteau fort, killed May 11, 1940 in the turret of bunker MN 11 at Aubel.

SCHMETZ Louis, age 22, born in Heerlen (NL), soldier with the Regiment de la Fortresse de Liège at the Aubin-Neufchâteau fort, killed May 20, 1940 in the turret of Bloc P.

STRAETMANS Joseph, age 22, from Remersdaal, soldier with the Regiment de la Fortresse de Liège at the Aubin-Neufchâteau fort, killed May 20, 1940 in Bloc C 2.

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Source

• Text: Ed Lewandowski
• Photos: Fedor de Vries (1, 2), Ed Lewandowski (3, 4, 5)
• wardeadregister.be
• 18daagseveldtocht.be