Bill's Belgian Medals

The Great War
King Albert - the "Soldier King."
    A great WWI group of medals to a Belgian soldier who was
    part of a contingent that fought in Russia during the Great
    War - note the rare bar on the Commemorative Medal.
To view my collection of World War I Belgian Medals, please click on the links below.
Bill's Belgian Medals

    King Albert I (1875-1934) came to the throne in 1909,
    succeeding his uncle, Leopold II, and was King of the
    Belgians throughout the World War 1, organising
    resistance to German occupation throughout much of
    Belgium.

    Belgium is sandwiched between France and Germany
    and its stance as a neutral power was pivotal to the
    balance of power in pre-war Europe. Notwithstanding
    Belgium's neutrality Germany issued an ultimatum on 2
    August 1914, demanding that Belgium permit German
    forces access to its territory so that Germany could
    transit to France’s borders. Albert I resisted the demand
    and took personal charge of his forces. Germany
    therefore invaded Belgium on 4 August 1914, quickly
    overrunning the country's small army (consisting of
    43,000 men in 1914, with a further 115,000 reserve
    troops) and forcing Albert I to move the Belgian
    government to Le Havre from where he continued to
    govern his nation.

    On 22 November 1918, Albert I triumphantly re-entered
    Brussels having successfully commanded the Belgian
    army in the autumn 1918 Courtrai offensive. Albert I
    was killed in a climbing accident in 1934, and was
    succeeded by his son, Leopold III.


                                   Bill Simpson

    The Hero King who "has not yet left
    Belgian Territory and does not intend to
    do so."

    A gallant Belgian officer - holder of a British Military
    Cross - getting married in full uniform.
    A nice Great War group awarded to a
    Belgian horseman.
Last Updated 17 November 2006