14-18 - Emile Romedenne

Born in Floreffe on November 13, 1891, Emile ROMEDENNE was the son of Joachim dit Joseph and Lecaille Julie. They ran a business on the Place de Floreffe. The sign at the corner of what is now Rue des Déportes announced "Librairie / Romedenne-Lecaille / Épicerie / Cigares / Tabac de la Semois".

In August 1914, the young Emile, still unmarried, was serving in the 13th Line Infantry Regiment, 2nd Company, in Namur, he was a private 2nd class.
After the fall of the Fortified Position of Namur, the regiment moved towards the Yser. From 15 October, the Belgian army was completely withdrawn to a muddy front of 38 kilometres. The Germans tried everything to cross the river, and fierce fighting took place from the 17th. Some Belgian outposts, held by the 8th and 13th Line Regiments, were cleared and retaken several times.

It was on the 17th, during the capture of Keiem's post, in the sector of the Tervaete bridge, north of Diksmuide, that Emile Romedenne fell under enemy bullets, aged only 22. The 13th Line Infantry Rgt lost more than two-thirds of its troops in this battle.
Temporarily buried on the spot, Emile Romedenne was brought back to Floreffe where he rests next to his family in the family vault.

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