Wervik, 'pionier' city

Wervik was occupied by the Germans almost throughout the entire war. The town was the headquarters of General Berthold Von Deimling, who set up a number of local wartime 'industries' to supply his men at the front with food and materials. The pioneers were also based here.

Sister Marie-Françoise, a Franciscan nun in the convent at Wervik, saw the approach of the Germans on 7 October 1914.

“We watched the Germans through the skylight in the attic. There were infantrymen, cavalry, cannons, machine guns, ammunition wagons. In just two hours 25,000 men marched through the Speiestraat. ”

Wervik remained in German hands for almost the entire duration of the war. The town was in the German ‘Operationsgebiet’ (operational area) and became an important base just behind the front. It was the seat of the German military administration for the region, and also contained army camps, troop billets, stables, workshops, depots, practice grounds, ammunition dumps, rifle ranges, a large bakery, field hospitals and military cemeteries. It was from here that German troops set off for their tours of duty in the Ieper Salient. Von Deimling also placed the local schools, churches and cafes at the disposal of his men.

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden