La Brugeoise

Even before the war, the metal-processing plant La Brugeoise enjoyed international fame. It is specialised in the construction of railway and tram carriages, as well as metal bridge constructions.

For the Germans, therefore, the factory was of great strategic importance. It came under direct German control and was, at the same time, artillery depot and repair factory for cannons and narrow tracks to and from the front.

The Allies bombed the company regularly from the autumn of 1916, leaving a trail of material damage in their wake. In early May 1918, the Allies increased the bombings. The factory was bombed nearly every night. On 31 May, the ammunition depot was hit, as a result of which a large part of the factory burnt down.

At the end of the war, the Germans destroyed most of the machines in the factory. Moreover, before they retreated, they demolished the power station and blew up the water tower.

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden