home > history > The outbreak of the Second World War

 

The Occupation of Belgium – 28th  May 1940

On 10th May 1940 Germany invaded Belgium. A Blitzkrieg campaign resulted in Belgium’s capitulation after 18 days. The government went into exile in England. The citizens democratic rights were abolished.. General Alexander von Falkenhausen was appointed to be responsible for Belgian affairs by Berlin. His policy was to discretely and slowly repress all opposition from political and racial opponents.

German troups hoisting the Nazi-flag
at the Royal Palace of Laken (© Central Press LTD)

<Top>

 

Breendonk

On 20th September 1940 SS Sturmbahnfuehrer, Philippp Schmitt arrived at Fort Breendonk with the first prisoners. Breendonk became an Auffanlager of the Sipo SD. During the first year of the occupation half of the inmates were Jews who had contravened the Anti-Jewish laws. With the opening of the Dossinkazerne in Mechelen as Sammellager in 1942, Breendonk was used solely as a gaol for political prisoners and members of the resistance.

 

The entrance of the Fort of Breendonk (© NM Breendonk)

<Top>

 

The Persecution of Jews

At the same time, during the first months of the occupation the Nazis began a systematic persecution of Jews. In the opening phase, between 1940 and 1942, Jews, through numerous administrative measures, were virtually totally segregated from mainsteam society. In the second phase beginning with the opening of the Dossinkazerne in 1942 and continuing until the liberation in 1944, Jews were herded together in Mechelen before being being transported to the extermination camps in the east.

 

Military Commander Alexander
von Falkenhausen (© SOMA)

 

 

<<-- Previous page - Next page -->>

<Top>