The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defense of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years many airmen were shot down or crashed during attacks on strategic targets in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. In early September 1944, Geel was the scene of some of the heaviest fighting encountered by Commonwealth forces since leaving Normandy. The 50th (Northumbrian) Division and the 15th Scottish Division were both involved here in forcing the crossing of the Albert Canal and the Maas-Scheldt Canal, necessary for the advance to the Netherlands. Some of the casualties they suffered were originally buried in a meadow near the center of the parish, and some in St. Dymphna's civil cemetery; these graves were later moved to the Geel War Cemetery. The cemetery contains 400 Commonwealth war graves from the Second World War, six of which are unidentified. The cemetery was designed by the Commission's chief architect, Philip Hepworth, FRIBA.

Source: cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/2085400/geel-war-cemetery

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 40 m

Weather

Today

Friday 17 October

14°C

9°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Geel, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

Geel War Cemetery

1. Dessel-Kwaadmechelen Canal – Wide cycle path through the forest loop from Mol

2. View of Leyssensmolen – Beverlo Canal loop from Geel

3. Wide cycle path through the forest – Bailey Bridge Mosselgoren loop from Oevel

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️