The Betserbaan, a hollow road, had a depth of no less than 4 m in 1914. During the Battle of the Silver Helmets, this road was of strategic importance. On the hollow road, the German riders had problems getting down the steep slopes and they were attacked by the Black Devils, who had hidden themselves in the bushes and bushes.
In 1976, the monument in honor of the Black Devils was inaugurated in honor of the Karabiniers-Cyclists for their fierce resistance during the fight of August 12, 1914. In memory of all the fallen, without distinction of origin, religion or language, the European Cross was established in 1989 for the 75th anniversary.

Source: halen.be/groote-vragen-1914-1919

Translated by Google •

Alarox

December 26, 2020

The Belgian Black Devils carabiniers cyclists beat the German Cavalry in WWI. Last real battle with horses. And so the bicycle begins its march and horses are kept only for fun ...
The granite block comes from the East Cantons, which cantons came to Belgium through the Treaty of Versailles, as a war payment after WW1.
Because the Karabiniers Cyclists fought so fiercely, the Germans gave them the nickname Schwarze Teufel, black devils became part of their emblem next to the bicycle wheel.
Heinz Guderian, a German general, dedicated it in his book Achtung: Panzer! from 1937 to an entire chapter to show that even the most brave cavalry attack is doomed to failure if the enemy is persistent with modern firearms.
In Leopoldsburg, there is still a protective cupola of the Cyclists, called Poussière: facebook.com/1st-Cyclisten-B-Coy-32290449604

Translated by Google •

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

Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 30 October

13°C

8°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Halen, Hasselt, South Limburg, Flanders, Belgium

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Park van de Helmen (Helmenpark)

Footbridge Over the Zwart Water

Grasbos (Poggio van Diest) Climb

Webbekoms Broek Nature Reserve

Hollow Way Towards the Communication Tower

Vineyard Chardonnay & Pinot Gris

Spoorlijn 22

't Vloot at Schulensmeer

Descent Along the Vineyards of Kluisberg

Uitkijkplatform Webbekoms Broek

Climb Through Molenstraat

Grote Markt Diest

Monument: Black Devils

1. Webbekoms Broek Nature Reserve – Schulensmeer loop from Budingen

2. Nieuwenhoven Castle – Monument: Black Devils loop from Alken

3. Webbekoms Broek Nature Reserve – Schulensmeer loop from Wijer

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️