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Houtem Rectory – Belgian Army Headquarters (1915–1918)

Discover
Places to see
Belgium
Flanders
West Flanders

Houtem Rectory – Belgian Army Headquarters (1915–1918)

Highlight • Historical Site

Houtem Rectory – Belgian Army Headquarters (1915–1918)

Recommended by 69 cyclists out of 72

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    Top cycling routes to Houtem Rectory – Belgian Army Headquarters (1915–1918)

    4.6

    (79)

    312

    riders

    1. Nieuwpoort–Dunkirk Canal – Veurne Market Square loop from De Panne

    37.5km

    02:11

    60m

    60m

    Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Moderate

    Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Tips

    October 29, 2021

    Houtem is on the list of the 50 most beautiful villages in Flanders. Only about 650 people live here. It's a little out of the way in De Moeren, near the French border. The headquarters of the Belgian army was located here for a long time during the First World War.

    Translated by Google •

      June 9, 2022

      Houtem is located on the GR 5A path.

      Translated by Google •

        As Veurne came increasingly under heavy German artillery fire at the beginning of the war, from 23 January 1915 the headquarters of the Belgian army was transferred to the parsonage of Houtem.
        It would remain here until October 19, 1918. Today a memorial plaque and an information board reminds of this event during this period.


        On the memorial plaque is a text in the 2 national languages:
        From January 23, 1915 to October 18, 1918, this presbytery housed the Grand Headquarters of the Belgian Army. His Majesty King Albert, Commander-in-Chief.
        De Luit.-Generalen Wielemans (1915-1917) Ruquoy (1917-1918), Gillain (1918), Superiors General.
        This plate was sealed through the mediation of the Belgian Touring Club on September 28, 1928, tenth anniversary of the first day of the liberation attack."
        Source: tracesofwar.nl/sights/133396/Pastorie-Houtem-Hoofdkwartier-Belgisch-Leger-14-18.htm

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 10 m

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          Location: West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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