The Betserbaan, a sunken 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 sunken road, the German riders had problems getting down the steep slopes and they were under fire by the Black Devils, who had entrenched themselves in the bushes and bushes.
In 1976, the monument in honor of the Black Devils was inaugurated in honor of the Carabinier Cyclists for their dogged resistance during the battle of August 12, 1914. In memory of all those who died, without distinction of origin, religion or language, it was on occasion of the 75th commemoration in 1989, the European Cross was founded.

Translated by Google •

October 10, 2025

The carabinier cyclists earned their nickname because of their speed. Besides a rock from Elsenborn, where a training camp has been located since 1893, there is also a wooden cross behind the monument with the inscription "To the dead, Aux morts, Den Gefallenen" (To the dead, Aux morts, The fallen). The "European cross" was erected during the 75th anniversary commemoration in 1989 as a tribute to all the fallen, along with the planting of a weeping willow.
A plaque with the inscription "Zwarte Duivels/ 12-08-1914" (Black Devils/12-08-1914) is attached to the large natural stone rock from Elsenborn, and in front you'll find the Black Devils' symbol. The information board tells you more about them and the role they played.
In the video below, at 1:30, you can see the account of Private Jozef Declercq of the first battalion of the carabinier cyclists. Not about the firefight, but about the erection of a barricade on the road from Halen to Zelk. And you immediately see that the Black Devils performed various tasks in the defense of Halen, aided by farmers and civilians in this agricultural region. Halen itself was quickly captured, however, followed by the battle at the monument (see below).

Translated by Google •

Nathalie V. 🇧🇪

February 20, 2025

The battalion of carabiniers-cyclists was founded in 1913, they were scouts. In 1914 we fought in the front line, behind the bridge of the Gete, on railway embankments and in fields. They were ready in an ambush to defeat the Germans. They wore dark uniforms, the Germans gave them the nickname Schwarze Teufel, Black Devil. After the war they included a black devil in their emblem. The memorial stone was inaugurated in 1976. It is a block of natural stone from the East Cantons, a region that passed from Germany to Belgium after the First World War. The impressive size refers to the dedication and willingness to sacrifice of the carabiniers-cyclists.

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Elevation 60 m

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See hikes here

Take Me There

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

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Black Devils Monument

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