The rectory was built in 1854 to replace an old rectory
in front of the nursing home, which dated from 1561. During the German occupation of
1914-1918, German generals were billeted here.
On 22 September 1917, Major General Baron Ignaz von Godin installed his bedroom in the rectory of Gits. He was in command of the 6th Bavarian Infantry Division, which was stationed in the region of Gits -- Kortemark - Lichtervelde.
In the night of 27 to 28 September 1917, Gits was visited by French aircraft from the 3rd Bombardment Group. A bomb exploded near the rectory. The German general, who was sleeping in one of the rooms, was seriously injured. The help that arrived was of no avail,
he died a few hours later. On 29 September 1917, the funeral ceremony for
Major General Baron Ignaz von Godin took place in the church of Gits. The guard of honour was formed by soldiers from the Bavarian Infantry Regiment No. 13.
After the ceremony, the coffin was carried by horse and cart along guards of honour to the station of Lichtervelde. There the station of Lichtervelde was carried. There the coffin was put on the train for
transport to Germany.
The French air raid had caused severe damage to the rectory. A year later, the building was completely destroyed during the liberation battles in October 1918.
The building was set on fire by the Germans. Only the outer walls remained standing.
Source: information board on site

Translated by Google •

DirkWi

September 8, 2024

In the garden behind the rectory - which is freely accessible from sunrise to sunset - there is a Ferm Comfort Spot.

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Elevation 80 m

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Location: Hooglede, Roeselare, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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