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Polar Bear Monument Wuustwezel

Polar Bear Monument Wuustwezel

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Polar Bear Monument Wuustwezel

Name: Polar Bear Monument Wuustwezel
Rating: 2

Recommended by 10 cyclists

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Location: Wuustwezel, Antwerp, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Top cycling routes to Polar Bear Monument Wuustwezel

5.0

(3)

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1. Zwarte Schuur, De Pannenhoef – Bakehouse from 1940 loop from Wuustwezel

49.9km

02:57

70m

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

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Intermediate

4.3

(4)

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2. De Klot Observation Tower – De Maatjes Nature Reserve loop from Wuustwezel

36.8km

02:06

40m

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

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Intermediate

5.0

(1)

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3. De Klot Observation Tower – Heathland with Pine Trees loop from Wuustwezel

44.5km

02:32

60m

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

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Intermediate

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🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

April 27, 2025

This monument commemorates the liberation of Wuustwezel on 21 October 1944 by the British Polar Bears. Here the German counterattack was stopped by The 49 West Riding Infantry Division. Every year around 21 October a ceremony is held to commemorate the victims.
The story of the heavy fighting during the Liberation of Wuustwezel is also told here. There are heavy losses on both sides and a two-year-old girl also loses her life.
You can also read the story of 'The Hidden Children of Wuustwezel' here. Fragment: "In 1943, the situation was life-threatening for the Jews in Antwerp. However, the threat became too great and with the help of the Resistance, the Goezu-Samuel family ended up in Wuustwezel after a temporary stay in Ekeren...
Two family members were taken in at the Witgoorsebaan... Mother and brother were given shelter elsewhere. However, at the end of the occupation, their hiding place was betrayed and they also ended up with the Smeulders family. Ultimately, with the help of neighbors and friends of Sterbos, together with the mayor and municipal officials, they did everything possible to protect the Jewish people. Mrs. Goezu, her two children and their niece survived the German occupation".
Read the full story here.

Translated by Google •

Jantje 🚲 🚴‍♂️🇧🇪

October 8, 2024

Polar Bears Monument

On 21 October 1984, during the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Wuustwezel, this monument was inaugurated.

Here the German counterattack was stopped by The 49 West Riding Infantry Division. Every year around 21 October a ceremony is held to commemorate the victims.

In 2009, the Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft gun from 1943 was placed at the monument. It is a gift from the Polar Bear Association and was dedicated to the founder of this organisation and honorary citizen of Wuustwezel Harry Con.

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 20 m

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Wednesday 5 November

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Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Location: Wuustwezel, Antwerp, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Polar Bear Monument Wuustwezel

1. Zwarte Schuur, De Pannenhoef – Bakehouse from 1940 loop from Wuustwezel

2. De Klot Observation Tower – De Maatjes Nature Reserve loop from Wuustwezel

3. De Klot Observation Tower – Heathland with Pine Trees loop from Wuustwezel

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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