Brussels,
the capital of Belgium, is described as a city of contrasts,
Being
divided into upper and lower town of 600,000 inhabitants.
The
lower quarter industries conflict with upper aristocracy quarter -
Where
once had stood the Dukes of Brabant’s noble castle,
Now
stands a royal palace to the south of a grand park.
Once
a hunting ground for Netherlands sovereignty.
Over
gradual years, a removal of 5 miles of ancient walls of the town
Allowed
the capital to expand, giving over to grand boulevards,
Gardens
and stately buildings stand - of the many ancient gateways
Only
one such remained - of this and other entries to the city.
An
enemy appeared on the morning of 20 August '14 - 6 a.m.
This
cavalry of the German nation entered a suburb of the city
Tervueren
- a municipality linked to Brussels by a processional avenue.
Closed
doors and dark shadows of house shutters marked the hour.
King
Albert of Brussels proclaimed the order to make this surrender.
By
early day M. Max the Burgomaster made contact by field telephone,
With
German Commanders to meet and make negotiations.
German
General staff inferred they have no reason to occupy Brussels,
Only
to march through and round the city, which would be left in peace.
There
was to be no German flag of occupation hoisted in the capital.
While
these minutes unfold strange rumours ran through official lines,
Of
the United States wished to take the city under protection.
But
there was no such confirmation - America remains neutral.
7am
and the eastern exits were taken over by massed German Cavalry,
With
skirmishes in the area German army corps marched into Brussels.
Comes
the phalanx of German foot soldiers, the Black Brunswick Hussars,
With deaths head badge on their busbies, rolled in to take possession
With deaths head badge on their busbies, rolled in to take possession
Of
the Carabineer barracks. Dull patient Germans hardened by fight,
Awaiting
orders, they exchange some guarded talk with the townsfolk.
2pm
as forces march in and an appeal is made to the people of Brussels
To
refrain from acts of provocation and to help maintain order.
At
this German strategy in Belgium, France issues deepest sympathy.
by
Jamie Mann
Anon.,
1914. Brussels: Past and Present. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 22 Aug. p.5. Col.3. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11034674/Daily-Telegraph-August-22-1914.html
[Accessed: 22nd August 2014].
Mann, J., 2014. 100
years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 22
August 2014).
#WW1centenary
#GreatWar #WW1 #WW1poem #GreatWar #ww1centenary #worldwarone
#worldwaroneremembered #BrusselsWW1 #BelgiumWW1
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