History
May 1940. The Belgian army entrenches behind the River Lys in Bavikhove and tries to halt the German advance. On the night of 23 to 24 May 1940 the first German recce troops turn up and install machineguns in the attics of the houses on the river’s right bank. Battle is imminent.
The Germans try to cross the Lys at several points, and supported by hundreds of artillery pieces they establish a bridgehead. In the afternoon of 24 May they manage to drive the 12th Regiment of the Line out of the streets of Kuurne, a town in the vicinity of Bavikhove. The Belgian artillery has by then run out of ammunition, leaving infantry to fend for itself.
The 12th Regiment of the Line stops engaging the enemy and withdraws. After 33 hours of action and shelling it deplores more than 130 dead, whom it is forced to leave behind. Twelve of these casualties are given a grave in the Bavikhove municipal cemetery. They rest forever in the ground they defended.
Casualties
10 Second World War
Description
The plot of honour consists of a single row of simple concrete crosses. The town of Harelbeke maintains it against payment.