History
The Westerbegraafplaats (Western cemetery) is already opened as a secular cemetery in 1873. By opting for non-consecrated graves, the cemetery soon acquires the nickname of “Geuzen churchyard” (geuzen = originally: noblemen defending the liberties of the Netherlands against Philip II’s religious despotism), and becomes the choice burial place of prominent liberals and socialists.
The cemetery is now surrounded by buildings, but was initially established in a rural area. The oldest section contains monumental graves, mostly designed by Ghent sculptors. The growth of the Ghent population requires a cemetery extension by 1911, and that is when the graveyard acquires its current shape and surface area. The cemetery has recently been transformed into a burial park, where in addition to the memory of the deceased, emphasis is also placed on nature experience.
Casualties
160 First World War (7 unidentified)
Description
The Western Cemetery contains several honours courts, neatly divided according to nationality, in which British, French, Russian and Italian dead found a last resting place.
The largest plot is dedicated to Belgian First World War dead. They lie in long parallel rows with the burial plates facing the inside of the cemetery. Most victims die in the wide Ghent area or in one of the Ghent hospitals at the beginning of the war. A Congolese soldier with the Belgian army also received a grave in Ghent. An honours court for Second World War casualties is to be found here as well.