History
A lack of sources makes it quite impossible to establish the history of this cemetery. The Belgian First World War casualties mainly fall during the German operations against Antwerp. In early September 1914 the German army launches a compact attack on the defence line. However, the Antwerp forts are then still operational, and the German offensive does not meet with success. The Belgians nevertheless lose many men.
A few weeks later the Germans first eliminate the forts and then attack the intermediate positions, which results in the surrender of the Antwerp stronghold on 10 October 1914.
Soon after this surrender, Miss Orianne, a Londerzeel resident, takes action. She has the Klein-Brabant fallen exhumed in order to give them a temporary grave in one of the municipal cemeteries. The Willebroek military cemetery is laid out in 1924-1925. Temporary graves are cleared in various venues and moved to Willebroek. Four Second World War casualties also find a final resting place in the cemetery, as well as a Polish serviceman and four civilians. We do not know how the latter have lost their lives and why they are buried in Willebroek.
The fallen from the town of Willebroek are laid to rest in a separate municipal plot of honour located in front of the military cemetery.
Casualties
196 First World War - 5 Second World War (4 Belgians and 1 Polish national) - 4 civilians