History
The liberation offensive does initially not bring about the collapse of the German army the Allies hope for. The enemy troops retreat but continue fighting and use all natural obstacles, such as hills and rivers, to build defensive positions. This also happens in Wingene, where they set up more efficient defences behind the Ringbeek in order to protect the river Lys and the derivation canal. They blow up all bridges and culverts, and what follows is a bitter battle claiming dozens of lives in both camps.
The village of Wingene also shares in the blows and the population is forced to flee to an already liberated area. This results in numerous civilian casualties.
A total of 51 Belgian servicemen are killed, 31 of whom are buried in the Wingene municipal cemetery. The honours court is created after the war. The two Second World War civilian victims are killed by an aerial bomb.
Casualties
31 First World War (3 unidentified) – 2 Second World War (civilians)
Description
The graves are arranged in two long parallel rows and face one another. The honours court with its typical Belgian headstones is maintained by the Wingene municipal services.