SCHOONSELHOF
CEMETERY
Antwerpen
Belgium
GENERAL DIRECTIONS: Antwerp lies 57km north of Brussels on the E19 and 59km north east of Gent on the E17 motorway. The cemetery is located in the suburb of Wilrijk. From the Bistplein in front of Wilrijk railway station follow the Kleinsteenweg for 300m until you reach the ring road, then turn right and follow the ring road for 100m to the first set of lights, turn left, go under the flyover and continue straight on over the dual carriageway into Jules Moretus Lei. Follow this street for 1km and the entrance to the Municipal Cemetery is on your left. After entering the cemetery, follow the Commonwealth signs to the far end of the cemetery.
Further Information: Access and parking are easy, although it is a long, but pleasant walk to the cemetery. This cemetery can only be visited between the hours of 0830-1630, daily.
Antwerp was the seat of Belgian Government from August 17th - October 7th 1914. Towards the end of August 1914 it had become one of the strong positions on the allied left flank, and by the middle of September a position of crucial importance.
The city was defended by fortress troops and most of the Belgian Field Army. On September 27th the Germans laid siege to the city and despite gallant defence, the last defenders were forced to retire in October. Antwerp thus remained in German hands from 10th October to the armistice.
The ground on which the cemetery stands was once the park of a chateau, it was bought by the city in 1911, and it was used by the Germans from 1914 onwards. A further 17 graves were brought in after the armistice from nearby cemeteries.
CEMETERIES CONCENTRATED INTO SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY:
Lierre German Cemetery
Bouchout-Les-Lierre Churchyard
Malines Communal Cemetery (War Plot)
Casino Garden, Lierre.
CASUALTY DETAILS: UK 99; Canada 2; Total Burials: 101
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