Antwerp Remembers - Walking route The resistance in Antwerp

By the end of May 1940, Antwerp was occupied for the second time. Just as in World War I, a small portion of the population refused to submit to German rule. Men and women, French-speaking bourgeoisie and communists, Jews and Catholics, right-wingers and left-wingers: the resistance was as diverse as the city itself. Antwerp became the most important center of resistance in Flanders during World War II.

All major national resistance groups were active there, such as the Independence Front, the Belgian Legion (later the Secret Army), and the National Royal Movement. The White Brigade even originated in the city on the Scheldt. Members of these organizations printed underground newspapers, gathered intelligence for the Allies, carried out attacks, or helped people go into hiding. But individuals also resisted the occupation through acts of sabotage or by aiding those in hiding and Jews.

The occupier and its collaborators struck back hard. About 10% of the estimated 150,000 Belgian resistance members did not survive the war. After the liberation, various “statutes of national gratitude” were enacted. But not everyone received recognition through them. For example, the contribution of women was not always properly valued. Nor does the resistance receive the place it deserves in Flemish public memory.

Use this app to walk past places where various forms of resistance took place. Listen to the often-forgotten stories of the resistance fighters.

This walk was commissioned by the City of Antwerp as part of Antwerp Remembers (www.antwerpenherdenkt.be).

Concept and text: Geheugen Collectief
Audio: Studio Sonart
Location photography: Sigrid Spinnox