If you are in the Belgian port of Zeebrugge on any 23rd April you will see a short but impressive ceremony at the point where the Mole begins. At the memorial which is in front of the Hotel de la Victoire there will be two lines of elderly men, and two lines also of sailors from the Belgian Navy. Wreaths will be laid, and the Last Post sounded. Then the party moves away.
That is not all. The old men, for their ages range from 78 to 88, will then go to the Flemish church* by the military cemetery where a service will be conducted half in English and half in Flemish. The church will be full and in the congregation will be Flemish children dressed in national costume. Outside the church is a small cemetery and when the service is over each child lays a flower on a serviceman’s grave.
Lastly the veterans move to the Town Hall† where they are given a reception by the Burgomaster and other officials.
The Belgians have not forgotten the Zeebrugge raid of 23rd April 1918, and like to show their gratitude on the occasion of the visit by survivors. They regard the raid as the first step to the liberation of Belgium after its occupation by the Germans in 1914.
There are not many veterans now left to make this annual pilgrimage and pay a tribute to their dead comrades. There never were many, for the number engaged at Zeebrugge was relatively small and the casualties high. But those who still come, and fall in behind their white silk flag with a dragon on it (a dragon with a twisted tail!) hold themselves steady and erect in spite of the effects of wounds and age. It is a sight you will not forget, nor should you.
* Sint-Donaaskerk.
† Gemeentelijk Gebouw.