Under the bombs — the Belgian towns

From the first days of the invasion, the German air force bombed stations, road junctions and town centres to disrupt the rear and terrorise the population. Several Belgian towns — Tournai, Nivelles and others — saw their historic hearts ravaged by flames, sometimes for several days running.

For you, the resident, each alert imposed a choice of survival. To go down to the cellar or into a makeshift shelter, and stay there as long as the raids lasted, at the risk of being buried if the house collapsed. To flee the town for the safer countryside, but where one lost all bearings and all possessions. Or to stay at home to protect your dwelling and belongings from looting and fire.

The anguish was constant: the bombings were unpredictable, the rescue services overwhelmed, the rumours terrifying. Should you take cover, leave, or hold firm? Tens of thousands of families faced this dilemma, in towns some of which would lose, in a few days, part of their heritage and several hundred inhabitants.