The Monument to the Belgians

Built in 1914, the Monument to the Belgians is one of the last memorials to be erected on the Waterloo battlefield. It pays tribute to the 4,200 Belgian soldiers who took part in the fighting on 18 June 1815, nearly 1,200 of whom lost their lives on that decisive day.

This monument recalls a little-known and paradoxical aspect of history, as Belgians were on both sides, some fought in Napoleon’s army, while others were alongside the allied army led by Wellington.

Today, the Memorial to the Belgians is an essential place of remembrance that honours the courage and sacrifice of these men, while highlighting the complexity of European history.