BELGIAN REFUGEES - Microsoftbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site16524/Halberton... · 2019. 1....
Transcript of BELGIAN REFUGEES - Microsoftbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site16524/Halberton... · 2019. 1....
BELGIAN REFUGEES
1914 Waiting to embark for England at Ostend Harbour
Many do not know that the UK was home to an
estimated 250,000 Belgian refugees during The
First World War. The exodus started in 1914
after Germany invaded Belgium and was one of
the largest influxes in British history.
Few communities were unaffected by their
arrival. With the Government pleading to local
organisations ‘to do what they could’, Halberton
wanted to help.
‘A large and influential meeting of parishioners
of Halberton was held in the schoolroom to
consider the ways and means of receiving some
of the Belgian refugees. Several cottages had
been offered. On the suggestion of Captain Izat a
committee was formed.’
Devon & Somerset News - 12th November 1914
‘….. The party was met at Tiverton Junction by Mr. C.
Scorse and driven to their new home, free of charge.
The greatest interest was taken by the villagers in
the arrival of the refugees. Every one wanted to do
something for the poor fugitives, all of whom looked
exceedingly fatigued. The poor women wept when
they were shown their beds and saw the prospect of
once again sleeping in a bedroom.
Devon & Somerset News – 26th November 1914
‘Three of the Belgian children at Halberton are
attending the school and, by means of pictures and
objects, are picking up the English names.’
Devon & Somerset News – 3rd December 1914
By May 1915 a total of 12 refugees had been
housed in the village. By August 1916 they had
left.