Siege of Antwerp (1914)
Antwerp, Belgium
What happened
Antwerp was ringed by forts called the National Redoubt. From 28 September German siege guns bombarded the forts, and the Belgians made several attacks out of the city. As German troops broke through the outer forts and closed in, the Belgian field army slipped away to the west, and the rest of the garrison surrendered.
Why it matters
The defence of Antwerp tied up German troops that could have been used elsewhere. According to the official British history, it delayed German attacks toward Ypres and the coast.
What came next
The Belgian army regrouped on the Yser River, where it held the last free corner of Belgium until 1918. Germany occupied Antwerp until November 1918.
Did you know?
Winston Churchill, then in charge of Britain's navy, ordered the British troops to keep defending Antwerp as long as possible.
Timeline
- 28 Sep 1914German siege guns begin firing on the forts.
- 3 Oct 1914The Royal Naval Division arrives.
- 9–10 Oct 1914The garrison surrenders.
- 16–31 Oct 1914Battle of the Yser.