Before mobilization for the First World War in 1914, the 4th Infantry Division was based in Namur, with its troops spread out through the area. In the mobilization of Belgium, the division comprised the 8th, 10th, 13th, and 15th Mixed Brigades plus supporting Brigade and Divisional Lancer and Chasseurs Cavalry, classified as ‘4th Division’.[1] The divisional Commander was Édouard Michel. [2]
World War II
At the start of hostilities on 10 May, the 4th Division was stationed at the Albert Canal, on the left flank of the 7th Division. As it became clear very soon that this division was unable to hold the brunt of the German attack on Belgium, troops of the 4th were called upon to first help organizing a counterattack and, when that failed to materialize due to miscommunication, to improvise a defensive line between the Canal and Bilzen with the help of Group Ninitte. By 15.00 on 11 May, this line was pierced to the south of its flank. The 4th Division was spared encirclement only since German motorized units turned further south-west to meet the challenge of the armoured divisions of the French 1st Army, resulting in the Battle of Hannut.[3]
The 4th Division managed a hasty escape and after some regrouping behind the KW Line, was placed in reserve at the Ghent Bridgehead. After the KW line was abandoned due to the breakthrough at Sedan, the 4th fought some skirmishes behind prepared lines. When the allied front was again shortened, the 4th was deployed behind the Lys river, between Nevele and Deinze. By this time, its complement of soldiers had fallen by half, two thirds of its anti tank guns, and almost all mortars and heavy machine guns were lost during the two retreats. This time, no prepared lines were available.[4]
When the Germans attacked on 25 May, beginning the Battle of the Lys (1940), the 15th Regiment's front quickly crumbled, and after some fighting the neighbouring battalions of the 7th and the 11th were encircled. A counter-attack by the 1st Battalion 11th Regiment was cut short after the Germans used prisoners as human shields. By the end of the day, the Germans had advanced 6 km (3.7 mi) from the Lys towards Vinkt, setting the stage for a dramatic last stand at that time. Having lost most of its troops, the 4th Division was not in any position to participate at the fighting that followed. It surrendered with the rest of the army on 28 May. At least 201 personnel were estimated to be killed in action.[5]
^The Organization and Order Of Battle oF Militaries In World War II: Volume IX - The Overrun & Neutral Nations of Europe and Latin American Allies. p. 31.
"Belgian Army, 1914"(PDF). Combined Arms Research Library. United States Army Command and General Staff College. 2005. Archived from the original(PDF) on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
Handbook of the Belgian Army 1914. London: HMSO for General Staff, War Office. 1914.
