Gaze upon this bronze monument. It’s the Lieutenant-Général Baron Dossin de Saint-Georges Bust. This isn’t just a statue. It’s a window into a pivotal moment in Belgian history.
The Lieutenant-Général Baron Dossin de Saint-Georges Bust stands proudly. It’s a tribute to Émile Jean Henri Dossin. Born in Liège in 1854 he died in Ixelles in 1936. He was a Lieutenant-General and a hero of the First World War. His bravery at Saint-Georges near Nieuport made him a legend. He was ennobled and given the title Baron Dossin de Saint-Georges.
The bust itself is the work of sculptor Eugène De Bremaecker. It was cast by Batardy. The monument sits in the Square de la Croix-Rouge near the Abbaye de la Cambre. Note the inscriptions. They clearly state Lieutenant-Général Baron Dossin de Saint-Georges 1854-1936. Beneath the bust are further inscriptions. They detail the date of its unveiling September 6 1937. They also credit De Bremaecker.
Two bas-reliefs flank the bust. One depicts the Retreat from Antwerp. The other shows the Battle of Saint-Georges. These were created by Jules Berchmans and Lucien Hoffman respectively. These are more than just decorative elements. They represent key events in Dossin de Saint-Georges’s military career.
Dossin de Saint-Georges wasn’t just a figurehead. He played a vital role in the First World War. He commanded the 2nd Division of the Belgian army. He led the flooding of the Yser plain. This strategic move was crucial in halting the German advance. It cemented his legacy as a hero.
Notice the architect’s signature on the blue stone base. François Malfait designed this entire monument. It’s a beautiful example of commemorative art. The monument’s creation in 1937 also reflected the lasting respect and gratitude the Belgian people felt for his service.
This Lieutenant-Général Baron Dossin de Saint-Georges Bust is more than bronze and stone. It’s a symbol of courage. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War. It is a testament to the lasting legacy of a remarkable man. Take a moment to appreciate his story. It’s woven into the very fabric of this city.