Rue Général Michel – Generaal Michelstraat

Did a street ever hold a secret? Rue Général Michel – Generaal Michelstraat certainly does. This seemingly ordinary street in Brussels, a mere 138 meters long, whispers a tale of a remarkable man. It bears the name of Lieutenant-General Baron Augustin Édouard Michel du Faing d’Aigremont, a Belgian hero of World War I. Right here, on Rue Général Michel – Generaal Michelstraat, we stand on the ground of his legacy. Born in Charleroi in 1855, Michel dedicated his life to military service. He specialized in artillery and rose through the ranks to become Director-General of Artillery. By 1914, he commanded the 4th Division of the Belgian Army and was the Governor of the fortified position of Namur. When the Germans besieged Namur in August 1914, Michel’s leadership was tested. Outnumbered and facing superior firepower, he orchestrated a strategic retreat. This brave decision saved his division from certain capture. His troops escaped through the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse region and eventually rejoined the Belgian forces. Later, Michel played a vital role in the Battle of the Yser, holding the line against the German advance. He was wounded in action, but his determination never wavered. Rue Général Michel – Generaal Michelstraat honors his unwavering commitment to his country. After the war, Michel commanded the Belgian occupation troops in the Rhineland until 1922. Upon retirement, he dedicated himself to preserving military history, founding a circle dedicated to the Royal Museum of the Army. Upon his death in 1931, he received a state funeral and was buried in Ixelles Cemetery. His memory lives on, not just in this street, but also in a barracks in Mechelen, streets in Namur, and an avenue in his birthplace, Charleroi. So, the next time you walk down Rue Général Michel – Generaal Michelstraat, remember the man behind the name. Remember his courage under fire. Remember his dedication to his country. His story, etched in the history of Belgium, is quietly echoed in the name of this street.