There’s a special story behind these souvenirs.
In 2012, I was travelling in Thailand. In a bar, a French-speaking man from Antwerp struck up a conversation with me and my friend because he heard we were from Belgium.
During our conversation, it came up that I collected everything to do with generals. Arnaud said: ‘I’ve got a box of medals here and a photo of my grandfather, General Alphonse Verstraete. I don’t know what to do with them; I was going to throw them away. Let’s meet here again tomorrow.’ And sure enough, the next day Arnaud was there with his grandfather’s box of medals… And he was glad they were in good hands. From Antwerp to Thailand and back to Belgium.
In memory of Arnaud Verstraete 1960–2023.
Commander of the 2nd Military District and the Province of Antwerp, 1944–1946.
Commander of the Engineers of the 2nd Army Corps, 1939–1940.
Director of Military Works in Antwerp, 1936–1939.
Recognised member of the Resistance.
Demonstrated outstanding military prowess during the operations carried out in March 1918 by the 6th Army Division in the Nieuwpoort sector.
08/04/1918.