On the road leading to Fort d’Aubin-Neufchâteau lies a small memorial monument to the twenty-four fallen Belgian soldiers who fell during the fighting for the fort during the German invasion in May 1940 as part of Operation Yellow – Fall Gelb.
The fort held out during heavy attacks and only surrendered after Belgium capitulated. The soldiers received a salute of honor from the German occupiers at the moment of surrender. They were allowed to leave the fort armed, in uniform, and with Belgian soldiers’ honors during the surrender.
Immediately behind the monument stands an M46 Patton Tank. This tank was a recent post-war development of the M26 Pershing tank, which was strong enough to engage German heavy and medium tanks such as the Panzerkampfwagen VI – Tiger and the Panzerkampfwagen V – Panther. The M26 Pershing lacked engine power compared to enemy tanks. The successful tank received an engine upgrade in 1946, significantly improving its weight-to-power ratio. This version was named after General Patton, who died in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Visit
The monument is situated next to the road with the M46 Patton and can be viewed 24 hours a day.
