World War I
On August 23, 1914, the British encountered the Germans at Mons, and on November 11, 1918, with a significant contribution from the Canadians, they liberated the city after 50 months of occupation.
Thus, Mons, and more specifically the Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery, became the resting place of soldiers Parr and Ellison, the first and last British soldiers to fall during the conflict. It is also in this region that Canadian soldier Georges Lawrence Price collapsed on November 11, 1918... 'Mons, the First & the Last'!
SHennebiqueThe Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery
With two Michelin stars, the Saint-Symphorien Cemetery competes with the most famous tourist sites in Belgium.
Nowhere else in Europe can such a site of remembrance be found. More than just a cemetery, one could call it a resting field or a garden of peace, as the surroundings resemble a botanical park. Here rest 229 Commonwealth soldiers and 284 German soldiers...
visitMons_GregoryMathelotThe First and the Last
The first and last British soldiers to fall during the Great War died at Mons.
Thus, Mons became the resting place of soldiers Parr and Ellison, the first and last British soldiers to fall during the conflict, and it is also in this region that Canadian soldier Georges Lawrence Price collapsed on November 11, 1918... 'Mons, the First & the Last'.
Tableau de Marcel Gilles © collections Ville de MonsThe Legend of the Angels of Mons
4,000 soldiers emerge unscathed from certain death: angels from the sky are said to have shown them the way...
Encircled by Germans five times their number, 4,000 Commonwealth soldiers carve their way through and emerge unscathed from certain death. Barely back at camp, a rumor spreads: angels from the sky are said to have shown them the way.