Houthulsteaar opens war museum with collection from his childhood

The new war museum in the Molenweg in Klerken is an initiative of a resident, who has dreamed of opening his own museum since childhood. “Houthulst was known for the resistance. Hence the name Little England. Because there were so many English-minded people. It was mainly under the impulse of the then mayor Hubert Degroote that the resistance could grow in the area,” says Brecht Schotte.

Interviews and personal stories

In ‘Little England’ he tells the story of the resistance against the German occupation during the Second World War. Brecht hears the first stories as a little boy from his grandfather.

He wants to know more about it and later interviews hundreds of people. Personal stories like that of secret agent Jean Cornez. “In England he meets a girl he falls in love with. He promises to marry her, but first wants to complete his mission. He is dropped over Belgium, starts working as a secret agent, but is arrested and shot.”

Kids collection

Brecht spent five years building the museum. He has collected the collection since childhood.

Not only the resistance, but also the collaboration with the German occupier is discussed in the museum. “I especially want to show that making choices in those days was not easy and that it has consequences for later generations.”

The museum opens Friday, July 8 and is open every day until July 22. After that every first Sunday of the month.