BELGIAN REFUGEES

1914 Waiting to embark for England at Ostend Harbour

Many do not know that the UK was home to an

estimated 250,000 Belgian refugees during The

First World War. The exodus started in 1914

after Germany invaded Belgium and was one of

the largest influxes in British history.

Few communities were unaffected by their

arrival. With the Government pleading to local

organisations ‘to do what they could’, Halberton

wanted to help.

‘A large and influential meeting of parishioners

of Halberton was held in the schoolroom to

consider the ways and means of receiving some

of the Belgian refugees. Several cottages had

been offered. On the suggestion of Captain Izat a

committee was formed.’

Devon & Somerset News - 12th November 1914

‘….. The party was met at Tiverton Junction by Mr. C.

Scorse and driven to their new home, free of charge.

The greatest interest was taken by the villagers in

the arrival of the refugees. Every one wanted to do

something for the poor fugitives, all of whom looked

exceedingly fatigued. The poor women wept when

they were shown their beds and saw the prospect of

once again sleeping in a bedroom.

Devon & Somerset News – 26th November 1914

‘Three of the Belgian children at Halberton are

attending the school and, by means of pictures and

objects, are picking up the English names.’

Devon & Somerset News – 3rd December 1914

By May 1915 a total of 12 refugees had been

housed in the village. By August 1916 they had

left.