WHILE I wish to applaud the fact that the article “Belgian consul praises city for helping war refugees” (Hereford Times, November 13) was displayed prominently, it contained a fundamental error.
Following the invasion of Belgium by the German army on the August 4, 1914 the soldiers committed atrocities but it was not the Nazis – the Nazi Party was not created until later.
On November 9, 1915, in gratitude for all the help they had received, a small deputation of Belgian refugees presented the Mayor and Mayoress GB Greenland and members of the Hereford Council with a handmade silk flag bearing the Belgian colours and the Union Jack.
Unfortunately, this flag which is on display in the council chamber in the Town Hall, is now very fragile, and I have donated a replica, as seen in the article, to the Town Hall in memory of the generous people of the city, the brave Belgian refugees who supported the war effort and to my Belgian descendants.
STUART DOVE Grandstand Road Hereford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here