THE 49TH FUSELIER BATTALION

1945 - 1946

SHORT HISTORY

The 49th Fuselier Battalion was raised in the area of Sint-Niklaas on April 20 1945.

It was administratively attached the same day to the 18th Fuselier Brigade "WESTROOSEBEKE".

The battalion leaves for Brasschaat on June 27 1945.

Letter from the 49th Fuselier Battalion.

On June 28 1945 the battalion was put at the disposal of the 21st Army Group.

The main tasks of the battalion were guarding the POW Camp at Brasschaat,
vital installations in the area of Boom, Turnhout, Antwerp and Mechelen.

The battalion delivers the guard of honour during the visit of general De Gaulle to Brussels on October 10 1945,
and the visit of Sir Winston Churchill to Antwerp on November 17 1945.

The 49th Fuselier Battalion is administratively reattached to the 15th Fuselier Brigade on April 16 1946.

On May 10 1946 the 1st and 4th Company are in Mechelen, and the 2nd, 3rd and 5th company in Boom.

The 49th Fuselier Battalion is disbanded on May 31 1946.

Commanding officer
Major GARNIER

FORMATION BADGE

By Brigade order n°55 of August 25 1945, and n°77 of September 21 1945, of the 18th Fuselier Brigade,
the 49th Fuselier Battalion had to wear the Formation Badge of the 18th Fuselier Brigade "WESTROOSEBEKE".

A yellow ramping lion in front of a black "W" and the number "18" beneath, the whole on a scarlet shield.

When the 49th Fuselier Battalion was adminstratively re-attached to the 15th Fuselier Brigade "RESISTANCE",
it was allowed, by Brigade order n°43 of April 9 1946,
to continue to wear the Formation Badge of the 18th Fuselier Brigade "WESTROOSEBEKE".

Formation Badge worn by the 49th Fuselier Battalion.

OTHER INSIGNIA

Belgian Rank Insignia were worn.

On the shoulder straps the Belgian Crown, for the Infantry, was  worn above the number "18".

The Infantry flash was worn on both sleeves.

On the left sleeve the white "BELGIUM" title was worn.

On the right sleeve the Belgian National Colours were worn.