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| Vilvoorde, Spring 1946, inspection of the 52nd Fuselier Battalion by delegation of the Allied High Command. |
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| View on the "wheels" of the 52nd Fuselier Battalion during the inspection at the military barracks in Vilvoorde. |
THE 52ND FUSELIER BATTALION
1945 - 1946
SHORT HISTORY
The 52nd Fuselier Battalion was raised in Gent, Belgium, on May 5 1945.
A few days later, on May 8 1945, the battalion was put at the disposal of the 21st Army Group.
On May 21 1945 the battalion was administratively attached to the 19th Fuselier Brigade.
After the
initial training period the main task of the battalion was
guarding
logistical sites of the 21st Army Group.
Several cantonments were occupied in Belgium : Enghien, Lessines, Gavere.
On August 2nd
1945 The 52nd Fuselier Battalion was administratively attached
to the 15th Fuselier Brigade "WEERSTAND - RESISTANCE".
Following
cantonments were occupied :
Rillaar, Melsbroek, Testelt, Zichem, Vilvoorde, Tervuren,
Schaarbeek, Evere.
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| Vilvoorde, Spring 1946, inspection of the 52nd Fuselier Battalion by delegation of the Allied High Command. |
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| View on the "wheels" of the 52nd Fuselier Battalion during the inspection at the military barracks in Vilvoorde. |
From December
1945 the battalion assumed guard duties in several P.O.W. camps :
Kluisbergen POW Camp 2232, Strombeek POW Camp 2231.
On May 9 1946 the battalion was regrouped in Mechelen at the "Recollets" Barracks.
The 52nd Fuselier Battalion was disbanded in Mechelen on May 31 1946.
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| Demobilisation pass of 1st Sergeant OTTEN Roger. |
Commanding
Officers :
Major EERDEKENS from the start until November 23 1945
Major BALAINCE from November 23 1945 until disbandment.
FORMATION BADGE
The battalion never wore the Formation Badge of the 19th Fuselier Brigade "PASSCHENDAELE".
As far as I
could get information from veterans, the Formation Badge
of the
15th Fuselier Brigade "WEERSTAND - RÉSISTANCE" was
worn.
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| Formation Badge of the 15th Fuselier Brigade "WEERSTAND - RÉSISTANCE" |
What is certain is that several different sets of shoulder insignia were worn.
The Infantry
crown with the "19" beneath, when attached to the 19th
Fuselier Brigade,
and the Infantry crown with the "15" beneath, when
attached to the 15th Fuselier Brigade.
Metal insignia and white tread insignia were worn.
