CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- On Nov. 17 and 18, the Chièvres population will go back in time with the venue of a Scottish Gordon Highlanders delegation.
On Nov. 11, 1918, after four years of military occupation during the World War I, the town was liberated by the 5th Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders, led by Lt. Col. Dudley Gordon. A hundred years later, descendants of those who fought for freedom will be back in the town where one of the main streets is called Rue Dudley Gordon.
In 1918, Scottish Soldiers spent a few weeks in the city. People sang, danced, gave gifts to their heroes, and celebrated freedom with drums and pipes. Liberators also participated in a triumphal procession, and a big reception.
Emile Dooms, the mayor of Chièvres at the time, received the regiment flag, and the 5th Battalion left Chièvres with the key to the town.
To this date, the arrival of the Scottish Soldiers remains a very important part of history for the town of Chièvres, but also for the Gordon Highlanders.
During a ceremony at the war monument, the public will have the opportunity to see the presentation of the Gordon flag and the key of the city as in 1918, and the pipes will sound again in Chièvres.
The delegation won't stay as long this time, but their trip is a proof that deep friendship still exists, a hundred years later.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Nov. 17
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m: Activities at the International Museum of Chièvres Air Base (MIBAC) with the presence a Focker DVII on display, exhibitions, and groups of living history.
• 10 a.m.: Inauguration of commemorative plaque for the creation of the base.
• 3 p.m.: Arrival of the Scottish Gordon Highlanders delegation.
• 7 p.m.: Signature of the Twinning Chart between the MIBAC and the Commemorative Air Force.
Nov. 18
• 10:15: Arrival and gathering of the Scottish delegation.
• 10:45: Gathering of the Scottish delegation.
• 11 a.m.: Parade led by Pipe band from Dudley Gordon Street to the Main Square.
• 11:30: Ceremony at the war monument and presentation of the Gordon flag and key of the city on Grand-Place.
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