Memorial Museum of 12th Line Regiment Prince Leopold - Spa (Belgium)

Important note

Photos provided on this website are not an endorsement of any political idea or of war. War is one of the most regrettable human activities.

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What is this museum about ?

The Memorial Museum of 12th Line Regiment Prince Leopold has a self-explanatory name.

The museum is managed by the Belgian Army and is located in military barracks of Spa.

Historical context

Born with the 1830 Belgian Revolution, the Regiment's name changed over the years:

12th Infantry Line Regiment (1831-1940)

12th Line Battalion (1946-1984)

12th Prince Leopold Line Battalion (1984-1993)

12th Prince Leopold Line Regiment-13th Line Regiment

Museum collection

The museum includes the following sections:

1. History of the Regiment and History of Belgium * Conscription: Unfair draught system ("Conscription")

2. 1914-1918: WW1 * capture of a German flag in Liège * King Albert 1st entrusts his son Prince Leopold to the Regiment, thereby honoring it * Colonel Jacques commanding the Regiment is made Baron of Dixmude

3. 1939-1945: WW2 * General conscription * Colonel Gerard is commanding the Regiment in May 1940 * Famous Lys River Battle

4. The Regiment in Africa (1878-1962)

5. From 1946 to today * Peace-keeping and humanitarian operations in former Yugoslavia

Seven citations and the cross of Knight of the order of Leopold, presented by the King, reward the Regiment for its valor and barvery in all conflicts.

Soldiers of the Regiment were never warmongers or glory-seeking action men, they remain peace-loving people who value life and hope to live free in a free country. They never provoked or sought out dangerous combat situations.

In the past our soldiers have had to deal with inadequate numbers, arms and equipment and have had to make up for this with added bravoury, suffering and blood. Let us make sure that these lessons of this past will serve our political powers to always provide adapted means to the missions and dangers we may face.

Let us make clear that young people understand that peace in freedom was NEVER a natural benefit or one acquired once and for all but a situation established by our elders and needing to be earned and contibuously protected in turn by the younger generations.

The Memorial Museum has been awarded in 1998 a distinction by the King Baudouin Foundation for "efforts accomplished to preserve significant elements of our heritage".

The history and the Memorial Museum are the work of the Friends of the Regiment associated in the "Amicale du Régiment".


The official website of the Tourism Information Centre stands here.

The Regiment Association's ("Amicale du Régiment") website stands here and can be contacted there.


Location

Museum address:
Quartier LtGen Baron Jacques de Dixmude
Avenue du 12e de Ligne Prince Leopold, 1
4900 SPA
Phone nr (Tourism Information Centre): +32 (0) 87 79 28 77
Phone nr (Museum): +32 (0) 87 79 29 07

Open from Thursday 10 January 2008 to Thursday 18 December 2008 (Only on: Tuesday, Thursday)

* TUESDAY : 10:00-12:00
* THURSDAY : 14:00-16:00

Please respect the opening hours.

There is no entrance fee and free toilets are present.

Coming by car is mandatory due to the location of the barracks.

Personal note

This is a pretty large museum in comparison with the one of the 3rd Regiment of Lancers Museum located in Namur (Belgium)

This is a small museum, do not expect exhibition of aircrafts or tanks, however those willing to learn something about the Past of the Regiment during the Belgian Revolution, the two World Wars, the Cold War and present days will discover noticeable information.