The Battle of Jomblou: Belgium Commemorates the Heroics of Moroccan Soldiers Against Nazism
Today, in the towns of Jomblou and Chastre, south of the Belgian capital Brussels, a ceremony was held to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Jomblou, honoring the Moroccan soldiers who fell in battle during World War II while defending Europe’s freedom against Nazism and Fascism.
The official ceremonies took place at the Fourth Army Corps memorial site in Jomblou and the French military cemetery in Chastre, located about 40 kilometers from Brussels. Dignitaries in attendance included Mustafa El-Katiri, the High Commissioner for Former Resistance Fighters and Members of the Liberation Army, Major General Youssef El-Mahdi, head of the Military History Directorate of the Royal Armed Forces, and Mohamed Amer, Morocco’s Ambassador to Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, along with several members of the Moroccan community.
During this commemoration, the sacrifices of Moroccan soldiers who bravely fought alongside their French and Belgian counterparts were highlighted, embodying the highest common human values, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.
Speakers called for a continued commitment to collective memory, emphasizing the importance of instilling these sacrifices in the minds of future generations as enduring lessons in the defense of freedom and honor.
In a press statement, El-Katiri noted that the Battle of Jomblou represents a timeless heroic saga in Morocco’s contributions to World War II, responding to the call of the late King Mohammed V to defend peoples against Fascism and colonialism.
He added that commemorating this anniversary reflects Morocco’s commitment to preserving its national and shared memory with friendly countries, and serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the depth of the friendship and cooperation that ties it to Belgium.
On his part, Belgian State Minister André Flahaut stressed the importance of remembering the sacrifices of foreign soldiers, especially those who came from distant lands and gave their lives for Europe’s freedom, commending Morocco’s notable participation in this decisive battle.
The events of the Battle of Jomblou date back to May 14, 1940, when soldiers from the Seventh Moroccan Battalion arrived at the front after a two-day march, finding themselves directly confronted by Nazi forces. The battalion incurred significant losses but managed to repel the German attack with courage and bravery, despite the French command’s intention to issue orders for retreat.
Today, the remains of hundreds of Moroccan soldiers rest in the battlefield at Chastre, in a space that carries the symbolism of memory and reflection, serving as a living witness to the sacrifices of a generation that carried the banner of freedom and dignity against the forces of darkness.
