° Constant Julien Droesbeke
April 25, 1907
CJ Droesbeke is born in Anderlecht.Germany invades Belgium
May 10, 1940
At the age of 33, CJ Droesbeke was called up during the mobilization. He participated in the 18-day campaign. His service number was 256.379; he was a sergeant (wachtmeester) with the 9th squadron, 2nd Guides. CJ Droesbeke was among the first in Merchtem to own a car; he donated his vehicle to the Belgian army.Belgium capitulates
May 28, 1940
CJ Droesbeke is a prisoner of war from May 25, 1940, to June 28, 1940. Due to the capitulation, his car also falls into German hands. He proceeds to steal his car back from the Germans and makes it available to the resistance. The car is hidden in garage Schelleman in Merchtem.Resistance
1941 – 1944
After the 18-day campaign, CJ Droesbeke joins the resistance.
He becomes sector leader of Zone 2 – Sector 4 for Relegem, Kobbegem, Hamme, Mollem, Asse, Mazenzele, Opwijk, Steenhuffel, Malderen, Londerzeel, Meise, Brussegem, and Merchtem.
His codename is Rudolf or Willy.
He becomes an intelligence agent for the resistance group Bayard.
Arrest
March 31, 1944
CJ Droesbeke is arrested at his mother's home, located at Koning Albertstraat 35 in Merchtem, by the Secret Field Police (G.F.P. 712) on orders from the Brussels Gestapo.
The drive to the Dossin barracks passes the fort of Breendonk, where the German officer said, "This will be your future home."
From the Dossin barracks, he is moved to Begijnenstraat 42, the Antwerp prison.
Interrogation and Torture
March 31, 1944 – July 9, 1944
From Begijnenstraat, he was taken several times to Belgiëlei, where the Secret Field Police building was located.
There, CJ Droesbeke was interrogated multiple times. These interrogations were accompanied by torture.
Breendonk
July 9, 1944 – July 19, 1944
On July 9, CJ Droesbeke was imprisoned in Breendonk.Deportation
August 19, 1944
After Breendonk, he returns to Begijnenstraat; once the interrogations are finished, he is sent to St. Gillis prison.
On August 19, he is transported by train from Schaerbeek station to Cologne. Via Cologne, the journey continues through Bayreuth, Ebrach, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and finally to the Flossenbürg concentration camp.
KZ Flossenbürg
December 16, 1944
December 16, the day the Battle of the Bulge begins, CJ Droesbeke arrives in Flossenbürg.Americans liberate KZ Flossenbürg
April 23, 1945
On April 23, 1945, the 90th US Infantry Division arrives at Flossenbürg.CJ Droesbeke is free and back home
May 26, 1945
End of imprisonment after 422 days.† Death
January 9, 2008
On January 9, 2008, CJ Droesbeke passes away peacefully at home; he was just short of his 101st birthday.
Timeline
440 words·3 mins