Nelson's Portfolio of War Pictures

The Siege and Fall of Antwerp

as Seen by a British Magazine

Much of the devastation in the Antwerp area was caused by the Belgian military itself,

in clearing buildings and houses near to the fortifications. This was primarily intended to

create clear fields of fire for the artillery placed in the forts and to deny shelter to attackers.

Somewhat unintentionally in doing so, the fortifications themselves became immediately visible

from long distances, where previously they were not easily discernible from afar.

The city contained many priceless works of art in museums and churches.

Prior to the bombardment most of these were brought to safety,

sometimes with considerable effort.

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