Original WW1 German Occupation Poster Belgium 1917 – Verviers, Spa & La Reid – Bilingual German/French Notice

An original and historically significant bilingual German and French occupation poster, issued during the German occupation of Belgium in the First World War.

Printed in Verviers on 20 May 1917, this official proclamation was intended for the communes of Spa and La Reid and details regulations imposed by the German occupation authorities upon the civilian population.

The poster provides a fascinating insight into the administrative controls exercised over occupied Belgium during the latter years of the Great War and survives as an important piece of wartime social history.

Item Details
Original occupation poster
Date: 20 May 1917
Issued in: Verviers, Belgium
Intended for the communes of Spa and La Reid
Languages: German and French
Period: First World War
Format: Official public notice
Paper document
Historical Content

This proclamation orders several categories of civilians to report to the German Control Office, including:

Nationals of enemy countries aged over 15 years
Belgian males born between 1877 and 1900
Individuals placed under official surveillance

Those under surveillance were required to present themselves regularly, in some cases once per month.

The notice further instructed those attending to bring their identity card or control card and warned against participation in demonstrations or public disturbances.

Of particular interest is the statement that Belgian citizens would not be incorporated into the German Army nor transported to Germany as prisoners of war, reflecting concerns and rumours circulating among the occupied population during this period.

Historical Background

Following the German invasion of Belgium in 1914, much of the country remained under military occupation until the Armistice in 1918. Occupation authorities relied heavily on registration systems, identity controls, reporting requirements, and public proclamations to monitor civilian populations and maintain order.

Bilingual occupation posters such as this were displayed in public places and served as official communications between German authorities and the Belgian population. Surviving examples are increasingly scarce, particularly those bearing specific local references, dates, and administrative instructions.

Condition

Original condition consistent with age.

Expected signs of age, including folds, edge wear, handling marks, staining, and minor imperfections associated with a paper document over 100 years old.

Please examine photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Collectability
Original WW1 occupation document
Dated 20 May 1917
Bilingual German/French text
Issued in Verviers for Spa and La Reid
Strong historical and research value
Excellent display piece
Ideal for collectors of:
WW1 militaria
Belgian history
Occupation memorabilia
Historical documents
Political and military ephemera
Display

An excellent candidate for framing and display within a WW1, Belgian history, or occupation-themed collection.