Talbot House during the Second World War
Most people know Talbot House as a peaceful refuge for soldiers during the First World War. Maybe you’ve explored its legacy during a museum visit or through the ‘Tales of Talbot House’ story tour. However, the Talbot House story extends far beyond that Great War, as the WWII story is also well worth discovering.
In August 1939, as Europe stood on the brink of World War II, Arthur Demeyer, warden of Talbot House, was called back to his regiment. He would become the last warden before the Germans invaded Poperinge.
In May 1940, some Toc H members decided to make a final visit to the House, even though the Germans were getting dangerously close. Hoping to return to Britain, they found themselves stranded and eventually captured in France.
By May 1940, with the German army closing in, a few brave Toc H members made a final visit to the House. Hoping to return to Britain, they found themselves stranded and eventually captured in France.
Not much later, Poperinge fell. At first, Talbot House seemed to fly under the radar. Austrian soldiers were billeted there, but the building's significance went unnoticed—until the Germans discovered it was a British soldiers’ club.
On 17 July 1941, Belgian stewards René and Alida were given 24 hours to leave Talbot House. A group of local sympathisers wanted to protect the House as much as possible from the enemy and set up a brave, nighttime mission. In just one night, they rescued as many furniture, artifacts and other valuable contents as possible, hiding them away in cellars, gardens and homes throughout the city.
The Germans then took over the House, using it to accommodate female civilian staff of the Kriegsmarine. Yet, even in occupation, Talbot House was never forgotten. Yvonne Battheu, neighbour of the House, kept close watch, relaying updates to the Talbot House community in the UK.
It wasn’t until 6 September 1944 that Poperinge—and Talbot House—were liberated by the First Polish Armoured Division. BBC war correspondent Frank Gillard reported directly from the House, assuring listeners in Britain that it had survived the occupation remarkably intact.
Just a few months later, on 8 December 1944, Talbot House reopened its doors. In true wartime spirit, the ‘Bridgebuilders’ served endless cups of tea, crafted Christmas gifts for local orphans, and even hosted Christmas party. Just like in the First World War, Talbot House once again became a home for thousands—a place of comfort, hope, and community.
Want to dive deeper into the remarkable WWII chapter of Talbot House? Here's how you can explore:
- Visit our permanent exhibition.
- Book our immersive storytelling tour ‘Allo Allo’.
- Read the book ‘Talbot House during the Second World War’ by Jan Louagie.
- Attend our lecture on Talbot House during WWII on 28 May (in Dutch). Register here.
Sources
J. Louagie & K. Nolf (1998). De Eerste Halte na de Hel: Talbot House. Lannoo.
J. Louagie (2015). A Touch of Paradise in Hell, Talbot House. Lannoo.
J. Louagie (2022). Talbot House in the Second World War.
J. Louagie (2024). Talbot House in the interwar period.
