40-45 Remembrance Rally

On 20 September 2026, set off on a memorable journey through Walloon Brabant and retrace the events of the Second World War, during the 40–45 Remembrance Rally. From your own vehicle, enjoy a unique day discovering fascinating museums and moving stories.

A day of remembrance, passion and camaraderie

What if you took to the road for a journey back in time?

The 40-45 Remembrance Rally offers an immersive journey through Walloon Brabant, blending historical heritage with the pleasure of driving.

Behind the wheel of your own vehicle – whether classic, military or simply a family car – follow a route of around 100 km linking four museums where history comes to life. At each stop, discover different aspects of the Second World War: the battlefield stories, military strategy, aviation history and the daily lives of civilians during wartime.

Here, History comes to life in a truly personal way. Through moving testimonies, authentic objects and places steeped in memory, the past is told with simplicity and passion. Guided by enthusiasts, you will discover far more than just museum collections: human stories, anecdotes… and a living memory that continues to resonate today.

An experience accessible to all, bringing together history lovers, enthusiasts of classic vehicles and the simply curious visitors in a warm and authentic atmosphere.

Starting at the heart of history

The 1st Wing Historical Centre – Beauvechain

The rally begins at an iconic location: the Beauvechain Air Base.

The 1st Wing Historical Centre immerses you in the history of Belgian military aviation through an impressive collection of aircraft, engines and period artefacts.

It offers a unique setting to kick off the day, combining aviation heritage with emotional impact.

Behind its runways and hangars lies a rich and complex past. Occupied by the German army during the Second World War, the base was subsequently transformed after Liberation, becoming one of the pillars of Belgian aviation. It was here that a new chapter began with the arrival of the first squadrons equipped with the Spitfire, a symbol of renewal.

This edition of the rally is particularly special: the base celebrates its 80th anniversary, as well as the arrival of the iconic Spitfire, while the non-profit organisation ‘The Golden Falcon’ marks its 30th anniversary. Unique activities will further enrich the visit, offering an even more immersive experience.

The Museum ‘Musée du Corps de Cavalerie français’ (Museum of the french cavalry corps) – Jandrain

A first insight into the battles of May 1940.

Here, visitors are taken to the heart of the Dyle manoeuvre, the strategic plan designed to halt the German advance into Belgium by rapidly deploying Allied forces along the river Dyle.

The museum highlights the crucial role of General Prioux’s cavalry corps, tasked with slowing down the enemy to allow French troops to organise themselves.

In the region, the fighting was fierce, particularly around Jandrain, where French and German tanks clashed in some of the first major mechanised battles of the war.

Uniforms, equipment and testimonies bring these decisive hours back to life, when every minute gained mattered.

The tour continues by following the chronology of events.

The Museum ‘Musée de la 1ère Armée française’ (1st French Army Museum) – Cortil-Noirmont

Housed in a former school that served as headquarters in 1940, this museum retraces the 1st French Army’s involvement in the Battle of Gembloux, a pivotal moment in the Allied defence.

Through maps, documents and artefacts recovered from the battlefield, visitors gain a better understanding of how the troops attempted to hold the line between Wavre and Namur in the face of a lightning-fast German offensive.

It is here that the strategy truly took shape… and where one realises just how rapidly the situation changed during those days of May 1940.

The Museum ‘Musée du Souvenir 40-45’ (1940-45 Remembrance Museum) – Malèves

A change of atmosphere: here, the focus shifts to a more intimate and human approach.

In this farm-turned-museum, the great events of history are told through personal stories.

Visitors discover the daily lives of soldiers, but also those of civilians caught up in the turmoil: invasion, occupation, liberation…

In Walloon Brabant, the war was experienced right at the heart of village life. Here, every object, every reconstruction, every testimony serves as a reminder that behind the grand military manoeuvres, there were lives turned upside down.

A particularly moving stop, where memory becomes tangible and accessible to everyone.

Festive return to Beauvechain

After this journey through history, you return to Beauvechain to round off the day.

In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, participants can enjoy light refreshments and a range of activities. It is the perfect opportunity to unwind, share stories, meet fellow participants, and relive the highlights of the day together.

Because the Remembrance Rally is more than just a journey into history… it is also about keeping it alive together.

An experience open to everyone

No classic car? No problem. The rally is open to everyone, whatever car you drive and whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious to discover something new.

Each team receives a roadbook and a small souvenir, everything you need to enjoy a memorable day out and take home a little piece of history.

Practical information

📅 20 September 2026 – Departures between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. from the First Wing Historical Centre

💶 €30 per person, including breakfast, entry to partner museums, a welcome drink and lunch (hamburgers).

🚘 The event is open to all vehicles (classic, military, modern…).

📚 A roadbook and a small gift will be offered to each participating vehicle.

Any questions? Contact Coralie.

Registration

Fill in this form to join us on this wonderful journey through remembrance and camaraderie!

Your registration will be confirmed as soon as we receive your payment. You will then receive an email with all the practical information you need for the day.

We look forward to welcoming you to this second edition!

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