Raymond De Mulder, age 12
Raymond is away from home when the first V-bomb strikes Antwerp, close to where he lives. Chaos reigns amid uncertainty over what exactly has happened. Raymond is amonf those waiting in fear.
V2, October 13, 1944, 9h45, Schildersstraat
The Germans intent to paralyse the city and port with the V-weapon attacks. But in November, the Allies gain control of the Scheldt river and the port can once again be fully utilised, despite the bombardment.
Safer grounds
After the destruction of their house, the De Mulder family decides to leave the city. They stay with distant relatives in Wetteren for a while. They aren't the only ones to flee the bombs. Many families depart together, and thousands of children are evacuated without their parents. They stay in holiday homes at the coast or with friends or family outside Antwerp.
