
1914-1918 : The occupation
In a Vacuum
Nuns are being registered for their passport. The picture was taken in 1915, the same year in which possessing a valid identification document became compulsory for all citizens older than 15. It was the first Belgian ID, precursor of our current identity card. The aim was to prevent the men to leave the country and enlist in the army, but this form of administrative control would persist after the occupation. The freedom of movement was also upset by the war.
© Illustrierter Kriegs-Kurier