Alphonse Jacques de Dixmude
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Lieutenant-General Baron Alphonse Jacques de Dixmude "Général Jacques" |
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| Birth name | Jules Marie Alphonse Jacques |
| Born |
24 February 1858 Stavelot, Belgium |
| Died | 24 November 1928 (aged 70) Ixelles, Belgium |
| Allegiance |
 Belgium Congo Free State
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| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | 12th Regiment of the Line |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Yser |
Jules Marie Alphonse Jacques, 1st Baron Jacques de Dixmude (24 February 1858 in Stavelot – 24 November 1928 in Ixelles), often known as General Jacques, was a Belgian soldier, general and colonial advocate.
He founded Albertville in Congo in 1894. His role in the Congo Free State was questioned in the Casement report.
Captain Jacques was soon sent back to Belgium and was promoted to colonel. His greatest service was to come during World War I when he was mobilized and later took command of the 12th Regiment of the Line. He led his soldiers with great skill and extreme bravery, becoming a hero of the Belgian army in the first days of the invasion of the powerful German forces. In 1914, his troops successfully repelled two heavy German attacks near Antwerp that was crucial in giving the Belgian forces time to withdraw to the Yser. Later, on Belgian soil, he commanded the 3rd Belgian army division from 5 February 1917 to 4 October 1919. His troops prevented Diksmuide falling into the hands of the German army. This military achievement led to his elevation to the Nobility of Belgium as Baron Jacques de Dixmude in 1919.
"General Jacques" is commemorated by several statues and monuments around Belgium, including the "Boulevard Général Jacques" in Brussels as well as others in Nivelles, Chaudfontaine and Verviers and numerous statues. A bas-relief of Baron Jacques is included as part of the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City.
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Wikipedia