Before mobilization for the First World War in 1914, the 4th Infantry Division was based in Namur, with its troops spread out through the area.

As it became clear very soon that this division was unable to hold the brunt of the German attack on Belgium, troops of the 4th were called upon to first help organizing a counterattack and, when that failed to materialize due to miscommunication, to improvise a defensive line between the Canal and Bilzen with the help of Group Ninitte.

[3] The 4th Division managed a hasty escape and after some regrouping behind the KW Line, was placed in reserve at the Ghent Bridgehead.

[4] When the Germans attacked on 25 May, beginning the Battle of the Lys (1940), the 15th Regiment's front quickly crumbled, and after some fighting the neighbouring battalions of the 7th and the 11th were encircled.

By the end of the day, the Germans had advanced 6 km (3.7 mi) from the Lys towards Vinkt, setting the stage for a dramatic last stand at that time.