Hendrik Geeraert

Geeraert was born at Langestraat 40 in Nieuwpoort, the son of the skipper Augustine Gheeraert and Anna Veranneman, a housekeeper and lace-maker.

In October 1914, Geeraert came in touch with a Belgian detachment of marine engineers (sapper) guarding the sluices in Nieuwpoort.

On 21 October they were ordered by their High Command to flood the polder at Nieuwendamme [nl] to protect the endangered bridgehead at Lombardsijde.

On 29 October, the High Command decided to go ahead and carry out Cogge's Plan A, which involved the opening of the spillway at the Ganzepoot sluice and lock complex in Nieuwpoort.

After the gates were raised, the area was slowly flooded, creating a marshland that spread as far as Diksmuide, avoiding a full German occupation of Belgium.