8th Infantry Company

The 8th Infantry Company <> is a storied infantry unit, part of the 1st Battalion. The unit is most famous for their tragic participation at the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915.

World War I
The Circinus Company was a unit of 99 men who had enlisted in late 1914 and was shipped over to France in March 1915. These men would be stationed in Belgium and only saw action until early May. The company was split into two platoons: one stationed near Frezenberg ridge and the other at Bellewaarde.

On the 10th of May, Platoon 1 saw its first action. A German attack on Allied positions led them to adopt defensive measures within the trenches. In the midst of the attack the 42 men of the platoon were ordered "over the top" on May 12. By 6:00 PM only 9 men survived, four in terrible conditions.

On the 24th, the Germans launched a gas attack at Bellewaarde ridge. Out of 57 men in Platoon 2, 23 died from the deadly gas fumes. During the chaotic retreat, another 20 were killed. Counterattacks were ordered for the 25th and the remaining 14 men plus the three commanding officers were killed.

3 men from Platoon 1 died of their wounds by the 28th. On the 30th the remaining 6 soldiers were sent back to Brunant and one died on the journey there. Upon hearing of their tragedy, King Johan II personally came to visit the troops and officially retired the company. In 1928 the last survivor of Company 8 died. All had lived in miserable conditions after their return and led lives of poverty.

World War II
During the German Invasion, the 8th Company was posted to Grijzestad and attempted a defense of the city, but surrendered the same day due to overwhelming opposition. Of the then 280 soldiers in the unit, 155 died and 40 were wounded.