Victor Matthys: Belgian Fascist Leader Behind the Courcelles Massacre

World History: True Stories of the 20th Century · Sep 2, 2026 · 14m

Victor Matthys, wartime leader of Belgium’s fascist Rexist Party, became one of the country’s most notorious Nazi collaborators. His rise from political propagandist to leader of a violent collaborationist movement reveals how occupation and extremist ideology helped fuel terror during the Second World War.

Born in Brussels, Matthys embraced Rexism and became a close associate of Léon Degrelle. Following the German occupation of Belgium, he emerged as a central figure in collaboration with Nazi Germany. Under his leadership, Rexist propaganda became increasingly radical, while armed Rexist…