The Marketentster
The Belgian military authorities allowed one marketentster (camp follower) per army company. She had to be married to a soldier below the rank of NCO and was mainly doing the laundry.
The marketentster followed her unit close at heels. Also during exercises, marches and target practice. During the breaks she was allowed to sell ‘coco-drinks’ and after working hours she was allowed to serve gin of good quality. For that purpose, she was equipped with a small elegant wooden barrel. Beverlo Camp became conversant with the marketenster, because she stayed in the troops-accommodation. She was also called the mother of the company.
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