Captured German Long Range Gun in Brussels During the First World War, Brussels was the sole European capital that was made to endure the 5 long years of the occupation. Unlike other parts of the country, Brussels did not suffer any major battles or ravages. But that did not make the impact of the war any less on the Brussels residents: the rationing and the goods and properties that were commandeered made their mark on people's everyday lives. German troops left the capital on 15 November 1918. Photo from album which possibly belonged to Lt Reginald Vigars Prenter (RVP), 72nd Bn.