If you take the road south from Zandvoorde towards Comines, past the German bunker we visited some time ago (You didn’t? Then click here: Ten Brielen Bunker), after about a mile and a half you will pass through Ten Brielen itself. The village was in German hands for much of the war, and the war memorial lists both military and civilian casualties of the conflict. Continue reading
The village of Kruiseik, situated just south of the Menin Road about a mile east of Geluveld, was captured by the Germans, after several days of heavy fighting, on 29th October 1914, and remained in their hands until recaptured by the British on the 28th September 1918. The war memorial remembers the fallen of both World Wars. Continue reading
Birr Cross Roads Cemetery, situated on the south side of the Menin Road a few hundred yards east of the once infamous Hellfire Corner. Birr Cross Roads was as far as wheeled transport was allowed to go during the period that the front lines ran through Hooge, just a little further east… Continue reading
The Menin Road, 2013. Somewhat different to, and considerably safer than, a hundred years, or thereabouts, ago. How many photos have you seen taken from this viewpoint during the first three years of the War? Not that many, I would suggest. This view looks east as the road rises slightly towards Hooge on the horizon. Continue reading
Just inside the Lille Gate there is a pub called the Pub ‘T Klein Rijsel which not only boasts an excellent selection of beer, but also hosts a small but fascinating museum that is well worth a visit. Here’s a selection of photos to whet your appetite. Continue reading
This view from the Canadian Memorial on Hill 62 looks north west across what was once the British forward area, towards the spires of Ieper (Ypres) on the horizon. From these low yet commanding ridges to the east and south east of the city, the Germans could see virtually any movement the British made during daylight hours, as this photograph clearly shows.
Our last stop, Le Touquet Railway Crossing Cemetery, is the furthest east of the six cemeteries on this tour. Here, we are only a few hundred yards away from where the front lines ran for much of the war.
