2017 > 2018 Brochure. Flanders Fields. A place to remember. FLANDERSFIELDS1418.COM

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1 2017 > 2018 Brochure Flanders Fields. A place to remember. FLANDERSFIELDS1418.COM

2 Table of contents INTRODUCTION Introduction > 3 Flanders Map 15 Fields: key sites 12 most in Flanders visited sites Fields + map > 4 WWI: Timeline time > EVENTS Total war in Flanders/ 1917: exhibitions Total war War and in information Flanders/ points exhibitions ComingWorldRememberMe and information points > 7 > 712 Calendar ComingWorldRememberMe Diary of other of other events events > Diary of other events > 14 WORLD WAR I SITES Ypres WORLD & surroundings WAR I SITES Ypres Passchendaele/Zonnebeke & surroundings > 26 > Passchendaele/Zonnebeke Messines > Heuvelland/Wijtschate Messines (Wytchaete) > Heuvelland/Wijtschate Poperinge > Poperinge Diksmuide & surroundings > Diksmuide Nieuwpoort & surroundings > Nieuwpoort Other interesting sites in Flanders (Fields) & Brussels > Other interesting sites in Flanders (Fields) & Brussels > 44 DISCOVER THE BATTLEFIELDS Getting there and around > 46 The Great battlefields, War Centenary, accessible accessible to all to all > 48 Explore WWI outside the classroom > 48 Organised Organized battlefield tours > 49 Suggestions for car or coach itineraties itineraries for touroperators operators > 50 Hotels > 52 Youth accommodation > 58 Trade & press information > 63 milo-profi photography 2

3 INTRODUCTION 2017 PASSCHENDAELE REMEMBERED The terrible events of the year 1917 are engraved in our collective memory. A In series the Battle of explosions of Messines, created the precursor a huge man-made to the Third earthquake Battle of and Ypres, soldiers fought nineteen not mines only were against exploded the enemy creating but also a huge against man-made the mud. earthquake. The Third The Battle following of Ypres, Third also Battle known of Ypres, as the also Battle known of Passchendaele, the Battle of destroyed Passchendaele, the destroyed landscape the landscape cost countless and cost human countless lives. human lives; soldiers fought not only against the enemy but also against the mud. Now, approximately one hundred years later, Flanders invites visitors to Now, remember approximately the victims one hundred of the conflict years later, - and Flanders what better invites place visitors do to so than remember Flanders those Fields. involved Many in museums, the conflict events and and what exhibitions better place shed to light do so on than the Flanders various Fields. facets Many of the museums, Great War: events the military and exhibitions operations, shed trench light on warfare, the various political facets alliances, of the Great propaganda, War: the military etc. In addition, operations, various trench art warfare, exhibitions political alliances, offer a propaganda, truly individual, etc. artistic In addition, view various of the horrors art exhibitions of WWI. Wherever offer a truly you individual, go Flanders artistic Fields, view whether of horrors by car, of bike WWI, or and on foot, there you are come several across ways the for visitors remnants to and contribute scars of to the Great commemoration. War. The region Wherever is dotted you go with in Flanders hundreds Fields, of monuments whether by and car, coach, graveyards, bike or sometimes on foot, you come counting across the no remnants more than and a scars few graves. of the Themed Great War. walking, The region biking is and dotted driving with tours hundreds guide of you monuments through this and landscape cemeteries, bursting sometimes with counting reminders no of more the Great than a War. few There graves. are Themed even several walking, ways cycling for visitors and driving to contribute tours guide to the you commemoration. through this landscape bursting with reminders of the First World War. This brochure Brochure provides guides you an essential through guide the commemorative to the key memorial highlights sites, locations. in 2017 accommodation and 2018 and provides and commemorative an overview of events many in of 2017 the and region s Information key memorial is also sites. included on accessibility of sites, events and accommodation. Memorial Museum Passchendaele

4 europe, Flanders, Flanders Fields Zeebrugge north sea Ostend Bruges Calais Dunkirk De Panne Veurne 9 Nieuwpoort 3 14 Diksmuide 11 Flanders Fields Flanders Ghent France langemark-poelcapelle Poperinge Zonnebeke 5 Ypres Hooge 7 Messines 12 Wervik Roeselare WallOnia Kortrijk Menen Waregem lille 4

5 15 key sites in Flanders Fields milo-profi milo-profi 1 In Flanders Fields Museum 2 Polygon Wood 3 Vladslo German Cemetery Menin Gate Hill 60 Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 Westtoer milo-profi Westtoer Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery & Visitor Centre Talbot House Yser Tower Museum milo-profi Michael Depestele milo-profi milo-profi Langemark German Cemetery Westfront Nieuwpoort Visitor Centre and Goose Foot Lock Complex Island of Ireland Peace Park Introduction 13 Tyne Cot Cemetery & Visitor Centre 14 Trench of Death 15 Essex Farm Cemetery

6 28 June 1914 Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo 28 July 1914 Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. 4 August 1914 German army invades Belgium. United Kingdom declares war on Germany InFlandersFieldsMuseum 26 & 29 October 1914 Nieuwpoort sluice gates are opened to flood the plain and halt the German advance. 6

7 Collectie Deraeve KLM 6 April 1917 United States declares war on Germany 7-14 June 1917 Battle of Messines April 1918 German spring offensive. Major attack by the Germans at Merkem and Kemmel. Collectie Deraeve 21 February - 20 December 1916 Battle of Verdun (France) 12 July 1917 First use of mustard gas 28 September - 11 November 1918 The final offensive. Reinforced by the Americans, a series of Allied offensives pushes the Germans back July - 18 November 1916 Battle of the Somme (France) June 1917 First shot of cannon Lange Max 111 November 1918 Armistice. End of WWI at 11 o clock in the morning. 31 July - 10 November 1917 Battle Third of Battle Passchendaele/ of Ypres/ Battle Third of battle Passchendaele of Ypres Imperial War Museum 7Time line

8 EVENTS 1917 TOTAL WAR IN FLANDERS EXHIBITION ROUTE UTE OF OF PROGRAMME EXHIBITIONS FROM 3 JUNE 2017 TO END 2017 In The 1917, 1917: the Total Great War War in Flanders escalated project in Flanders connects into various a total locations war. in Science, a route technology, of exhibitions industry, and information economy and points. society were the cogwheels of a war machine operating at full speed. In 1917, the Great War escalated in Flanders into a total At war. the Science, front, the technology, scope and industry, the severity economy, of the and society violence were the defied cogwheels all imagination. of a war machine An unprecedented operating at full number speed. of troops, modern weapons, and new technologies formed the machinery of armies that At the could front, no the longer scope afford and the to severity lose. The of huge the violence destructive defied all imagination. power of the An artillery unprecedented wreaked number havoc of in troops, the landscape. modern weapons, Behind the and front, new technologies the whole formed society the machinery was mobilised of armies to that keep could the war no longer industry afford going. to lose. Daily The huge life became destructive bleaker power and of the the image artillery of the wreaked other havoc side was in the reduced landscape. to that Behind of the the enemy. front, the whole society was mobilised to keep the war industry Today going. Daily we still life see became the scars bleaker in the and landscape the image and of the other places side was of remembrance reduced to that and of commemoration. the enemy. The Today 1917: we Total still see War the in Flanders scars in the project landscape connects and the various places locations of in remembrance a programme and of exhibitions commemoration. and The information entrance of an points. exhibition in a museum is included in the ticket The price entrance of the museum. to an exhibition The other in a museum exhibitions is included are for free. in the ticket price of the museum. The other exhibitions are free. 8 Imperial War Museum

9 1917: TOTAL WAR IN FLANDERS FIELDS MUSEUM, YPRES The This thematic exhibition exhibition in the Royal in the Hall Royal of the Hall In Flanders of the In Fields Flanders Fields Museum Museum gives the gives visitor the visitor a general a general introduction introduction to the Mine to the Mine Battle Battle of Messines of Messines and the and Third the Third Battle Battle of Ypres. of Ypres. There is There an important is important place in the place exhibition in the exhibition for the work for the of the work of Australian the Australian war photographers war photographers Frank Hurley Frank and Hurley Hubert and Hubert Wilkins and Wilkins the and re-worked the re-worked contemporary contemporary photographs of photographs Ian Alderman. of Ian Alderman. i For practical information, see p : TOTAL WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM PASSCHENDAELE 1917, ZONNEBEKE 1917: TOTAL WAR THREE INFORMATION MODULES POINTS IN IN THE THE YPRES YPRES SALIENT, SALIENT, YPRES YPRES The This imposing museum, Villa located Zonnedaele in the imposing mansion Villa is the Zonnedaele setting for a mansion, thematic is exhibition the setting about for an the exhibition crucial role about played the crucial by the devastated role played by landscape the devastated during the landscape Battle of during Passchendaele. the Battle Both of Passchendaele. armies were Both forced armies to adjust were their forced tactics, to adjust their their methods tactics, their of attack, methods and of their attack, logistical and their systems. logistical The systems. impact on The ordinary impact on soldiers, ordinary too, soldiers, both physically too, both and physically and psychologically, was immense. i For practical information, see p. 32 Each of the three Information modules explains Points the explains position the of position the of the Allied Allied armies armies on the on the eve eve of the of the Third Third Battle Battle of Ypres. of Ypres. At each At each location, location, films films reflect reflect on the on terrible the terrible storm storm that that would would soon soon break: break: a storm a storm that was that destined was destined to to dramatically reshape reshape the landscape around the Ypres. Ypres Salient. i For practical information, see p. 31 9Events

10 Events 1917: TOTAL WAR HEUVELLAND VISITORS CENTRE, Heuvelland (Kemmel) 1917: TOTAL WAR TYNE COT CEMETERY VISITORS CENTRE, Zonnebeke The exhibition thematic exhibition Zero Hour Zero : The Archaeology of a Battle in the Heuvelland Visitors Centre illustrates the physical heritage left behind by the Mine Battle of Messines. A selection of excavated artefacts occupies a central position. The visitor will learn about the function of these objects during the battle and how they were rediscovered many years later. The exhibition also demonstrates how the wartime heritage has been dealt with in the years since the Great War came to an end. An Information information Point module in the in the visitor visitor centre centre next next to the to the imposing Tyne Tyne Cot Cot Cemetery tells the story of the landscape. Using an interactive panorama panel, the visitor will learn how to read the different layers of of this landscape: what was the effect of the Third Battle of Ypres and what traces can we still find today? i For practical information, see p. 32 milo-profi i For practical information, see p : TOTAL WAR BELGIAN MILITARY CEMETERY, Houthulst An Information information Point module at at the the Belgian Military Cemetery in Houthulst highlights the impact of munitions on the region in During the Third Battle of Ypres, the concentrations of artillery fire were much heavier than anything previously seen. The number of shells fired by the guns reached staggering new levels. Even today, these munitions are still being found and their effects are still being felt. 1917: TOTAL WAR SINT-LAURENTIUS (ST. LAURENCE S) CHURCH, Heuvelland (Kemmel) i For practical information, see p. 42 The church in Kemmel is the setting for the for the exhibition thematic Irish exhibition Blood on Irish Flemish Blood Soil. on Flemish Despite Soil. the Ireland hostilities has in had Ireland a following troubled history. the Easter Yet Rising during in the 1916, Mine during Battle of the Messines Mine Battle the Sixteenth of Messines (Irish) the Division 16th (Irish) and the Division Thirty-sixth and the (Ulster) 36th (Ulster) Division Division fought side fought by side. by In view side. of In their view underlying of their underlying political differences, political differences, it is justified it to is regard justified this to as regard a unique this act of as partnership a unique act and of partnership cooperation. and Even cooperation. today, this collaborative Even now, this collaborative participation participation in the battle has in the a strong battle has symbolic a strong value. symbolic value. Sint-Laurentiuskerk Sint-Laurentiusplein Heuvelland (Kemmel) Opening hours: 1 April 15 November Monday to Saturday: 9.30 am to 12 noon, 1 pm to 5 pm Sundays and public holidays: 10 am to 4 pm 16 November 31 March: Monday to Saturday: 9.30 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 4 pm Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm Closed on public holidays, except for Easter Access Admission free 10

11 Westtoer 1917: TOTAL WAR TOURIST INFORMATION POINT (TIP), Messines The exhibition thematic exhibition 100 New Zealand 100 New Faces Zealand of Messines Faces of focuses Messines attention focuses attention the enormous on the enormous impact of impact the First of the World First War on World New War Zealand. on New From Zealand. a population From a of population barely one of million barely inhabitants, one million inhabitants, almost 10% travelled almost 10% to the travelled other to side the of other world side of to the fight world in the to fight Great in War. the Using Great the War. stories Using of the 100 stories individuals, of 100 individuals, the dramatic the dramatic effects effects of the war of the on war this on small this country small country are explored. are explored. i For practical information, see p : TOTAL WAR GUYNEMER-PAVILION, Langemark-Poelkapelle (Poelkapelle) The Guynemer Pavilion houses a two-part exhibition, which which tells the tells stories the stories of the of role the of role military of military aviation aviation in the in the war war and and of of the the French French participation in the in the Battle Battle of of Passchendaele. The part played by the French Army in this this largely largely British British and and Commonwealth offensive offensive was was crucially crucially important. important. Although Although that army that was army in a was state in of a crisis state of in crisis 1917, it in was 1917, still it was able still to make able to a cautious make a cautious but significant but significant advance towards advance Houthulst towards Forest. Houthulst Increasing Forest. Increasing use was made use of military was made aviation of military throughout aviation 1917, throughout evolving from 1917, evolving a purely from observational a purely observational role to become role an to integral become part an of integral the war part machine. of the war machine. Events i For practical information, see p : TOTAL WAR LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY VISITORS CENTRE, Poperinge 1917: TOTAL WAR DRIE GRACHTEN (THREE CANALS) SITE, Houthulst (Merkem) An information module in the visitor centre next to the imposing Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery tells the story of the the preparation of this of this hospital hospital site site in the in the run-up run-up to to the Third the Third Battle Battle of Ypres. of Ypres. Nothing Nothing was was left to left chance, to chance, resulting resulting a tangible in a sense tangible of the sense calm of the before calm the before storm. the The storm. full ferocity The full of ferocity this storm, of this when storm, it finally when it broke, finally is broke, best evidenced by is best the sheer evidenced scale by of the sheer site, the scale number of the of site, casualties the number it of dealt casualties with, and it dealt the with, growing and size the of growing the neighbouring size of the cemetery neighbouring in the cemetery terrible summer in the terrible of summer of This Information information Point module tells tells the the story story of of the the destruction of of the the Drie Drie Grachten site site by by French artillery prior prior to to the the start opening of the of the Third Third Battle Battle of Ypres. of Ypres. The The Information module also Point also focuses on the storming of the position by the Fusiliers Marins Battalion Marins Battalion (French (French Marines). Marines). Autochrome Autochrome colour photographs colour which photographs were very which rare at were that very time rare illustrate that time various illustrate aspects of various this local aspects victory. of this local victory. i For practical information, see p. 42 i For practical information, see p

12 COMINGWORLDREMEMBERME: LAND ART INSTALLATION From 2014 to to 2018, by by moulding 600,000 sculptures out of out clay, of thousands clay, thousands of people of from people across from Flanders across and Flanders the and rest of the the rest world of the take world part in will the be making part of the installation making of the ComingWorldRememberMe. installation ComingWorldRememberMe. Each and every sculpture Each and every represents sculpture one of represents the 600,000 one victims of the who 600,000 lost their victims lives who due to lost WWI their in Belgium. lives due In to this WWI way, in different Belgium. generations In this way, different and nationalities generations will be and united nationalities in the commemoration. will be united in the Attend commemoration. one of the workshops in Nieuwpoort or Ypres to make a sculpture. Attend one of the workshops in Nieuwpoort or Ypres to make a sculpture. In March 2018 the the 600,000 figures of of ComingWorldRememberMe will will be set be up set in up the in Palingbeek the park Palingbeek (Zillebeke) Park between (Zillebeke) two large between works two of art large by Koen Vanmechelen. works of art by In this Koen way, Vanmechelen. the land art installation The land art will spread installation out over will no-man s-land spread out over and no The man s Bluff, site land of and one of the The most Bluff, intensive the site battles of Passchendaele, ever in Flanders. one From of the April 2018 until most the intensive end of that battles year, ever the in land Flanders. art installation From will be open April to 2018 the until public. the At end various of that spots year, along the part land of the art walk around installation the installation, will be open you to can the listen public. to war At various poetry. You can spots end along the walk part on of the observation walk around bridge, the installation, from you will where be you able will to have listen a to wonderful war poetry, view and of this at the impressive end will be land art observation installation. bridge, from where you will have a wonderful view of this impressive land art installation. 12

13 ATTENDANCE AT WORKSHOPS INTRO OK TILL THE TO END SUMMER MARCH OF 2018 VISITING THE LAND ART INSTALLATION INTRO OK Admission There is no charge for admission to the land art installation and the provincial park. The park can be visited freely by individual visitors and small groups. Groups coming by coach are advised to book via the website. The entire walk takes about two hours. However, from the car park you can also walk directly to the observation bridge via the paved path. In that case, the visit should take about 50 minutes. Naturally, every visitor wants to view the installation from the observation bridge. On busy days, please limit your time on the bridge so that everyone gets the opportunity to do so. i Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday: 1.30 pm to 6 pm Individuals and small groups (< (less 10 than participants) 10 participants) can attend without can attend booking without in booking advance. Workshops in advance. (1.5 Workshops hours) for groups of (1.5 more hours) than for 10 groups participants of more on request. than 10 participants on request. Admission 5 (half of the proceeds go to charity) Car park There is a large car park at the entrance to the park. with There spaces is space for cars and coaches. There are also toilets at the car park and there is a cafeteria nearby. Address: Palingbeekstraat Rumbeke Castle 18, 8902 Zillebeke There will also be a second car park at the visitor centre of the Palingbeek park. Park. From there, it is a 30-minute walk to the installation. Address: Vaartstraat Rumbeke Castle 7, 8902 Zillebeke es Kazemat 5 Site Bommenvrij, Schoolstraat Ieper Ypres Site Bommenvrij Schoolstraat Nieuwpoort Contact +32 (0)58/ cwrm@vzwkunst.be Access The walk runs through the provincial park via grassy paths, wooden boardwalks, and paved paths. Please take into account that in rainy weather the ground can get wet and muddy. The path running directly to the observation point is entirely paved. Website FROM MARCH TO END OF 2018 How to get there The provincial Palingbeek park Park is is easy to to reach by by car (right to the car park), bus, and bicycle. From September 2017, more information will be available about alternative mobility and accessibility on and also at the Ypres tourist information office. cwrm@vzwkunst.be Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 13Events

14 Diary of of other events events and ceremonies JAN 2017 Rumbeke Castle ALBERT I AND THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION 30 AUG 2014 > 31 DEC 2019 INTRO OK On the outskirts of Roeselare, this audiovisual exhibition featuring rare pictures, videos and audio material, highlights the Belgian story during WWI. It takes you on a journey through the fascinating life and reign of King Albert I, illustrating that a ruler could be more than merely a national symbol. Throughout his life, Albert remained stubbornly faithful to his subjects and proved that he was also a master diplomat. From the end of October 2016 an additional segment will be open, focusing on diplomacy during WWI, as a (world) war is not only decided on the battlefield. Matters such as diplomacy and economy played a big part in the evolutions of the decade. The occupied Brave Little Belgium stood its ground among the superpowers and even went on to claim an important role. This fascinating exhibition is located at Rumbeke Castle, one of Belgium s oldest Renaissance castles. Visiting groups can choose from a number of attractive packages. A guided visit can, for example, be followed by a brunch, tea and cake or end the day with a drink in the castle. Address Rumbeke Castle 8800 Roeselare Website Opening hours 10am a.m. - 6pm 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays Entrance Adults: 6 Discount price: 4 JAN 2017 Museum at the Yser WHEN DEATH CAME FROM ABOVE EXHIBITION p JAN 2017 > 11 NOV 2017 When the First World War broke out, aviation the aviation was was still in still its in infancy. its infancy. But the war stimulated its development. Reconnaissance planes and zeppelins were replaced by real fighter planes and bombers. The pilots also enjoyed a high status. Those who would get the upper hand in multiple fights, would be awarded the title ace. In this exhibition the war in the sky is shown by means of many objects. collectie Philippe Oosterlinck 14

15 APR 2017 Menin Gate, Ypres RETURN OF THE MENIN GATE LIONS 24 APR > 10 NOV 2017 In 1936, two large stone guardian lions were donated to the Australian War Memorial by the mayor of Ypres. The lions, carved from limestone, were given to the Australian government as a gesture of friendship. The lions had originally stood on plinths on either side of the Menin Gate at Ypres. This gate was one of only two entries into the medieval fortified city. It was through this gate that Allied soldiers marched to the battlefields of the Ypres salient between 1914 and For many years, the lions have been on display at the entrance to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. From April to November 2017, the lions will return temporarily to Ypres, where they will be on display on the bridge by the Menin Gate. A small exhibition at the In Flanders Fields Museum will explain the history of the lions. i Contact: Ypres tourist office ++32/(0) toerisme@ieper.be Buttes New British Cemetery, Zonnebeke ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE For the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, WWI began on 25 April 1915, when the troops landed on the Turkish peninsula of Gallipoli. ANZAC Day pays tribute to all the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought during WWI. ANZAC Day commemorations begin in Zonnebeke bright and early at 6 am with the traditional Dawn Service at Buttes New British Cemetery at Polygon Wood, where many soldiers from Australia and New Zealand were laid to rest. The ceremony is followed by a breakfast in OC t Zonnerad ; reservations for breakfast ( 5) can be made via (from February 2017). In 2017, the ceremony will conclude with the planting of the first trees in the Wood of Peace, which will be located next to Polygon Wood. i @passchendaele.be New Zealand Memorial, Messines ANZAC DAY This is an annual ceremony. The Last Post will be sounded at 11.15am. This is a yearly ceremony. The Last Post will be blown at 11:15. p.33 p.35 Henk Deleu 25 APR 2017, 6 am 25 APR 2017, 11:15 am Australian War Memorial 15Events

16 MAY 2017 Cement House Cemetery Langemark & different locations in Geluwe Commemoration COMMEMORATION of THREE Three CANADIAN Canadian PILOTS Pilots 18 MAY am AM Three Canadian pilots lost their lives in Geluwe in 1917: Lt. Lindsay Drummond, Lt. Robert Bennie and Lt. Thomas Metheral. A monument will be unveiled in honour of the soldiers. Ceremonies at Cement House Cemetery Langemark and on different locations in Geluwe (location were where Drummond crashed and former military cemetery). Events Flanders Fields American Cemetery, Waregem MEMORIAL DAY p MAY 2017 JUNE 2017 Messines and Heuvelland INTERNATIONAL REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY: CENTENARY OF THE BATTLE OF MESSINES 7 JUN 2017 A number of ceremonies will take place on this day in order to commemorate the members of the different communities involved: National Remembrance Dawn Ceremony New Zealand (8:30 am), Remembrance Ceremony Australia (10:30 am), National Remembrance Ceremony Ireland and UK (2 pm) and closing ceremony Ireland and UK with special attention for the Irish soldiers Redmond and Meeke. Irish Major Nationalist Redmond MP, was Major carried William off Redmond the battlefield was carried by the off Protestant protestant the battlefield soldier Private Meeke. by the John protestant Meeke. soldier Meeke. i info@mesen.be Kemmelseweg, Heuvelland CRATER FRONT SOUNDSCAPE AND LIGHT INSTALLATION 10 JUN 2017 INTRO OK 100 years after the Battle of Messines, on 10 June 2017, the Crater Front will be held: an event incorporating images and sound in the middle of the historical crater landscape of Heuvelland. During a live soundscape by the Canadian band Godspeed You! Black Emperor, light and historical and contemporary images will be integrated into the landscape by the artist Shelbatra Jashari. Thousands of candles, created by the senior years of the primary schools in West Flanders, will further illuminate the environment. Fluorescent blue, white, and yellow candlelight, historical images, and the scarred landscape form the basic elements of this sculpture installation and an ode to how light can give new life to the region s landscape. i Free access 16

17 Westfront Nieuwpoort THE BATTLE OF THE DUNES p JUN > 31 MAY 2018 The Battle battle of the Dunes is a forgotten battle. Very few people know that Nieuwpoort was part of the plans for the Passchendaele offensive in the summer of This was pre-empted by the very first German mustard gas attack. Nieuwpoort s vital sluices were saved by Scottish regiments at a great loss of life. JULY 2017 i Poperinge HAIL TO THE WORK, CHINA IN POPERINGE EXHIBITION 1 JUL 2017 > 17 SEP 2017 INTRO OK China in Poperinge tells the story of the Chinese presence in Poperinge from 1917 onwards, recounting how the the presence of of the the Chinese was met with prejudice and revealing how people interacted with a foreign culture. In 2017, the world has become globalised but has our perception changed? Contemporary artists (Stephan Vanfleteren, Sanne Dewilde, Lieselotte Vandamme) try to find an answer to this question. A special app takes you to several places that feature a Chinese tale. In the first weekend of September, a festival brings dragons back to town. Rene Matton i Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 and Visitors Centre Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke TAG FOR REMEMBRANCE PROJECT p.43 1 JUL > 10 NOV 2017 INTRO OK Leave your personal message of peace at the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, the Visitors Centre at Tyne Cot Cemetery, or online via between 1 July and 10 November. A selection of these messages will be engraved on identity tags. These tags will be incorporated into a permanent artwork that will be displayed at the Passchendaele Memorial Park in Zonnebeke. i @passchendaele.be 17

18 Ypres OFFICIAL COMMEMORATION OF THIRD THIRD BATTLE BATTLE OF YPRES OF YPRES AND FOUR YEARS OF WAR IN THE YPRES SALIENT JUL JULY (TBC) 2017 On 30 July the British government, the city of Ypres, and the Belgian and and Flemish Flemish governments hold will an hold official an commemoration official commemoration for the four for the years four of war years in the of war Ypres in Salient, the Ypres the Salient, third battle including of Ypres the Third included. Battle There of Ypres. will There be a special will be Last a special Post at Last the Post Menin at the Gate Menin at the Gate occasion on the of occasion the 100-year of the anniversary 100-year of anniversary the third Battle of the of Third Ypres Battle 8 of pm Ypres with at a 8 live pm projection with a live projection of the ceremony of the ceremony screens on screens the Grote in the Markt. Market There Square. will be This also will a be multimedia followed projection by entertainment with live including music/reading live music/reading & poetry on and The poetry Battles on of the The Ypres Battles Salient of the Ypres on Salient the Market Square Images outside and film the will Cloth also Hall be projected at 10 pm. onto the famous Cloth Hall. i petra.delvaux@ieper.be Imperial War Museum Zonnebeke/Passendale OFFICIAL COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE BATTLE OF OF PASSCHENDAELE 31 JUL JULY (TBC) 2017 The Third Battle of Ypres, also known as Passchendaele, the Battle of Passchendaele, started on 31 July 1917, started launched on 31 July by the 1917 British. with the During jump-off the preparatory of the British artillery troops. barrage, During the Allies preparatory fired no artillery fewer than barrage, 4.2 million the Allies shells, fired which no fewer turned than the 4.2 battlefield million into shells, a swamp. which turned The Battle the battlefield of Passchendaele into a swamp. was a true The massacre, Battle of with more Passchendaele than half was a million a true casualties massacre, and with a territorial more than gain half of a just million five miles. casualties The battle and a territorial soon became gain a of myth just and eight still kilometres. has a significant The battle symbolic soon value became today. a myth and still has a significant symbolic value today. On 31 July, the British government, the community of Zonnebeke and the Belgian and Flemish governments will hold hold an official an official commemoration at Tyne Tyne Cot Cot Cemetery in in memory of of those those who who died died in in the the Passchendaele region. There event will will be live also capitation be shown and live Living on large History screens event in the at the Market Square chateau in grounds Ypres and of the at the Zonnebeke mansion. Chateau Grounds. i @passchendaele.be Events Welsh National Memorial Hagebos, Langemark OPENING CEREMONY of THIRD THIRD BATTLE BATTLE OF OF YPRES-PASSCHENDAELE p JULY 5.50 am Artillery Wood Cemetery, Poperinge CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD OF THE POETS HEDD WYN AND FRANCIS LEDWIGE p JULY 31 JULY PMpm 18

19 AUG 2017 Zonnebeke THEMED WEEKEND The Long Road to Passchendaele p AUGUST 2017 INTRO OK To break the front, the Allied troops launched a major attack on 31 July The themed weekend The Long Road to Passchendaele, organised by the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, commemorates this effort. The weekend starts with a memorial service at the Scottish monument at Frezenberg in Zonnebeke. At the chateau grounds, an international tattoo with pipe bands present an impressive sound and light spectacle on the evening of 19 August. Over the weekend, visitors can witness several themed activities. The focus is on living history, giving visitors a sense of stepping back in time. i @passchendaele.be Frezenberg, Zonnebeke CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE AT THE SCOTTISH MONUMENT p AUGUST 2017 The From first 31 July few to weeks 20 August of the 1917, Battle three of Passchendaele, out of four large until Scottish 20 Aug units, 1917, saw the Ninth most Division of the Scottish with the units First and (and the only) 1st South African Brigade, the fighting Fifteenth together Division, (Scottish and the 9th, Fifty-first 15th and Division, 51st Divisions). were almost An official commemoration simultaneously engaged service for in the all Scottish Battle of and Passchendaele. South African casualties will On 19 take August, place, all at Scottish the Scottish and South monument African at casualties Frezenberg, will Zonnebeke, officially on commemorated 19 August at the Scottish monument at Frezenberg in Zonnebeke. i @passchendaele.be SEP 2017 Langemark-Poelkapelle CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION WEEKEND GUYNEMER p SEPTEMBER Hooge Crater AUSTRALIAN COMMEMORATION BATTLE OF THE MEENSEWEG Grote Markt, Ypres YPRES MEMORIAL TATTOO i Ypres tourist office ++32/(0) toerisme@ieper.be p SEPTEMBER 21, 22, 23 SEPTEMBER Events

20 Buttes New British Cemetery, Zonnebeke AUSTRALIAN CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE p SEPTEMBER 2017 This peaceful Australian ceremony takes place at Buttes New British Cemetery in Polygon Wood. The cemetery is the last resting place of more than 500 Australians, of whom more than half have never been identified. Many of these soldiers were in the 5th Australian Division, and the current location of the cemetery is where, exactly 100 years ago, the 5th Australian Division conquered Polygon Wood after a fierce battle. i @passchendaele.be Events Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke WOOD OF PEACE In 2017, a tree will be planted for each fallen soldier with a known grave at the two Commonwealth cemeteries at Polygon Wood (Buttes New British Cemetery and Polygon Wood Cemetery). There will be two planting days: 26 September and 12 October. In addition, a monument to all the missing soldiers will be erected in a central area in the new park. In the initial phase, all descendants of the fallen soldiers can register via In a second phase, the public at large will be invited to actively contribute to the Wood of Peace by linking up with a fallen soldier for whom no next of kin have registered. p SEPTEMBER 2017 The Wood of Peace will keep the memory of those who lost their lives during WWI alive for many generations to come. OCT OKT 2017 i @passchendaele.be German Military Cemetery Menenwald CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION MENENWALD 12 OCTOBER pm PM Zonnebeke NEW ZEAlAND CEREMONY Of REMEMBRANCE p OCTOBER 2017 On 12 October 1917, the New Zealand Division advanced to take the Bellevue spur. The result was devastating: 2,700 casualties, including 846 dead, in less than four hours, for a terrain gain of less than a quarter of a mile. That day has been remembered ever since as the most tragic day in the modern history of New Zealand. Exactly one hundred years later, special ceremonies, involving youngsters, at Tyne Cot Cemetery and at s Graventafel will remind us of this sacrifice. i @passchendaele.be 20

21 Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke SILENT CITY MEETS LIVING CITY (PM) p OCTOBER 2017 INTRO OK Tyne Cot Cemetery in Zonnebeke is a silent but important witness to the Battle of Passchendaele. With nearly 12,000 graves and 35,000 names of soldiers with no known grave, Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world. On 14 October, the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 and the community of Zonnebeke will hold a moment of silence and reflection at Tyne Cot Cemetery to commemorate the many victims. Participants can register via to be part of this unique and powerful event at this symbolic location. i @passchendaele.be Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, Zonnebeke CONCERT BY TOM BARMAN AND GUESTS 14 OCTOBER 2017 Tom Barman, the charismatic frontman of the Belgian world-famous band deus Belgian will band collaborate deus will, with for the a number occasion, of collaborate different artists with to a number commemorate of different the artists Battle to commemorate of Passchendaele. the Barman Battle of was Passchendaele. asked to work Barman together was asked with to work a British/Commonwealth together with a British/Commonwealth artist or band to create artist or new band work to create centred new work on centred the theme on the of WWI. theme of WWI. i Admission: tbc Tickets via Anton Coene NOV 2017 Crest Farm Memorial / Passchendaele Church, Zonnebeke PASSCHENDAELE CEREMONY CANADIAN CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE p NOVEMBER November 1917 marks the day that Canadian troops ended the Battle of Passchendaele by capturing the ruins of the village. The Passchendaele Ceremony commemorates the end of the battle and all casualties, communities, and countries involved. The ceremony starts with a subdued reflection at the Crest Farm Canadian Memorial, followed by a torchlight parade along the Canadalaan. The parade follows the path of the last hundred metres of the attack and ends in Passchendaele. After the ceremony, all participants will be invited to an open-air reception, followed by a concert in the church. i @passchendaele.be Menin Gate Ypres ARMISTICE SPECIAL LAST POST Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke BLACK WATCH CORNER CEREMONY p.27 p NOVEMBER am AM 11 NOVEMBER pm PM 21Events

22 Tyne Cot Cemetery, Cemetery Saint Charles De Potyze, German Military Cemetery Langemark CEREMONIES p NovemBER NOVEMBER pm PM Zonnebeke/Passchendaele ALEX DECOTEAU RUN Take part in a race that runs along pathways through the historic battlefield, as a tribute to all those who fell in the Battle of Passchendaele. A graveside service will commemorate the Indigenous Canadian Alex Wuttunee Decoteau, who participated in the 5,000 metre race at the 1912 Olympics. i @passchendaele.be City of Edmonton Archives 12 NOVEMBER 2017 FEB 2018 In Flanders Fields Museum, Ypres TRACES OF WAR: ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR EXHIBITION p FEB 2018 > 15 AUG 2018 Events When the First World War ended, the Westhoek region had been com- completely destroyed. destroyed. The Chinese original labourers residents and returned German after prisoners the war. of Chinese war cleared labourers most and of German the traces prisoners of destruction: of war cleared trenches most were of closed the traces up, of bomb destruction: craters trenches were filled were in and closed military up, bomb infrastructure craters were was filled dismantled. in, and The military former infrastructure residents returned was dismantled. after the The war farmers and farmers returned started too to and work started in to the work fields in again. their fields The physical again. The evidence material became evidence part became of the part archaeological of the archaeological soil archive. soil archive. i APR 2018 Villa Zonnedaele, Chateau grounds Zonnebeke EXHIBITION: THE FINAL OFFENSIVE / THE YANKS ARE COMING p APR 2018 > 15 DEC 2018 INTRO OK This temporary exhibition sheds light on the overall story of the last year of the war and the final offensive in which the Americans played an important role. The main focus is on the Flanders Army Group, in which British, French, US, and Belgian troops fought together to liberate Belgium. The exhibition includes material on the Belgians who liberated Zonnebeke and Passchendaele and on the significance of the fresh US troops. The exhibition starts with an opening weekend on 21 and 22 April, with numerous themed activities such as battlefield tours and the annual Living History event. i info@passchendaele.be Admission free Opening hours: open daily from am to 5.30 pm 22

23 Provincial Courthouse Bruges WWI, THE BATTLE OF THE NORTH SEA EXHIBITION The German Marinekorps Flandern had established a well-oiled war machine in the coastal area between the front line and the the Dutch border. Given the region s exceptional strategic importance as a base of operations for naval and aerial battles in the North Sea, the German occupying forces installed a vast network of ports, artillery batteries, bunkers, and airfields in this area. Operating from the ports of of Ostend and Zeebrugge, they sank no fewer than 2,550 allied ships. Eventually, this intense submarine warfare partly triggered the American decision to to join join WWI. WWI. Using historical artefacts and and illustrations never never seen seen before, before, this exhibition this exhibition to aims shed to light shed on light the little-known on the little-known story of the story war of at the sea war and at the sea and aims essential the essential role of role Bruges of Bruges as the as nerve the centre nerve of centre the entire of the operation. entire operation. 23 APR 2018 > 30 AUG 2018 RoyalMuseumsGreenwich : Markt 3, Bruges Contact ruth.pirlet@vliz.be APR 2018 Buttes New British Cemetery, Zonnebeke ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE p APRIL 2018, 6 am Every For the year, Australian ANZAC Day and pays New tribute Zealand to Army the Australian Corps, WWI and began New on Zealand 25 soldiers April 1915, who when fought the troops during landed WWI. ANZAC on the Day Turkish commemorations peninsula of begin Gallipoli. in Zonnebeke Every year, ANZAC bright and Day early pays at tribute 6 am to with the the Australian traditional and Dawn New Zealand Service at soldiers Buttes who New fought British during Cemetery WWI. at ANZAC Polygon Day Wood, commemorations where many soldiers begin in from Zonnebeke Australia bright and and New early Zealand at 6 were am with laid the to rest. traditional The ceremony Dawn Service is followed at Buttes by New a breakfast British Cemetery in OC t at Zonnerad ; Polygon reservations Wood, where for many breakfast soldiers ( 5) from can Australia be made and via New Zealand were laid to rest. The ceremony is followed by a breakfast in OC t Zonnerad ; reservations for breakfast ( 5) can be made via Information: Henk Deleu i info@passchendaele.be In Flanders Fields Museum, Ypres THE OFFENSIVES OF 2018: THE GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE AND FINAL OFFENSIVE HISTORICAL EXHIBITION p.26 APR 2018 > NOV Events

24 JUN 2018 THE WATERFRONT PERFORMANCES 30 JUNE 2018 Events From the harbour channel of Zeebrugge to the harbour channel of Ostend, over a distance of almost 26.9 km, 17 monumental miles, monumental performances performances will be will created be created on or around on or around the water the in water Zeebrugge, in Zeebrugge, Blankenberge, Blankenberge, De Haan, De Bredene, Haan, and Bredene, Ostend, and culminating Ostend, culminating the harbour in the channel harbour of channel Ostend. of Ostend. As a participatory As a participatory event, Waterfront event, Waterfront above all above wants all to wants focus to people s focus people s attention attention the future, on the on future, hope, on reconciliation, hope, reconciliation, forgiveness, forgiveness, and a new and start a for new humankind. start for humankind. i Free access Westtoer Poperinge NOT HEALING KHAKI EXHIBITION, - Women s ART, Supporting MOBILE APPLICATION Role EXHIBITION, AND EXPERIENCE ART, MOBILE ROUTEAPP & EXPERIENCE ROUTE 30 JUN > 2 SEP 2018 During Poperinge the concludes summer of the 2018, WWI Poperinge commemorations concludes with the WW1 a message of commemorations, hope and consolation. with During a message the of summer hope and of 2018, consolation healing features with healing as a features central theme. as a central Exhibition theme. Not The in exhibition, Khaki tells Not the in strory Khaki, of tells the the wide story range of the women, wide ranging range of from women, nurses ranging to prostitutes, from nurses that to prostitutes, provided the that world provided with comfort, the world while with contemporary comfort, while artist contemporary Chantal Pollier artistic enhances Chantal the Pollier exhibition enhances with a the selection exhibition of artful with a statements. selection of In artistic collaboration statements. with art In festival collaboration Watou a with comfort art festival route has Watou, also an been Experience developed Route taking has you been to developed consoling pavilions to take in decorated pavilions decorated with healing with art healing and poetry. art and poetry. Gasthuiskapel Gasthuisstraat 1A Poperinge Contact + 32 (0) toerisme@poperinge.be Website Opening hours Daily from 1 pm p.m pm p.m. (closed on Mondays) JUL 2018 Westfront Nieuwpoort ARCHITECTURE AND WAR p.43 1 JUL 2018 > 31 MAY 2019 Architecture and war, or creation and destruction, both seem like direct opposites. oppostites. However, However they they are are also both inherently linked. Whatever could not be renovated after the war, had to be rebuilt - or could something new perhaps be created instead? Arras, Ypres, Diksmuide and Nieuwpoort Nieuwpoort achieved historic historic status status as Northern as Northern front cities, front although cities, althought all were all almost achieved completely were almost destroyed. completely The destroyed. same goes The for same the surrounding goes for the outskirts, surrounding plains farms outskirts, and plains villages, farms not and to mention villages, the not damage to mention caused the by damage the saltwater caused inundations. by the saltwater A hundred inundations. years later, A hundred the consequences years later, the are consequences barely visible, thanks are barely to both visible, local thanks citizens to both and architects. local citizens Yet, and some architects. authentic Still examples visible, of on war the architecture contrary, are are some still authentic visible; the examples bunkers of near war Ramskapelle architecture. and The the protected bunkers near monuments Ramskapelle of the and Duvetorr the protected and Bommenvrij monuments are of some the Duvetorr last and remainders. Bommenvrij, for example, are few of the very last of the very remainders. Westtoer i Website 24

25 AUG 2018 Ypres, Nieuwpoort, Veurne, Diksmuide, Poperinge and Dranouter THE SUMMER OF 18 CONCERTS AUGUST 2018 During the summer of 2018, the GoneWest concerts will be added grafted to existing onto existing local, local, summer summer events events in the in Westhoek the Westhoek area. The area. series The of series of concerts will end in a grand finale on the Grote market Markt square in Ypres in Ypres on on Saturday Saturday 25 August 25 August i Free access SEP 2018 Zonnebeke CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE, CARABINIERS-GRENADIERS 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 The great Allied offensive that started on 28 September 1918 ended the First World War. On that day the Belgians, under the command of King Albert I, together with British and French troops, attacked the Germans at the Ypres Salient. The Belgian Carabiniers-Grenadiers advanced into and gained control over the ruins of the village of Passchendaele after heavy fighting. Afterwards, the offensive advanced to Moorslede and Roeselare. Exactly 100 years later, their efforts will be remembered at the church in Passchendaele. i info@passchendaele.be NOV 2018 Crest Farm Memorial, Passchendaele Church PASSCHENDAELE CEREMONY CANADIAN MEMORIAL SERVICE p NOVEMBER November 1917 marked marks the day that Canadian troops ended the Battle Battle of Passchendaele of Passchendaele by capturing by capturing the ruins the of ruins the of village. the village. The Passchen- The Passchendaele Ceremony Ceremony commemorates commemorates the end of the the end battle of the and battle all casual- and all casualties, communities, communities, and countries and countries involved. involved. The ceremony The ceremony starts starts with a with a subdued reflection at at the the Crest Farm Canadian Memorial, followed by by a a torchlight parade along the Canadalaan. The parade follows the path of of the last hundred metres of the attack and ends in Passchendaele. After the ceremony, all participants will be invited to an open-air reception, followed by a concert in the church. i info@passchendaele.be Menin Gate, Ypres ARMISTICE REMEMBRANCE The Armistice is commemorated each year in Ypres with an extensive programme of events. Highlights include the Special Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate at 11 am and the The Great War Remembered concert in St Martin s Cathedral at 4.30 pm. p NOVEMBER 2018 Events i 25

26 PLACES WORLD TO WAR VISIT I SITES YPRES & SURROUNDINGS Throughout the war, Ypres and the Ypres Salient, the area around Ypres, was the scene of the heaviest battles. These fierce battles have left their mark on the landscape around the city. IN FLANDERS FIELDS MUSEUM The permanent exhibition focuses on the personal stories of ordinary people and establishes a link to the landscape of WWI in Flanders Fields. More than 2,000 original objects and documents are on display and a new scenography highlights the most recent museum applications, including touch screens, interactive poppy bracelets, video projections, and soundscapes. In addition, visitors can climb the belfry for a wonderful view of what was once a completely devastated region. 26 Address Cloth Hall Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ypres Contact +32 (0) flandersfields@ieper.be Website Opening hours 1 April - 15 November: Mon - Sun: 10 am a.m pm p.m 16 November - 31 March: Tue - Sun: 10 a.m. am -- 5 pm p.m. 25 December & 1 January: Closed Price Adults: 9.00 Youth (ages 19-25): 5.00 Children (ages 7-18): 4.00 Children under 7: free Groups (min. 15): 7.00 Schools (min. 15): 4.00 Suppl. to visit the belfry: bell tower: Groups must book at least 14 days in advance.

27 THE MENIN GATE AND THE LAST POST The most famous Commonwealth War Memorial Graves Commission bears the names Memorial of bears 54,896 the soldiers names of who 54,896 were soldiers reported who missing were reported in the Ypres missing Salient in the between Ypres Salient the outbreak between the of the outbreak war and of the 15 August war and August Due to a lack Due of to space, a lack after of space, that date after names that date were names listed were listed at Tyne on Cot. the An Memorial exception at Tyne was Cot. made An for exception Australian was and made Canadian for Australian soldiers who and Canadian were missing soldiers in action who were until the missing end in of action the war. until There the are end no of New the war. Zealand There names, are no New as their Zealand missing names, are commemorated as their missing in are cemeteries commemorated near to in where cemeteries they near died. to where Every they night died. at eight Every o clock night at sharp, eight the o clock resounding sharp, the bugle resounding call of the bugle call of volunteers the volunteers of the of Ypres the Ypres Last Last Post Post Association, who who are are members members of the of the Ypres Ypres Voluntary Fire Brigade, rings out as a tribute to the fallen under the Menin Gate. The Menin Gate will celebrate her 90th anniversary in The Menin Gate will celebrate its 90th anniversary in June i Website INDIAN FORCES MEMORIAL This memorial, behind the Menin Gate, is dedicated to the 130,000 soldiers of the Indian Forces who served in Flanders during the Great War. 9,000 members of the Indian Expeditionary Force died as casualties in France and Flanders, not only due to the nature of their injuries in battle but also due to the severe winter weather conditions they were exposed to. NEW IRISH FARM CEMETERY The New Irish Farm Cemetery opened at the outbreak of the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). It was named after a nearby farm. During the final German advance from April to May 1918, new graves were added. At the time of the Armistice, it contained 73 graves but was then greatly enlarged with more than 4,500 new graves. Briekestraat, Ieper Ypres RAMPARTS CEMETERY English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh soldiers along with Canadian, New Zealand and Australian soldiers are buried here. Also in this beautiful cemetery are ten Maoris, a working party of the New Zealand Maori (Pioneer) Battalion who were shelled near Ypres on 31 December Lille Gate, Ypres 27Sites

28 HILL 60 & CATERPILLAR CRATER Hill 60 was captured by the 11th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment on 7 June 1917 during the Battle of Messines, when two huge mines were blown: one on the hill itself, with a charge of more than 53,000 lbs, was blown by the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, whose memorial is on Hill 60. They also blew the neighbouring Caterpillar Crater (width 260ft (80m), depth 50ft (15m)). Zwarteleenstraat, Zillebeke Opening hours from dusk to dawn Entrance free access Westtoer ARTILLERY WOOD CEMETERY GRAVE OF POETS HEDD WYN & FRANCIS LEDWIGE ST. GEORGE S MEMORIAL CHURCH ESSEX FARM/SITE JOHN MCCRAE There are many Welsh burials on this cemetery, including that of the famous poet Hedd Wyn. In addition, the Irish poet Francis Ledwidge is also buried here. Poezelstraat, Boezinge This Anglican Church was built to commemorate the dead, to serve as a meeting place for visiting relatives, and to keep alive the memory of the sacrifices made in Ypres and the Ypres Salient. i Website A total of 1,185 soldiers are buried at Essex Farm, including one of the youngest casualties of the war: Valentine Joe Strudwick was just 15 years old when he was killed. Next to the cemetery, you can still see the concrete bunkers in which a dressing station was housed. It was in one of these primitive dug-outs that the Canadian military doctor John McCrae wrote his world-famous poem In Flanders Fields at the beginning of May Diksmuideseweg, Ypres 28

29 SAINT CHARLES DE POTYZE The largest French military cemetery in Belgium contains 4,200 graves, including 69 Islamic tombs. A Breton Pieta by the Sculptor J. Fréour is located at the front of the site, mourning over the lost dead. Zonnebeekseweg, Ypres WELSH NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK Langemark THE BROODING SOLDIER, SINT-JULIAAN Langemark GERMAN MILITARY CEMETERY Langemark Westtoer Westtoer The red dragon, built on a dolmen (in Welsh cromlech ), stands in the middle of an area that was conquered by Welsh troops on 31 July It looks in the direction of Passchendaele, the village that would only be taken three months later at the expense of half a million victims. The surrounding park is dedicated to all Welsh people involved in the Great War, both soldiers and civilians. Boezingestraat 158 Langemark-Poelkapelle The Brooding Soldier is a 33ft (10m) high granite monument. It represents a grieving Canadian soldier, in memory of the 2,000 soldiers who died in 1915 as a result of a gas attack in the Second Battle of Ypres. Brugseweg Brugsweg Langemark-Poelkapelle Behind its monumental entrance building lie some 44,300 German soldiers, half of whom are buried in a mass grave. Over 3,000 cadets and student volunteers are among the dead, which is why the cemetery is also called the Studentenfriedhof. Klerkenstraat Poelkapelle 29Sites

30 BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY HOOGE CRATER PRIVATE MUSEUM Zillebeke This cemetery, just outside Ypres, is one of the largest British cemeteries in the Westhoek. Amongst others, it holds 20 Indian graves. Bedford House Cemetery stands in what was once the park of Rosendael Castle, which the British troops renamed Bedford House during WWI. The castle served as a headquarters and as a medical aid post. Several small cemeteries were started in the castle grounds. The magnificent garden architecture makes Bedford House Cemetery a unique WWI site. Rijselseweg, Ypres The Hooge Crater Museum owes its name to a pair of historical events that took place during the Great War. Until the start of WWI, the t Hooghe Castle stood on top of the t Hooghe hill in Zillebeke. During the war, the castle that served as the British HQ, was totally destroyed. In 1915, the British blew up a number of tunnels, which created a large crater to the north of the castle. During the 1920s, a chapel was built nearby in memory of those killed in WWI. Following renovation works, it was sold to a private individual who amassed a valuable collection of weapons, uniforms and equipment from the four different armies that took part in WWI. Among the most striking items on display are the life-sized tableaux that show what daily life during the war was like. Today, in the former local schoolhouse, there is a themed café where you can admire a collection of decorated shell casings (trench art). Hooge Crater Museum Meenseweg 467, Zillebeke 8902 Contact 32 (0) Website Opening hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 am a.m.-6-6 p.m. pm Sunday 10 am a.m.-9-9 p.m. pm Sites COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION CENTENARY MAY 2017 In May 1917, the Imperial War Graves Commission (now the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, (CWGC) was established by Royal Charter to reflect the Imperial cooperation which was evident during the First World War. The core ideology of the Commission would be equality. Land for cemeteries and memorials was sought and the enormous task of recording the details of the dead began. By 1918, some 587,000 graves had been identified and a further 559,000 casualties were registered as having no known grave. Leading architects were commissioned by the Commission to design and construct the cemeteries and memorials: Sir Edwin Lutyens, Sir Herbert Baker and Sir Reginald Blomfield. Rudyard Kipling was tasked with advising on inscriptions. Memorials to the Missing express the enormity of the human sacrifice made. The first to be commissioned and completed was Blomfield s magnificent memorial in Ypres, The Menin Gate Memorial, in June This memorial commemorates the names of almost 55,000 men on 1,200 panels, and where, since 1928, the Last Post Ceremony has taken place each evening at 8 o clock. The next memorial to be constructed was at Tyne Cot Cemetery. The Commonwealth War Grave Commission cemeteries and memorials across Flanders Fields are instantly recognised by long rows of white memorial stones, the Cross of Sacrifice and the Stone of Remembrance. They commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers from the former British Empire: British, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, South Africans and those from India and the Caribbean. Information on the CWGC centenary events and the other cemeteries: 30

31 YORKSHIRE TRENCH GUYNEMER PAVILION ENTRY POINTS YPRES SALIENT Authentic restored trenches just behind Entry Point North. In the first days of the Third Battle of Ypres, the 38th Welsh Division played a large part in the sector. Bargiestraat Ypres WELSH CEMETERY Up to the Third Battle of Ypres, the cemetery lay in no man s land between the two lines. As there were no troops here, it was less shelled which made it ideal for a cemetery once the battle had passed over it. The site is also known as Caesar s Nose as there was a curly shape in the German frontline. The 38th (Welsh) Division buried 23 soldiers here. It was used until the following November. The cemetery contains 68 First World War burials. Moortelweg Boezinge Opening in September 2017, this exhibition covers the role of military aviation in the First World War. There is a special focus on the extraordinary life of the outstanding French pilot Georges Guynemer, who was involved in more than 600 aerial combats, survived being shot down seven times, and achieved 53 victories. On Monday 11 September 1917, sadly, he crashed between the British and German lines, near the Poelkapelle cemetery. The exhibition also looks more generally at aviation during the First World War and its considerable significance. Text and images will expertly tell the story, from the use of aviation for reconnaissance to its use for bombing enemy positions. The Pavilion s showpiece will be a replica of the Morane-Saulnier Type L (Parasol). Brugsesweg Brugseweg Poelkapelle 8920 Poelkapelle From October 1914 to October 1918, the battlefield of the First World War was located a mile or two from the centre of Ypres. The trenches described a curve from north to south around Ypres. No fewer than fifty bloody battles were fought in that notorious Ypres Salient. Three Entry Points along the Ypres Salient inform you about the events along the Ypres Salient. Today s landscape is shown as a witness of the past, 100 years ago, in a historical film, three walking routes, a digital application, and a cycling route that connects the three points. In Entry Point North, a number of portraits of war poets include the Canadian doctor John McCrae and Irishman Francis Ledwige. Entry Point point East: Hooge Crater Museum, museum see view p.30 p.x Entry Point point North: Kleine Poezelstraat, 8904 Boezinge Entry Point point South: Opening hours Palingbeekstraat, 8902 Zillebeke info@guynemerpaviljoen.be (opens September 2017) Wed to Sat 10 am pm Website Limited Sundays (check the website) toerisme@langemark-poelkapelle.be Website Sites 31

32 PASSCHENDAELE/ ZONNEBEKE The name Zonnebeke probably doesn t sound very familiar, but almost everyone has heard of its neighbouring village: Passendale (Passchendaele). It was here that, in 1917, the Allied army fought for several months in a desperate bid to break the German line. They soon began referring to the village as Passion-dale : the valley of suffering. The Memorial Museum of Passchendaele 1917 The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 presents the historic story of the First World War in a poignant and vivid way, with a particular emphasis on the Battle of Passchendaele. This battle in 1917 is known as one of the most horrific battles of the First World Address Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 Berten Pilstraat 5/A 8980 Zonnebeke Contact +32 (0) toerisme@zonnebeke.be War, with more than half a million casualties for a territorial gain of just eight five miles. kilometres. Passchendaele Passchendaele not only not only became became a concept a concept in the in history the history of of the the First First World World War, War, it also it also became a symbol of the great futility of the violence of war in all its horror. Website Opening hours Daily: 9 am a.m pm p.m. (Last entry 4:30 pm) p.m.) 16 December - 31 January Closed The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 combines the interactive design of a modern museum with an exceptional opportunity to experience the dugouts and trenches. An intense experience that will enrich your knowledge of the battle sites in the area. Price Adults: 8.50 Children under 7: free Students: 5 Groups (min. 15 persons): 6.50 Students students 4 Groups must book in advance TYNE COT CEMETERY AND VISITOR CENTRE This is the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission military cemetery in continental Europe, with almost 12,000 tombstones. The rear back wall of of the the cemetery graveyard is inscribed is inscribed with with the names the names of 34,957 of missing 34,957 missing soldiers soldiers who fell who in fell the in Battle the Battle of Passchendaele of Passchendaele and later. and later. Vijfwegestraat Zonnebeke 32

33 POLYGON WOOD Polygon Wood is a large wood one mile south of the village of Zonnebeke, which was completely devastated in the First World War. The wood was cleared by Commonwealth troops at the end of October 1914, given up on 3 May 1915, taken again at the end of September 1917 by Australian troops, evacuated in the Battles of the Lys, and finally retaken by the 9th (Scottish) Division on 28 September Here you will find a burial ground named Buttes New British Cemetery with the New Zealand Memorial, which commemorates 383 officers and men of the New Zealand Division. On top of the butte (hill) you will find the Memorial of the 5th Australian Division. In Polygon Wood you can still see the remains of several shelters. Each year on ANZAC Day (25 April), the efforts of the ANZAC soldiers are commemorated during the Dawn Service. Lange dreve, Zonnebeke Westtoer NEW ZEALAND MEMORIAL AT S GRAVENTAFEL This memorial commemorates the New Zealand Division s participation in the Battle of Broodseinde on 4 October This attack by ANZAC forces successfully pushed forward the allied trench line in the early part of the Passchendaele offensive but was followed by the inadequately prepared attack of 12 October 's Graventafelstraat Zonnebeke 85TH CANADIAN MEMORIAL Westtoer This monument was the first one to be erected in the region. It honours the memory of the 85th Canadian infantry (Nova Scotia) Battallion which suffered heavy losses during the Second Battle of Passchendaele at the end of October CREST FARM CANADIAN MEMORIAL This marks the place where the Canadian Corps saw fierce fighting during the Second Battle of Passchendaele and won possession of the high ground at Crest Farm. Canadalaan 37 Zonnebeke Sites Passendalestraat 84 Zonnebeke 33

34 PASSSCHENDAELE MEMORIAL PARK The historic grounds of the Zonnebeke villa are the ideal departure point for an exploratory route through the battlefields of The well-known Polygon Wood and Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War cemetery Graves in Commission the world, cemetery are located in Europe, less than are three located kilometres less than away. two miles You can away. relax You completely can relax completely in the grounds, in the read grounds, a book on read a a bench book in on the a bench park, stroll in the hand-inhand stroll by the lake, or take a moment to stop and think about the history of WWI in the Poppy Gardens ; Gardens, themed gardens dedicated to the various nations that fought in the Battle of park, Passchendaele. PASSCHENDAELE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY BLACK WATCH MEMORIAL SCOTTISH MEMORIAL FREZENBERG Sites The cemetery was created after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of Passchendaele and Langemark. The structure of the front of this cemetery is somewhat unusual, with almost a barred window appearance such as a prison might have. Almost all the graves date from the autumn of 1917, and thus from the Third Battle of Ypres. There are 2,101 burials here, 1,600 of which (more than three-quarters) are unidentified. 's Graventafelstraat Zonnebeke Zenon B This statue of a Black Watch soldier, unveiled in May 2014, at the southwest edge of the Polygon Wood, is located at almost exactly the same place that made history as the Black Watch Corner on 10/11 November 1914 when a German advance was halted. It constitutes a permanent tribute to the steadfastness of the legendary Black Watch Regiment and honours nearly officers and soldiers killed and more than injured during WWI. This memorial is the only one on the former Western Front dedicated to all Scots and all those of Scottish descent who fought in France and Flanders during WWI. It is now the main site of remembrance activities for all Scots. This memorial also remembers those men of the South African Brigade who, throughout the war, fought with the Scots as part of the 9th (Scottish) Division. Ieperstraat Zonnebeke PASSCHENDAELE CHURCH Passchendaele church was totally destroyed by shellfire in However, it has since been reconstructed and now dominates the village square. Within the church are memorial windows in honour of the 66th Division of the British Expeditionary Force. Oude Kortrijkstraat Zonnebeke 34

35 MESSINES Westtoer Mesen or Messines has a special place place in the in history the history of the of Irish the people. Irish people. It It was was here, here, on on 7 June 7 June 1917, 1917, that that two two Irish divisions the 16th Division from Catholic Ireland and the 36th Division from the Protestant community in Ulster fought side by side. Also, the New Zealand Division took part in the Messines Offensive with 8, soldiers. ISLAND OF IRELAND PEACE PARK The Peace Park with its traditional Irish round tower pays tribute to all Irish soldiers who fell during the war, regardless of their background. The nine talking stones tell their tale through poetry, prayer and diaries, while the Peace Pledge calls on Protestants and Catholics to forgive each other. Registers in the base of the tower list those commemorated. The park was officially opened on 11 November 1998 by Queen Elizabeth ll and the Irish President, Mary McAleese. MEMORIALS TO THE 16TH IRISH DIVISION AND TO THE 36TH ULSTER DIVISION These memorials in the form of two stones, are set one of each side of the road. They are located roughly where the two Divisions joined in their successful attack to take Wytschaete. Armentierssteenweg TOURIST INFORMATION POINT THE PEACE CARILLON The carillon in the St. Saint Nicolas Nicolas church church tower has 59 bells. The first bell of peace (weighing (weighs more more than than pounds) pounds) was inaugurated was inaugurated on 17th May on 17th 1985 May in 1985 Ypres in by Ypres Pope by John Pope Paul John II. Paul The carillon II. The carillon can be heard can be every heard 15 every minutes, 15 minutes, ringing ringing out hymns out from hymns the from nations the nations that took that part took in World part War in World I. War I. Armentierssteenweg MESSINES RIDGE BRITISH CEMETERY & MEMORIAL In all, 1,503 soldiers are buried here: 985 British, 322 Australian, 115 New Zealand, and 56 South African soldiers. Only 549 bodies could be identified. In this cemetery you will also find a Memorial to the Missing, that commemorates over 840 New Zealand Expeditionary Force soldiers who were killed in Messines in and who have no known grave. Nieuwkerkestraat The exhibition in the visitor centre situated in the former town hall gives you a detailed overview of what happened during the First World War in Messines. Markt Armentierssteenweg 22, Messines THE NEW ZEALAND SOLDIER toerisme@mesen.be Website: Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 9 am - noon/1.30 pm - 5 pm Friday: 9 am - noon/1.30 pm - 4 pm Guided tours for groups (min 15 persons) can also be arranged in the weekend and out of office hours. Please contact the tourist office for more information. THE NEW ZEALAND SOLDIER The statue in the centre of town, is a memorial to all soldiers of the New Zealand Division that fought in the Battle of Messines Riddge. 35Sites

36 HEUVELLAND/ / WIJTSCHATE The (WYTCHAETE) battle of Messines took place on Heuvelland/Wijtschate territory. Numerous The Battle of relics Messines of this took battle place can on be found in the landscape of this hilly area. Heuvelland/Wijtschaete (Wytchaete) territory. Numerous relics of this battle can be found in the landscape of this hilly area. Milo-profi photography HEUVELLAND VISITOR CENTRE (OPENS IN FEBRUARY APRIL 2017) 2017) Sites 36 Milo-profi photography BAYERNWALD The once impregnable German trenches on the Kemmel Hill played an important role in the Battle of Messines. The French named the area Bayernwald. Voormezelestraat, WIjtschate Milo-profi photography THE POOL OF PEACE The Pool of Peace (Spanbroekmolenkrater) was the largest result of of the largest mines of that the were blown mines that the were start blown of the at assault the start on of Messines the assault Ridge. on Messines Before it Ridge. was blown, Before the it was mine blown, was the 88 feet mine deep was and 88ft (27m) contained deep and contained 91,000 lbs 91,000 of ammonal. lbs of Once ammonal. it was Once blown, it was the crater blown, was the crater 250 was feet 250ft wide (75m) (with wide a 90 (with feet-wide a 90ft (27m) rim) and wide 40 rim) feet and deep. 40ft (12m) deep. Kruisstraat, WIjtschate This This family newly refurbished, friendly visitor family centre friendly opens in Visitor February Centre 2017 houses and will a number pay also of attention permanent to the WW1 mine exhibitions battle of with June a particular focus on the centenary of the Battle of the Messines or the Battle of the Mines as it is also known, Sint-Laurentiusplein looking at the impacts 1 on the landscape 8950 Heuvelland the archaeology of the area. Contact i toerisme@heuvelland.be Address Sint-Laurentiusplein 1 Website 8950 Heuvelland Contact Opening toerisme@heuvelland.be hours 01/04 15/11: Monday Website to Saturday from 9.30 a.m p.m. from 1 p.m. 5 p.m. Sundays and public holidays from Opening 10 a.m. hours to 4 p.m. 116/11 01/04 April - 31/03: 15/11: November Monday - Sat to 9.30 Saturday am - 12 from pm/ pm a.m. - 5pm Sundays from to 12 p.m and a.m. Public from to 12 Holidays 1 a.m. p.m. to 10 5 p.m. am - 4pm 16 and Sundays November from and 1 p.m. public - 31 to 4 March holidays p.m. Mon Closed from - 10 Sat on a.m Sunday to am 4 p.m. and - 12 pm/1pm public - 4pm Closed holidays, 16/11 31/03: Sundays except and for Easter Public Holidays, except Monday Easter to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 12 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday and public holidays, except for Easter

37 GRAVE OF MAJOR WILLIAM REDMOND MP Considering his age, Irishman Major William Redmond MP, wasn t even supposed to be on the battlefield during the Battle of Messines. After he was shot twice, he was carried off the battlefield by Private John Meeke, a Protestant soldier. They reached the Casualty Clearing Station at the Catholic Hospice at Loker where Redmond died of his wounds. The nuns buried him in the grounds of the hospice; he was later moved to the CWGC cemetery, but at the request of his family he was moved again to outside the cemetery walls. Godschalkstraat, Heuvelland Westtoer SPANBROEKMOLEN BRITISH CEMETERY WYTSCHAETE MILITARY CEMETERY COMMONWEALTH The cemetery comprising 58 burials was almost exclusively used for burying some of those who fell on the first day of the Battle of Messines, 7 June, 1917 (three graves are from 8 June). All except one grave are those of men of the 36th Ulster Division (the Royal Irish Rifles and the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers). This cemetery was actually lost in later fighting, and only rediscovered after the Armistice. i WIjtschatestraat, Address Heuvelland WIjtschatestraat, Heuvelland A post-war concentration cemetery where over two thirds of the 1,002 buried or commemorated are unidentified. There are three sets of special memorial stones set behind the Stone of Remembrance to the right of the cemetery, commemorating soldiers originally buried in other cemeteries but whose graves were destroyed. WIjtschatestraat, Heuvelland AMERICAN MONUMENT Kemmel A heavy rectangular block on a wide rectangular platform honours the 27th and 30th American divisions. The monument was built in 1929 by the American Battle Monuments Commission and was created after a design made by George Howe from Philadelphia. Vierstraat, Mount Kemmel KEMMEL HILL FRENCH OSSUARY Kemmel The ossuary contains 5,294 bodies of fallen soldiers, of which only 57 have been identified. Most of these French soldiers were killed on the hill during the second battle for Kemmel Hill. A column stands at the centre of the cemetery and is topped with the traditional French mascot, a cockerel. LONE TREE CEMETERY The cemetery contains 88 graves (six of which are of unknown individuals). Nearly all the graves are those of soldiers of the Royal Irish Rifles who fell on 7 June, the first day of the Battle of Messines. Some of them were actually killed by the explosion of the Spanbroekmolen mine (which was blown around 15 seconds later than planned) as they advanced. Kruisstraat, Heuvelland 37Sites

38 Micha+1/2l Depestele Poperinge During WWI, Poperinge, referred to During WWI Poperinge, or Pop, was by soldiers as Pop or Pops, was the town situated directly behind the the town situated directly behind the front lines. It was a place of temporary front lines. It was a place of temporary camps and hospitals where soldiers camps and hospitals where soldiers came to rest or to be medically taken came to rest or to be medically taken care of. The troops had, amongst care of. The troops had, amongst others, shops, restaurants, hotels, other, shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs, pubs, cinemas and theatres at their cinemas and theatres at their disposal. disposal. But the peaceful atmosphere But the peaceful atmosphere was was misleading as the city was misleading as the city was exposed to exposed to daily bombardment. daily bombardment. Sites Kris Jacobs LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY & VISITOR CENTRE From 1915 to 1920 the hamlet of Lijssenthoek (Boescheepseweg) was the site of the largest evacuation hospital along the Ypres Salient and is now the second largest Commonwealth cemetery in Belgium. Today, Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery bears witness to more than four years of warfare, with the graves of 10,784 soldiers mainly British but also some French and German soldiers too. It also holds the grave of the only woman to be buried in a CWGC cemetery in Belgium, the British nurse, Nellie Spindler. The Visitor Centre, situated next to the cemetery, offers information on this unique site, including details about daily life in the hospital and the creation of the cemetery. Lijssenthoek Cemetery Visitor Centre Boescheepseweg 35A 8970 Poperinge Contact +32 (0) toerisme@poperinge.be Website Opening hours Open all year Daily: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Price Free access Tour guides Book a guide at the Tourist Office Fully accessible to disabled visitors 38

39 TALBOT HOUSE: EVERY MAN S CLUB EXECUTION SITE/ DEATH CELLS Poperinge Talbot House Lijssenthoek archives The most well-known soldiers club of the Great War comprises a garden and various rooms, including the chapel, the kitchen, and the hall. A tablet application guides the visitor through the museum and the house. Besides a museum, Talbot House is still the Every Man s Club it has always been. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea in the canteen or book a room and spend the night. During the Great War the courtyard of Poperinge Town Hall was used as an execution site. Several British soldiers faced the firing squad here. Today, this is a symbolic site for reflection and remembrance. Visitors to the death cells are confronted with a video image of a soldier waiting to be shot at dawn and can read graffiti left by prisoners. Tourism Poperinge Grote Markt Poperinge Contact +32 (0) toerisme@poperinge.be Website Kris Jacobs Talbot House Gasthuisstraat Poperinge Contact Tel +32 (0) info@talbothouse.be Website Opening hours Tuesday-Sunday 10 am a.m :30 pm p.m. Monday Closed Price Adults: 8.00 Children: 5.00 Groups: 6.00 (advance bookings only) Schools: 5.00 Trade: 6.00 Tour guides There are no guided tours, but for groups a general introduction to Talbot House can be provided on request (advance notice required). Opening hours Daily 6 a.m. am - 8 pm p.m. Price Free access Tour guides: Book a guide at the tourist office 39Sites

40 Westtoer DIKSMUIDE Diksmuide & SURROUNDINGS surroundings Diksmuide was reduced to rubble during WWI. It was the scene of the famous Battle of the Yser in 1914, where with huge losses, French and Belgian troops finally stopped the German advance. The old town centre was rebuilt completely completely after the after armistice. the armistice. MUSEUM ON THE YSER (YSER TOWER) The museum focuses on the Belgian-German military confrontation during WWI as well as on Flemish emancipation. It emphasises the message of peace with the slogan: What remains of our lives? What remains of the country? From the panorama hall on the rooftop terrace, 273 feet above Flanders Fields, you have a unique view over the entire area from Nieuwpoort at the coast to Ypres and Ploegsteert. Address Ijzerdijk Diksmuide Contact +32 (0) info@aandeijzer.be Website Opening hours 1 April - 30 September 909:00 am - 618:00 pm (last entry :30) pm 1 October - 31 March 9 am a.m. - 5 pm p.m. (last entry :30 pm) p.m.) Weekends and public holidays open from 10 a.m. Closed: 24, 25, 26 & 31 December; 1 & 2 January; three weeks after the Christmas holiday Price Adults: INDIVIDUALS 8.00 Ages Adults: 7-17: Under Ages 7-17: 7: free 2.50 Groups -7: free (min. 20) Adults: GROUPS 6.00 (min. 20) Ages Adults: 7-17: Under Ages 7-17: 7: free 2.50 Guides -7: free Guides per hour 25.00/hour 40

41 TRENCH OF DEATH This is the only remaining Belgian trench of the First World War. The adjoining interpretation centre with interactive applications, life-size pictures, a collection of film footage, and over a hundred original objects allow visitors to discover the story of the infamous Trench of Death. A German bunker in the immediate vicinity of the Belgian trench is also included in the tour, allowing both sides of the story to be told. IJzerdijk Diksmuide Contact +32 (0) dodengang.diksmuide@klm-mra.be Website Opening hours 1 April - 15 November: Daily 10 a.m. am - 5 pm p.m. (last entry :30 pm) p.m.) 16 November - 31 March Tuesday & Friday 9: am a.m. - 4 pm p.m. (last entry :30 pm) p.m.) Closed between 25 December and 3 January Prices Adults: 4.00 under 7: free GROUPS Groups (min. 15): 15): 2.00 VLADSLO GERMAN MILITARY CEMETERY Known as Vladslo, in Praetbos forest, this German cemetery is the final resting place of some 25,638 German soldiers. On display at the cemetery is a moving sculpture, The Grieving Parents, created by Käthe Kollwitz, a major German expressionist artist, out of personal grief and love for her 18-year old son Peter, who was killed in the war. Praatbos, Diksmuide 41

42 KÄTHE KOLLWITZ MUSEUM Koekelare The Grieving Parents by Käthe Kollwitz, at Vladso, is a world-famous work of art that symbolises the terrible suffering that war inflicted on the Germans. More of her work can be seen in the nearby Käthe Kollwitz Tower in Koekelare, which houses seven of her graphic works. Her art is characterised by a deep compassion for all victims of poverty, exploitation and oppression. Her pacifism and abhorrence of war can be clearly felt throughout her works. A museum guide is available. Käthe Kollwitz Tower Sint-Maartensplein 15, Koekelare 8680 Contact + 32 (0) Website Sites Westtoer Westtoer BELGIAN MILITARY CEMETERY Houthulst The most well-known Belgian war cemetery, with 1,855 graves arranged in the form of a six-point star. The victims fell mainly during the liberation offensive of It is located in the heart of Houthulst forest and also holds 81 Italian soldiers. Poelkapellestraat Three Canal Houthulst LANGE MAX MUSEUM Koekelare The Lange Max Museum is situated on the German side of the Western Front, with a farmyard at the heart of this cultural location. A long lane takes you from the farmyard to the remains of the artillery platform of former German cannon Lange Max. This new museum tells the story of one of the largest cannon of its time, which was designed to bombard Dunkirk. The museum focuses on the German occupation of Koekelare with a unique exhibition on the organisation behind the front line and the production of army goods. It also features the little Bakehouse, which still shows signs of German presence, and has now been converted into a multimedia room. i Adress Address Clevenstraat Three Canal 2, 8680 Koekelare Website THREE CANALS THREE (DRIE GRACHTEN) CANALS Merkem In 1914 and 1915, the Three Canals site (Drie Grachten) was an important outpost for the Belgian and later French troops. A memorial plaque on the wall commemorates the French Zouaves. In November 1914, French Zouaves attacked strong German positions. The Germans launched their advance by making captured Zouaves walk ahead of them into no man s land. Suddenly one of the Zouaves cried out, Shoot us, for God s sake: it s the Germans! The attack failed. De Boot, an ecological canal boat, is moored at the Three Canals. Three Canals Drie Grachtensteenweg 8650 Merkem Opening hours From dusk to dawn Entrance Free access 42

43 NIEUWPOORT Nieuwpoort Town by the water, water. the Nieuwpoort s current motto of strapline Nieuwpoort was even was more even true more during true during the Great the War. Great It was War. water It was that water halted that halted the German the German invaders invaders Flanders. in Flanders. miracle A miracle made possible made possible by the know- by the A know-how of two of locals two and locals a handful a handful of of Belgian Belgian officers officers and and soldiers. soldiers. And And yes, British officers had entertained a similar a similar idea idea shortly shortly before. before. The The Belgians opened Belgians the opened sluices the of sluices Nieuwpoort of Nieuwpoort and a controlled managed flooding a controlled of the and managed Yser flooding estuary. of the This Yser genius estuary. plan This ensured the genius safety plan of ensured the French the Channel safety of Ports the and, French as a Channel direct consequence; Ports and, as the a direct British consequence; Expeditionary the BEF Force was not (BEF) cut was off not from cut its off supplies from its and supplies its homeland. its homeland. Brains rather Brains than rather blood than had blood gained a had decisive gained victory, a decisive with victory, water as with an ally. water The incident as an ally. was The even incident described was as even a described new kind as of a Waterloo new kind by of some. Waterloo by some. VISITOR CENTRE WESTFRONT NIEUWPOORT Westfront Nieuwpoort tells the full story of the flooding of the plains, bringing the German invasion to a halt halt at the at outskirts the outskirts of the of city. the It city. is the It is the story story of the of power the power of the of sea the and sea and the the smart smart handling handling of the of water the water locks. locks. The The perfect perfect place place to tell to the tell story the story of the of flooding the flooding is the King is the Albert King l Albert monument Ist monument the edge on of the edge lock complex of the lock The complex Ganzepoot The (the Ganzepoot. Goose Foot). A modern and A modern interactive and interactive visitor centre visitor was centre built underneath was built underneath the monument. the monument. A highlight of A highlight the visit is of definitely the visit is the definitely projection of the the projection 377 feet of long the and 377ft 49 (115m) feet high animated long and 49ft Yser-Panorama (15m) high animated painting. Last Yser-Panorama but not least, painting. do not Last forget but to not visit least, the do top not of forget the monument to visit the itself top of and the monument enjoy the panoramic itself and enjoy view over the the panoramic coast and view the over hinterland. the coast and the hinterland. Address Kustweg Nieuwpoort Contact +32 (0) info@westfrontnieuwpoort.be Website Opening hours Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed: every Monday (except (exept on bank bank holidays) 25 December & 1 January Januari Price Adults: years: free 7-25 years: 5.00 GROUPS Groups (min. 20) 20) Adults: year: years: 3.50 Schools: 3.00 Tour guides: Sites

44 Other interesting sites in Flanders Feelds Fields FLANDERS FIELDS AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL + & VISITOR CENTRE (spring (Opening 2017) Spring 2017) Waregem The Flanders Field American Cemetery is the only World War I US cemetery in Belgium. It lies on a battlefield where the 91st Division fought during the Ypres-Lys offensive, from 30 October to 11 November The majority of the 368 fallen soldiers lost their lives during those last days of the war. In the spring of 2017, a visitor centre devoted to the US involvement in Belgium during WWI will open in the former Superintendent s quarters. The activities of the four US divisions that fought in Belgium will be explained, selected stories of soldiers buried in the cemetery will be highlighted, and the ways in which we commemorate those soldiers, then and now, will be described. Address Wortegemseweg Stad- en Landshuis Waregem Westtoer i Website Opening hours Mon-Sun: 9 am 5 pm Price free access Guides book Free (advance in advance: booking free essential) flanders-field@abmc.gov VRIJ VADERLAND (FREE FATHERLAND) Veurne VRIJ VADERLAND (FREE FATHERLAND) Veurne The Experience Centre in the historic town of Veurne focuses on the last remaining section of Belgium that was not occupied by the Germans, the so-called Belgian Sector. From here, King Albert I succeeded in resisting the German occupying forces. Veurne and the surrounding region were populated by people from all over the country, from other continents as well as by refugees, doctors and nurses. In the Experience Centre, visitors can experience the events behind the front line, the daily life in this last unoccupied sector of Belgium. They can also witness a real melting pot of people, a multicultural community before the concept even existed. Vrij Vaderland uses an interesting scenography to tell this story, combining modern media with traditional exhibition techniques. Address Stad- en Landshuis Grote Markt Veurne Contact +32 (0) info@vrijvaderland.be Website Opening hours 1 April - 11 November: Mon - Fri: 99:00 am - 17:00 5pm Sat, - Sun So & public holidays: 10:00 am - 17:00 5 pm 12 November - 31 March: Mon - Fri: Fri 9:00 9 am - 17:00 5 pm Sat, - Sun & public holidays: 13:00 pm - 17:00 5 pm 25 December & 1 January: closed Price Adults: : 3.00 Children (7-18): 2.00 Groups (min. 15 persons): 3.00 Schools: ,00 44

45 Other interesting sites in Flanders and and Brussels THE TOWER OF THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Leuven The university library tower is one of the most important landmarks in Leuven city centre. An evocative and innovative representation of the destruction and reconstruction of the town of Leuven that took place as a result of WWI (and to a lesser degree WWII) is exhibited in the closed part of the tower. A highlight of the visit is the outside balcony where visitors can enjoy a unique view of the city of Leuven. Toerisme Leuven Mgr. Ladeuzeplein 21 Mgr Ladeuzeplein Leuven Leuven Opening hours Daily Opening Every 10 day am hours from - 5pm 10 am until 5 pm except Every Closed day public on from public holidays 10 holidays am until 5 pm Closed on public holidays Price Standard: Price 7.00 Trade: Standard: reservations Trade: 4.00 via trade.visitleuven@leuven.be reservations via cultuurub@kuleuven.be trade.visitleuven@leuven.be cultuurub@kuleuven.be Website AMERICAN MONUMENT Oudenaarde A monument of golden-yellow limestone, bearing the shield of the United States flanked by two stone eagles, stands at the end of a small park maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission. It honours the 37th and 91st US divisions. These units fought in the vicinity at the end of the First World War and were attached to the Flanders Army Group commanded by Belgian King Albert l. Generaal Pershingstraat 1 Oudenaarde Mini-Europe MINI-EUROPE Brussels The park contains miniatures of Europe s most famous places. A A remembrance trail trail has has been been devised, taking visitors to all Belgian and European monuments and buildings associated with WWI. This walk starts out in an area where the remembrance remembrance of WWI of is symbolically WWI is symbolically reflected reflected through four 4 war war cemeteries and and various sculptures. various sculptures. Mini-Europe, Bruparck 1020 Brussels Contact +32 (0) info@minieurope.eu Website 45Sites

46 DISCOVER THE BATTLEFIELDS Getting GETTING there THERE and AND around AROUND 46 INTERESTING WEBSITES This website provides all the information needed to discover the Flanders Fields region. It also provides useful information about places to stay in the Westhoek. The official website of Visit Flanders, it lists all the places of interest and events related to the Great War that are taking place in Flanders and Brussels. TRAVELLING TO FLANDERS By air: The nearest airports are Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport. By train: High speed rail services operate directly to Belgium from the UK, France, the Netherlands and Germany. Connecting services to Ypres and Poperinge run from Brussels and stations across Flanders; it is also possible to reach the Flanders Fields area from Lille-Flandres station in France. By road: Europe has an excellent high-speed road network from surrounding countries and across Flanders. By sea from the UK: Fast and frequent services by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel from the UK to Calais and Dunkirk in France or Zeebrugge in Belgium are operated by the following companies: P&O Ferries DFDS Seaways Eurotunnel Le Shuttle It is also possible to travel as a foot passenger (or with a bicycle) by ferry. TRAVELLING IN & AROUND FLANDERS FIELDS By train: Calais It is possible to travel by train to Ypres or Poperinge from every city in Flanders (generally a change of train in Kortrijk is required). FRANCE By coach: Half or full day organised coach tours are offered to and in Flanders Fields, incorporating the main sites and the Last Post Ceremony. See page 49. By car: A comprehensive road network exists around and within Flanders Fields. By bike: Flanders boasts one of the world s most comprehensive cycling networks, and cycling is a great way to tour Flanders Fields. VISITING FLANDERS FIELDS Some of the cemeteries, visitor centres and other sites across Flanders Fields are difficult to reach by public transport. For this reason, if visitors do not have their own transport, we recommend booking an organised tour or renting a bicycle or car. Cycling in Flanders Fields: There are a number of themed cycling routes that will take you past WWI heritage sites. These routes and a list of cycle hire companies that operate in Flanders Fields can be found on this site: Visiting Flanders Fields by car: There are many car routes that allow visitors to discover the war landscape and its different landmarks. More information: Cars can be rented from the major international car rental companies which have branches in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Ostend and elsewhere in the region, as well as from local companies. North Sea Poperinge 14km 8,7mi Fromelles Arras Nieuwpoort 41km 25,5mi Diksmuide 23km 14,3mi Ypres Vimy 68km 42,3mi Mesen Thiepval 124km 77mi Zonnebeke 8,5km 5,3mi Lille Bruges 73 km 45,4 mi Hamel Ghent 79 km 49,2 mi FLAND WALLONIA

47 Coach parking There is coach parking available at the following locations close to important landmarks: Ypres: train station. More info about parking in Ypres: folderbusregeling2014low_1577.pdf Poperinge: Peperstraat/Oudstrijdersplein, Sportzone Reningelstseweg - Ouderdomseweg, Zuidlaan (next to the ring road), Westlaan (next to the ring road), Lijssenthoek military cemetery Zonnebeke: Museum Passchendaele, Tyne Cot Cemetery Diksmuide: Yser Tower, train station, 4AD music club Nieuwpoort: adjacent to the King Albert I monument Some of the cemeteries, visitor centres and other sites in the Westhoek are difficult to reach by public transport. For this reason, if visitors do not have their own transport, we recommend booking an organised tour or renting a bicycle or car. FLANDERS FIELDS FROM THE AIR AND ON THE WATER Skyview balloons organise balloon flights over the Great War Frontline: Helipromotions organise helicopter flights Alfa flight also organises flights: Seastar organizes boat trips from Nieuwpoort to Diksmuide. THE NETHERLANDS Antwerp ERS Mechelen BRUSSELS 123 km 76,7 mi Leuven Hasselt GERMANY Gastronomy in Flanders Fields Like all areas of Flanders, the Westhoek offers a large choice of restaurants in every price range. Websites of each town/ city provide information about local restaurants Information about restaurants Information about restaurants elsewhere in Flanders is available from

48 The battlefields, Great War Centenary, accessible to to all all The commemoration commomoration of the Great War Centenary Centanary is expected to attract many tens international of thousands visitors of international of all ages, visitors some of whom all ages, will some require of whom assistance will require in terms assistance of access. in terms of access. To this end, VISITFLANDERS has developed the The Great War Centenary: accessible Centenary: to accessible everyone to project, everyone which strives project, to which ensure strives access to for ensure all visitors access and for all provides visitors information and provides on all aspects of information an accessible an all stay: aspects information of an accessible stay: accommodation, information and restaurants, welcome, and welcome, cafes, accommodation, sites, transportation, restaurants, parking, cafes, assistance sites, transportation, and care, etc parking, assistance and care, etc Alterations are often required to ensure easy Alterations access are for often people required with reduced to mobility. ensure easy Most access of the for information people with in our reduced brochure mobility. Great Most War of Centenary the - accessible information for in all our is brochure therefore Great primarily intended War Centenary for those - accessible with mobility for all issues. However, therefore we primarily also report intended on additional for those facilities with mobility for people issues. with However, visual, we hearing, learning also report other on additional disabilites. facilities For visually for impaired people with visitors, visual, we hearing, have developed learning or an other additional disabilites. brochure For visually ( Great impaired War Centenary visitors, we - have tips for developed visually impaired an additional brochure in which ( Great we provide War Centenary an visitors ) overview - tips for of visually the museums, impaired events visitors ) and in other which places we provide of interest an overview that offer the extra museums, facilities events for and people other with places a visual of impairment. interest that offer extra facilities for people with a visual impairment. Our accessibility information is always based on on objective and independent on-site inspections, which means that not all locations claiming to provide easy access have been included in our brochure. Please note that accessibilty also depends on the visitor in question, as question, each disability as each or disability limitation or differs. We limitation therefore differs. recommend We therefore contacting locations recommend beforehand contacting locations case of specific accessibilty beforehand concerns. in case of specific accessibilty concerns. The following symbol is used to indicate The following wheelchair-accessible symbol is used to options indicate this trade wheelchair-accessible brochure: options in this trade brochure: Whereas certain locations provide easy Whereas access, certain others locations may require provide a little more easy access, effort or others third-party may require assistance. a little For more more effort detailed or third-party information assistance. on wheelchair-accessible Fore more detailed information locations, please on consult wheelchair-accessible our Great War locations, centenary please - Accessible consult our for Great all brochure. War centenary - Accessible for all brochure. The museums and/or sites that offer additional facilities for visually impaired visitors are indicated via the following symbol: For more detailed information regarding these facilities, please consult our Great War Centenary - Tips for visually impaired visitors brochure. All events featuring the INTRO OK label have taken at least basic measures to accommodate all visitors. For more specific details on all disability-related facilities, please contact pieter.remmerie@intro-events.be Also useful in terms of wheelchair- accessible locations is the AccesSEAble AccesSEAble app. which can app. be which downloaded can be via downloaded Google Play, the via Google itunes App Play, store the App or the Store Windows or the Phone Windows Store. Phone Store accessible@visitflanders.com accessible@visitflanders.com i VISITFLANDERS Address Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Contact +32 (0) (0) Brochure accessibility/brochures/ order-brochures.jsp EXPLORE Explore WWI outside OUTSIDE the THE classroom CLASSROOM The guide "Explore WWI outside the classroom in Flanders Fields", produced by Visit Flanders in collaboration with the Province of West Flanders, aims to assist tour operators and teachers with the organisation of field trips to WWI sites for English-language primary and secondary school pupils. The guide contains tips on visiting a memorial, teaching resources in preparation for a trip, interesting websites, accommodation suggestions, alternative transport options, advice on how to organise a longer trip, and information on the cultural programme GoneWest, incluiding the unique sculpture project ComingWorldRememberMe. This guide also provides dozens of suggestions on how to enhance the experience for students. You will find the most famous WWI memorials on Flanders Western Front listed on these pages, as well as many other locations in and around Flanders Fields that tell the story of occupied Belgium. It goes without saying that, in addition to the more famous sites, there are many smaller places worthy whorty of a visit. i Brochure 48

49 Organized Organised battlefield tours tours Several operators offer small-group or private tours taking a standard or customised route in Flanders Fields. It is also possible to visit iconic places in France. 2XPLORE FLANDERS FIELDS BIKING BOX CYCLETOURS Standard or customised tours i Max. number of participants: Standard: 8. Bigger Larger groups possible Duration of tour: Half day/full day Departure: Ypres or other place as agreed Price: from 35 to 80 p.p. depending on the tour Website: Booking: info@2xplore.be or Guided bicycle tours. Possibility of bus transport to departure and from arrival, bicycle rental service (road bicycles, electric bikes, tandems) i Max. number of participants: No limit Duration of tour: Half day/full day/several-day cycling holidays Departure: Ypres Price: Prices range from 12 to 28 p.p., lunch and bike rental not included Website: Booking: info@rentaguide.be or QUASIMODO TOURS RENT A GUIDE Standard tour: Visits to Tyne Cot Cemetery, Passchendaele, Hill 60 preserved battlefield, a German cemetery, bunkers and craters, restored trenches, Hooge Crater Museum, Essex Farm Cemetery and dressing station (John McCrae site), the town of Ypres and the Menin Gate, and various memorials to the British Forces (including ANZAC and Canadian) i Max. number of participants: 28 Duration of tour: full day Departure: Bruges Price: incl. light lunch, excl. drinks Website: Booking: info@quasimodo.be or Mines of Messines tour, Passchendaele tour, the last 100 days of the Newfoundland Regiment tour, in the footsteps of a relative, and more i Max. number of participants: 7 Duration of tour: Half day/full day Departure: Ypres or your accommodation Price: Half day 150/group, full day / group (lunch and admission fees not included) Website: Booking: info@rentaguide.be or WESTERN FRONT GUIDE FRONTLINE TOURS Possible tours are: The Anzacs from Fromelles to Passchendaele, Canada 1917: The Birth of a Nation in Europe, My Relative on the Front i Max. number of participants: 7 Duration of tour: Half day/full day Departure: Ypres Price: half day 35 p.p., full day 55 p.p. Website: Booking: info@westernfrontguide.com or Visits to Ypres, the Yser river, and Poperinge. Tours in Dutch, English, French, and German. Themed tour: In the footsteps of Hitler and Churchill. Also tailor-made tours. i Max. number of participants: 19 Duration of tour: 2 hours/4 hours Departure: Ypres or your accommodation in the Ypres-Poperinge region Price: 2 hours: 25 p.p, 4 hours: 40 p.p. Website: Booking: info@frontline-tours.com or

50 SUGGESTIONS suggestions FOR CAR OR COACH ITINERARIES INERARIES FOR TOUROPERATORS OPERATORS THE BATTLE OF THE MINES Heuvelland Komen Wijtschate Messines Morning/ - Visitor centre, Heuvelland: * 10 a.m.* - Bayernwald in Heuvelland: 11 a.m. - Lunch in Heuvelland: 12 noon - Afternoon/ Pool of Peace in Heuvelland: 2 p.m. - Tourist Pool of Information Peace in Heuvelland Point Messines*, Irish Tourist Peace Information Park and Point Peace Messines*, Tower Messines: 3 p.m. Irish Peace Park and Peace Tower in Messines THE THE BATTLE BATTLE OF OF PASSCHENDAELE PASSCHENDAELE Zonnebeke Zonnebeke Morning/ Memorial Museum Passchendaele * - Memorial Museum Passchendaele: 10 a.m.* Lunch in Zonnebeke - Lunch in Zonnebeke: 12 noon Afternoon/ - Walk to Tyne Cot Cemetery: 2 p.m. Walk to Tyne Cot Cemetery - Visit to Tyne Cot and visitor centre: 3 p.m.* Visit to Tyne Cot and visitor centre * - Buttes New British Cemetery: 4 p.m. Buttes New British Cemetery THE IRISH IN MESSINES Messines THE IRISH IN MESSINES Messines Morning/ Tourist Information Point - Tourist Island of Information Ireland Peace Point: Park 10 a.m. - Irish Lone Peace Tree Cemetery Park: and Irish Memorials 11 a.m. - Lone Lunch Tree in Heuvelland Cemetery and Irish Memorials: 11:30 a.m. - Afternoon/ Lunch in Heuvelland: 12:30 p.m. - Redmond Grave of Major Grave: William Redmond MP 2 p.m. Memorial Museum Passchendael 1917 * Artillery From June Wood to December, (Francis Ledwidge) extra temporary exhibitions Menin about Gate the events & Last of Post 1917 THE CANADIANS IN FLANDERS FIELDS Ypres Zonnebeke Zillebeke DAY DAY 1/ 1 - Morning/ In Flanders Fields Museum: 10 a.m.* - Lunch In Flanders in Ypres: Fields Museum * 12 noon - Essex Lunch Farm, in Ypres where John McCrae wrote Afternoon/ his world-famous poem: 2 p.m. - The Essex Brooding Farm, where Soldier John memorial McCrae wrote to the his Canadian world-famous 1st poem Division during the first gas attack in 1915: 3 p.m. - Menin The Brooding Gate and Soldier Last Post: memorial to the Canadian 1st 8 Division p.m. during the first gas attack in 1915 Menin DAY 2Gate and Last Post - Memorial Museum Passchendaele: 10 a.m.* - DAY Lunch 2/ in Zonnebeke: 12 noon - Morning/ Tyne Cot cemetery, where Memorial 1,011 Museum Canadians Passchendaele are buried: * 2 p.m. - Crest Lunch Farm in Zonnebeke Canadian Memorial, Zonnebeke: 3 p.m. - Afternoon/ 85th Canadian Memorial, Zonnebeke: 3:30 p.m. - Sanctuary Tyne Cot cemetery, Wood Cemetery where 1,011 and Canadians are buried Hill Crest 62 Farm Canadian Canadian Memorial: Memorial, Zonnebeke 4 p.m. 85th Canadian Memorial, Zonnebeke i Sanctuary Did you Wood know that Cemetery Vimy and (France) Hill 62 is only Canadian one hour Memorial from Ypres? * From June to December, extra temporary exhibitions about the events of 1917 i Did you know that Vimy (France) is only one hour from Ypres? Milo-profi photography 50

51 THE NEW ZEALANDERS IN FLANDERS FIELDS Messines Zonnebeke Ypres DAY 1/ Morning/ Tourist Information Point, Messines.* New Zealand soldier statue New Zealand Memorial, Messines Messines Ridge British Cemetery Peckham Farm Crater, Messines Afternoon/ Lunch in Ypres In Flanders Fields Museum Menin Gate DAY 2/ Morning/ Nine Elms British Cemetery in Poperinge, where 270 New Zealanders are buried, including the All Blacks captain Dave Gallaher Memorial Museum Passchendaele Afternoon/ Lunch in Zonnebeke Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke i New Did Zealand you know Memorial that Longueval at s Graventafel and Le Quesnoy is only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ypres? i Did you know that Longueval and Le Quesnoy is only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ypres? THE AUSTRALIANS IN FLANDERS FIELDS DAY 1/ Morning/ In Flanders Fields Museum * Menin Gate Afternoon/ Lunch in Ypres Hill 60 and Caterpillar Crater.* Toronto Avenue Cemetery * THE BRITISH AND THE BATTLES OF 1917 DAY 1/ Morning/ Tourist Information Point, Messines Messines Ridge British Cemetery Pool of Peace Bayernwald Afternoon/ Lunch in Heuvelland Hill 60 and Caterpillar Crater Menin Gate DAY 2/ Morning/ Memorial Museum Passchendaele Tyne Cot Cemetery Afternoon/ Lunch in Zonnebeke Polygon Wood THE WELSH AT PASSCHENDAELE Ypres-Boezinge-Langemark Morning/ Entry Point Ypres North: Yorkshire Trench Welsh Cemetery Artillery Wood Cemetery The Welsh Memorial Park Afternoon/ Lunch in Ypres In Flanders Fields Museum Menin Gate & The Last Post DAY 2/ Morning/ Memorial Museum Passchendaele * i Did you know that Fromelles is only a half an hour and Lunch in Zonnebeke Villers-Bretonneux 1 hour and 45 minutes from Ypres? Afternoon/ Polygon Wood Tyne Cot Cemetery i Did you know that Fromelles is only a half an hour and Villers-Bretonneux 1 hour and 45 minutes from Ypres? 51

52 Hotels This is a selection of hotels in Flanders Fields or in nearby the nearest cities cities Roeselare or Kortrijk (such as with Roeselare twenty or or Kortrijk) more rooms. with twenty or more rooms. Best Western Hotel Pax / *** Hotel Pax has luxury rooms with all mod cons. One of these rooms has been specially equipped for disabled guests. There are facilities for the organisation of conferences or meetings. Bicycle shed available. Heilig hartplein Diksmuide pax.hotel@skynet.be Total capacity: 36 rooms 100 people Single Double B&B p.p p.p. Kasteelhoeve Viconia / *** Castle Historic hotel chateau with situated character, very situated very peacefully peacefully in the in thick the thick of a nature of a nature reserve. Large garden with terrace. Fine cuisine, cosy atmosphere. Total capacity: 23 rooms 47 people Kasteelhoevestraat Diksmuide Stuivekenskerke (Diksmuide) info@viconia.be B&B Single p.p. Double p.p. Half board p.p p.p. Albion Hotel hotel / *** Calm, Quiet, yet very centrally central. located, The facade close to the already Menin Gate. suggests This family the class run indoors. hotel has The baroque excellent music facilities in the with lounge an intimate sets the bar tone. and provides Your room packed offers lunches. comfort and atmosphere, and the next morning many Total capacity: Westhoek 32 delicacies rooms await 67 people you. Total capacity: 32 rooms 67 people Sint-Jacobsstraat Ypres Ieper info@albionhotel.be B&B Single p.p. Double 53 85, p.p. p.p. Reduction for groups. groups, minimum 5 rooms 52

53 Kasteelhof t Hooghe / *** Hotel Ariane / **** Friendly, family-run hotel hotel with with pleasant pleasant restaurant. Dine in style by candlelight or in the orangery looking out onto the the terrace, terrace, garden, garden, and and pond. pond. The rooms The rooms and relaxation and relaxation facilities facilities are excellent. are pico Peaceful bello. location Peaceful 5 mins location from 5 the mins from Grote the Markt. Grote Markt. Total capacity: 62 rooms 124 people Slachthuisstraat Ypres Ieper info@ariane.be B&B Half board Single p.p p.p. Double 62, , 82, p.p. p.p , p.p. Kasteelhof t Hooghe / *** Peacefully located in a romantic and historic setting on Hooghe. Stylish rooms with all mod cons, private car park, garden, forest. Unique inner garden terrace. Total capacity: 27 rooms 54 people Meenseweg Ypres Ieper info@thooghe.com B&B Single p.p. Double p.p. Half board p.p p.p. Novotel Ieper Centrum centrum / *** Novotel Ieper Centrum is situated in the historical centre of Ypres, close to the Market Square, the In Flanders Fields Museum, and the Menin Gate. Our The bar-brasserie boasts a diverse menu in a convivial environment.. Total capacity: 122 rooms people Key Parking Bar Basic access for visitors with a disability Independent access for visitors with a disability Sint-Jacobsstraat Ypres Ieper H3172@accor.com Hotel Ariane B&B / **** Single p.p. Friendly, family hotel with pleasant Double restaurant. 57, Dine in 1800 style p.p. by p.p. candlelight 21st or in room the orangery free of charge looking out onto the terrace, garden, and pond. The rooms and relaxation facilities are pico bello. Peaceful location 5 mins from the Grote Markt. Bike rental Total capacity: 62 rooms 124 people Restaurant Swimming pool Wifi Slachthuisstraat Ieper info@ariane.be B&B Single p.p. Double 62, 50 82, 50 p.p. Half board p.p. 97, , 50 p.p. 53

54 Hotel Regina / ** Located on the magnificent Grote Markt in Ypres. Ieper. A culinary temple in the Westhoek. Total capacity: 26 rooms 57 people Grote Markt Ypres Ieper info@hotelregina.be B&B Half board Full board Single p.p. Double p.p p.p p.p. Coach driver stays free (min. 20 p.) p.p p.p. Flanders Lodge / *** Restaurant with regional dishes and local beers. Terrace with winter garden for visitors. Excellent base of operations for bicycle tours from the Westhoek to the sea, the border region with France, and the historic battlefields of WWI. Total capacity: 40 rooms 90 people Albert Dehemlaan Ypres Ieper bw-ieper@skynet.be B&B Half board Single p.p p.p. Double p.p p.p. Coach driver stays free (min. 20 p.) Hostellerie Kemmelberg / **** Situated Chef Solange, at the Lady highest Chef point 2000, in Flanders, prepares her the terrace fair and has refined views cuisine over the in wondrous Belgian and surroundings. French border. For It you has received further enjoyment, several awards: one of Award the most of Excellence magnificent 2016 views Booking.com of Flanders and is 2016 Travellers thrown in Choice for free. (top 25 small hotels in Belgium) Trip Advisor. Total capacity: 21 rooms 63 people Total capacity: 21 rooms 63 people Kemmelbergweg Kemmel info@kemmelberg.be B&B Half board Single p.p p.p. Double ,50 91, , p.p. 141, p.p. 54

55 Hotel Callecanes / *** Callecanes Set in the countryside, has comfortable this hotel rooms has and comfortable fine cuisine. rooms, You pool have and a beautiful fitness view centre of with the quiet fine cuisine. countryside Choose from the from back the of restaurant, the hotel. bar Wide or coffee offer of culinary shop. arrangements Callicannesweg Watou (Poperinge) info-reservatie@hotel-callecanes.be Total capacity: 37 rooms 74 people Single Double B&B p.p p.p. Hotel Damier / **** Unique boutique and lifestyle hotel with a rich history, ideally located at the renovated Grote Markt of the trendy shopping city of Kortrijk. Recommended by the famous Condé Nast Johansens and a member of Worldhotels. Total capacity: 49 rooms 93 people Grote Markt Kortrijk info@hoteldamier.be Single Double B&B p.p p.p. Parkhotel / **** Comfortable 4-star hotel located a few steps away from the centre of Kortrijk. Fine cuisine at very attractive prices. Total capacity: 135 rooms 196 people Stationsplein Kortrijk info.parkhotel@parkhotel.be Single Double B&B p.p p.p. Center Hotel hotel / *** The Center Hotel is a full-facility hotel in the heart of Kortrijk, between the station and the Grote Markt. Perfect for business people or tourists visiting Kortrijk. Flanders Fields. Graanmarkt Kortrijk info@centerhotel.be Total capacity: 39 rooms 59 people Single Double B&B 87 p.p , 50 p.p. 55

56 Hotel Ibis Style Kortrijk Expo / *** Standard rooms with excellent bathrooms (bath and shower), spacious and luxury rooms, junior suites, and suites. Total capacity: 80 rooms 160 people President Kortrijk ha240@accor.com Single Double B&B p.p. 57, , p.p. p.p. Hotel Messeyne / **** Hotel Messeyne is located in the historically interesting Groeningestraat, in the centre. In the pleasant bistro one can enjoy excellent cuisine, while the historical garden offers a beautiful place to relax. Gym facilities, sauna, and hammam. Total capacity: 28 rooms 56 people Groeningestraat Kortrijk hotel@messeyne.com Single Double B&B p.p p.p. D-hotel / **** d-hotel is a unique marriage between a a historic site site and and a new a new futuristic design. design. It has an On authentic, d-hotel protected site, you windmill find an from authentic, 1841 as well protected as a protected windmill inner from 1841 farmhouse as well square. as a protected The concrete inner farmhouse structure square. of the The hotel concrete is combined structure with of large the surfaces hotel is of combined glass windows. with large These surfaces simple materials of glass make windows. you feel These relaxed simple and provide materials a sense make of you openness. feel relaxed and d-hotel provide offers a a sense luxurious of openness. spa centre The green and an environment outdoor swimming around pool d-hotel (open is from not 1 only July to a pleasure 31 August), for a the cosy eye, lounge but bar, also and emphasises a wonderful the bistro. ecological character of this hotel. d-hotel offers a Total luxurious capacity: spa 44 centre rooms and 90 an people outdoor swimming pool (open from 1 July to 31 August), a cosy lounge bar, and a wonderful bistro. Total capacity: 44 rooms 90 people Abdijmolenweg , Marke, Kortrijk info@d-hotel.be B&B Single p.p. Double p.p. Half board p.p p.p. 56

57 Square Hotel / *** This hotel has a superb location, just a short walk from the market square. Hotel Square Square Hotel has 26 lovely bedrooms, with all the comfort and amenities you may expect from a three-star hotel. Groeningestraat Kortrijk info@squarehotel.be Total capacity: 26 rooms 52 people Single Double B&B p.p p.p. Hotel Cosmopolite / *** Fully refurbished hotel close to the sea. Two restaurants and bar. Special winter weekend packages. Free use of sauna and heated indoor swimming pool at the Hotel Carlton. Albert I laan Nieuwpoort info@cosmopolite.be Total capacity: 129 rooms 350 people Single Double B&B p.p , p.p. Parkhotel Roeselare / *** Hotel with modern rooms in central location. Good price/quality ratio. Private parking and excellent cuisine. Free use of sauna. Total capacity: 48 rooms 100 people Vlamingstraat Roeselare info@phr.be Single Double B&B p.p. 51, p.p. De Vijfwegen / *** 800 metres from the E403, the perfect base of operations for trips to Bruges-Ypres-Kortrijk. The hotel is attractively furnished. You can enjoy a delicious meal or an aperitif on the terrace at Bistro Frogs. Total capacity: 11 rooms 22 people Hoogstraat Roeselare Rumbeke (Roeselare) info@hotelvijfwegen.be Single Double B&B p.p p.p. 57

58 hotel Hotel Mercure / **** The stylish rooms are equipped with all modern comforts and offer a variety of services. A Superior Access + Room provides all facilities required by wheelchair-users. The Mercure Team pulls out all the stops to cater for every wish of our guests, to guarantee them the best possible experience. Total capacity: 87 rooms 176 people Kwadestraat Roeselare Rumbeke (Roeselare) info@mercureroeselare.be B&B Half board Single p.p. Double 35 74, p.p. p.p , p.p. p.p Youth YOUTH Accommodation ACCOMMODATION This A selection is a selection of youth of hostels youth hostels in Flanders in Fields Flanders Kortrijk Fields that and offer Kortrijk catering that services. offer catering services. De Lork De Lork is located in the southernmost tip of the West-Flanders Heuvelland region, on the flank of the highest hill, the Kemmelberg. This youth centre is ideal for all kinds of groups and trips. Various materials are available for lessons, meetings, and training seminars. A large gym is also available. In the area you can walk, cycle, go horse-riding, swim, visit museums, and much more. Number of beds: 174 (35 rooms 1-4 p., 12 rooms 5-8 p.) Kattekerkhofstraat Kemmel lork@cjt.be B&B Half board Full board 17, , , 20 25, p.p. 36, p.p. p.p , p.p. Coach Driver Free. Teachers: one free primary teacher for ten pupils, one free secondary teacher for 15 pupils 58

59 The Menin Gate Situated near the Menin Gate, this is a great location for visitors wishing to explore the war past of the city of Ypres. The old house has a very authentic character. For groups of 30 to 52. Number of beds: 55 (6 rooms 1-4 p., 5 rooms 5-8 p.) Kauwekijnstraat Ieper Ypres info@meningate.com B&B Half board Full board 30 p.p. 41, p.p. p.p , p.p. The Salient salient The Salient is a historical building in the in the centre centre of of Ypres, Ypres, located only only 160m from 160m the from market the market square. square. Here, Here, they can accommodate they can accommodate groups of groups to 102 of people up to 102 in people a quiet in area, a quiet even area, though it s even located though in it s the located heart of in the West- heart Flemish of the city. The of peace. ground The floor ground has floor has recently recently been been renovated renovated entirely entirely and and opens opens onto onto the terrace the terrace and large and large private garden, which means enough place for everyone. D Hondstraat Ieper Ypres info@salient.be B&B Half board Full board 30 p.p. 41, p.p , p.p. Number of beds: 102 (9 rooms 1-4 p., 6 rooms 5-8 p. >8p. 5 rooms) The Poppies poppies 1&2 Home sweet home for groups of up to up 129 to 129 and and a a minimum of 25 of in 25 the historical in the historical center centre of Ypres. of Ypres. Located next to Located the market next to square the market of Ypres, square The of Poppies Ypres, The 1 & Poppies 2 is the 1 ideal & 2 is accommo- the ideal accommodation for history for tours. history Your tours. stay in these These authentic, classic, old buildings, School Hotel combined can be connected with its to unique provide location a single will make accommodation your trip to base. the Ypres It is located Salient in unforgettable.. the centre of Ypres. Gustave de Stuersstraat Ieper Ypres info@thepoppies.be B&B Half board Full board 30 p.p. 41, p.p , p.p. Number of beds: 129 (16 rooms 1-4 p., 19 rooms 5-8 p. >8p. 6 rooms) 59

60 De lep De Iep is just 25 minutes on foot from the centre of Ypres. This accommodation is very popular with schools. The good price-quality ratio and the flexibility with regards to meals are a plus. A good place to rest after a busy day. The friendly and dedicated staff ensures a successful stay. Number of beds: 60 Poperingseweg Ypres Ieper iep@cjt.be B&B Half board Full board 34, p.p. 41, , p.p. 43, p.p. Coach driver free (1 per bus). 1 free member of staff per 15 pupils (secondary). 1 free member of staff per 20 pupils (post-secondary). Peace Village Hostel The hostel caters for multiple target groups, including people with physical limitations. Besides several meeting and conference rooms, we also have our own in-house restaurant and bar. The outdoor facilities (including sports, bonfire, etc.) have a breathtaking view over the former battlefields, memorials, and cemeteries. Through the Flanders Peace Field project, we focus on the remembrance of the local Christmas Truces. With tailored educational (evening) activities, guided tours, itinerary help, etc., we provide quite a number of extra services for residential groups. Nieuwkerkestraat 9a 8957 Mesen info@peacevillage.be B&B Half board Full board p.p p.p. Coach and teacher free p.p. Number of beds: 135 (35 rooms 1-4 p., 8 rooms 5-8 p.) 60

61 Oude Abdij A former abbey and brewery. An ideal base for exploring the Westhoek region. Loved by cyclists. Generous discount for group stays.. Total capacity: 58 rooms 195 people Noordstraat Lo-Reninge info@oudeabdij.com B&B Half board 40 p.p. 60 p.p. 5 reduction for 3 nights, coach driver and guide free Hostel Groeninghe This hostel opened in 2015 and offers a restaurant on-site, a bar, and two meeting rooms. The hostel is within walking distance of the station and historical centre. With Kortrijk close to the French border, this is an ideal city from which to explore the north of France too.. Number of beds: 123 (29 rooms 1-4p., 9 rooms 5-8p.) Passionistenlaan 1a 8500 Kortrijk kortrijk@vjh.be B&B Half board Full board p.p. 30, , p.p , ,50 p.p. Coach driver free You can also stay in Bruges, Ghent, or towns and cities on the and coast. cities on Please the have coast. a For look more at their information, websites: please see the following websites:

62 TRADE Trade & AND Press PRESS information INFORMATION DMCs/Incoming Operators Admire Brigitte Boone All About Belgium AAB works in a very flexible way and offers tailor-made WWI tours for groups. Kathleen Vermeiren kathleen.vermeiren@aab-allaboutbelgium.be Belgian Biking Gert Verschueren belgianbiking@zuiderhuis.be +32 (0) De Boeck Incoming & Events Chantal Quirijnen info@deboeck-incoming.com Event Masters Peter Van Avermaet peter@eventmasters.be Focus Flanders Focus Flanders offers multi-day tours that focus on the Canadian, Australian, or Irish involvement in WWI. Michel Deswaene michel.deswaene@omniatravel.be Images There is a comprehensive range of images suitable for promoting the Great War Centenary in Flanders available to download from the Visit Flanders Flickr page Flanders Fields / The Great War Centenary poppy logo The Flanders Fields and The Great War Centenary poppy logos are available for use by international trade and press. Get in touch with your local Visit Flanders contact for terms of use and to obtain an application form. Visit Flanders international press and trade contacts AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA & SWITZERLAND TRADE Alexandra Raad Frostl a.raab-frostl@visitflanders.com PRESS Susanne Gosch s.gosch@visitflanders.com CANADA - REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE TRADE Susan Phillips susan@groupatn.ca PRESS Corinne MacLellan corinne@groupatn.ca CHINA TRADE & PRESS Zhang Lihui zhang.lihui@visitflanders.com.cn FRANCE TRADE Anthony Forest anthony.forest@visitflanders.com PRESS Pascale Schuddings pascale.schuddings@visitflanders.com GERMANY TRADE Britta Weidemann trade.de@visitflanders.com PRESS Christopher Philipp christopher.philipp@visitflanders.com INDIA TRADE & PRESS Dheera Majumder dheera@mileage.in ITALY TRADE Mayra Caroppo mayra.caroppo@visitflanders.com PRESS Irene Ghezzi irene.ghezzi@visitflanders.com JAPAN TRADE Junko Iida tvltyo-iida@visitflanders.jp PRESS Tomomi Tsukakoshi tvltyo-tomomi@visitflanders.jp RUSSIA - REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE TRADE & PRESS pedro.waeghe@toerismevlaanderen.be SCANDINAVIA TRADE & PRESS Lynn Dauwe lynn.dauwe@toerismevlaanderen.be SPAIN TRADE Judit Sala trade@flandes.net PRESS Angeles Alonso-Misol prensa@flandes.net THE NETHERLANDS TRADE Joke Nivelle & Ingrid Bokma trade@toerismevlaanderen.nl PRESS Edith Andriesse & Natalie Siereveld pers@toerismevlaanderen.nl UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND TRADE Lisa Thomas lisa.thomas@visitflanders.com PRESS Anita Rampall Anita.rampall@visitflanders.com anita.rampall@visitflanders.com GREAT WAR Karen Roebuck Karen.roebuck@visitflanders.com karen.roebuck@visitflanders.com USA TRADE Marco Frank marco.frank@visitflanders.com PRESS Marcos Stupenengo marcos.stupenengo@visitflanders.com AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE TRADE Sonia Holt sonia.holt@walshegroup.com PRESS Anna Mansfield anna@pepr.com.au 62

63 Edition 2016 Note: This document will be regularly updated with new information as it becomes available. The latest version is always available to download from: and has been compiled with information provided to Visit Flanders by partners throughout Belgium and around the world. All information is correct to the best of our knowledge, at the time of going to print (October 2016). However, no liability can be accepted for any loss resulting from use of information contained in this document. Please check opening dates and times before travelling.

64 Bayernwald, Heuvelland Milo-profi Responsible publisher: Peter De Wilde, VisitFlanders, Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels, Belgium - LEGAL DEPOSIT: D/2016/5635/40/4 Responsible publisher: Peter De Wilde, VisitFlanders, Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels, Belgium - LEGAL DEPOSIT: D/2016/5635/40/4 Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke FLANDERSFIELDS1418.COM FLANDERSFIELDS1418.COM 64