Tag Archives: Ypres

Battle of Passchendaele commemorations 2017

The UK government has revealed its plans to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele (the Third Battle of Ypres). Passchendaele is perhaps associated with the most iconic and ghastly images of the First World War, with its drifting … Continue reading

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German War Graves Commission launches WW1 website

The Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge (VDK) – the German War Graves Commission – has launched a Centenary website. It features information and projects relating to the Centenary of the First World War. The site also enables visitors to search for the … Continue reading

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Exhibition focuses on Gordon Highlanders in the First World War

An exhibition focusing on the Gordon Highlanders and their experience during the first months of the First World War has opened at the regiment’s museum in Aberdeen. Shattered Hopes: The Gordon Highlanders in 1914 follows the unit throughout the battles … Continue reading

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Reading footballer Joe Dickinson remembered for the Centenary of World War I

Joe Dickinson was one of 44 Reading Football Club players to serve in World War I and one of 11 who never returned home. Dickinson had been a regular army soldier prior to his stint at the club, serving with … Continue reading

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A draft of reinforcements arrives at Ypres

Norman Gladden recalls how a new draft of men arrived at the 11th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers near Ypres in 1917. The battalion had suffered considerable casualties at the Battle of Messines on 7 June 1917. The nature of the new … Continue reading

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Life behind the lines in World War I

Norman Gladden, of the 11th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, recalls the ordinary soldiers’ experience in an area behind the British lines near Ypres in 1917. ‘One day we marched to the Brigade Baths which had been set up in a small … Continue reading

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Ypres painting on show at IWM North to mark Centenary

A painting depicting wounded soldiers at Ypres during World War I has gone on show for the first time in almost a century. Ypres, 1915 by Gilbert Rogers is now on show at IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums, … Continue reading

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Premier League to finance football pitch in Ypres

The Premier League is to build an all-weather football pitch in Belgium as part of World War I Centenary commemorations. The Daily Mirror reports that a high-tech ‘3G’ pitch will be opened in Ypres and will be the venue for … Continue reading

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Real life in the trenches of World War I

Lieutenant Hugh Butterworth, 9th Battalion, Rifle Brigade writes home on 10 June 1915. ‘Men look fearsome ruffians in the trenches. The water is bad for shaving, as if you cut yourself you may get a bit poisoned, so they mostly … Continue reading

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Letter home tells of dangers of Ypres in 1915

A letter home from lieutenant Hugh Butterworth of the 9th Battalion, Rifle Brigade. In it, he displays a characteristic joviality and dry wit despite the dangers of his situation. Trenches Sunday, June 20th, 1915. 3.15am What a night! We left … Continue reading

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