In the Ypres region there are numerous relics such as sites, monuments, cemeteries and landscapes that recall the four war years 1914 to 1918. But also in the Ypres city center, there are many sights and sites that refer to the First World War.
Menin Gate
- Common symbol for the commemoration of the First World War.
- The official name of the monument is Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, a "memorial to the missing.
- The Commonwealth War Graves Commission owns and manages this memorial.
- Sir Reginald Blomfield designed this classical triumphal arch as a memorial.
- Official dedication: July 24, 1927 by Field Marshal Plumer
Every evening the "Last Post" resounds under the Menin Gate, punctually at 8 pm. Daily activities fall silent for a moment to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the First World War.
The Last Post ceremony has been organized by the Last Post Association since 1928.
In Flanders Fields Museum
Ramparts Cemetery - Lille Gate
Ramparts Cemetery, Lille Gate is located on the Fortifications, next to the Lille Gate.
French troops began construction of the cemetery as early as 1914.
From February 1915 to April 1918, it continued to be used by the British. The French graves were removed after the war. Initially, many more dead were buried on the fortifications but these were transferred to other cemeteries after the war.
Only the 198 graves in the Ramparts Cemetery, Lille Gate remained. These include 163 British (9 could not be identified), 10 Canadians, 11 Australians and 14 New Zealanders (10 of whom belonged to the New Zealand (Maori) Pioneer Battalion).
On Oct. 11, 1999, four bodies of soldiers exhumed at St. James' Church were added to this cemetery.
In 1986, the cemetery was protected as a monument.
Ypres Reservoir Cemetery.
This cemetery, from which the present one grew, was called Cemetery North of the Prison and later Ypres Reservoir North Cemetery. It was established from October 1915 and used by combat units and medical posts until the end of the war.
At the end of the war, some 1,100 casualties lay there. After the war, the cemetery was expanded to include casualties from the surrounding battlefields and graves transferred from other cemeteries, including the two other cemeteries near the reservoir and prison.
Saint George's Memorial Church.
This Anglican church was built in 1928-29 to the plans of London architect Sir Reginald Blomfield.
This "memorial church" houses numerous reminders of World War I. Everything (down to even the furniture) was donated by British societies, regiments or individuals.
A worship service is also held in this church, every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Monuments and plaques
- Irish Cross in the garden of St. Martin's Cathedral
- Belgian monument (Coomansstraat)
- Australian memorial plaque (near Menin Gate)
- Indian monument (at the top of the Menin Gate)
- Nepali monument (top of the Menin Gate)
- Memorial plaque in remembrance of the civilian victims (fortresses)
Knowledge center In Flanders fields
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission was established in 1917. The commission is responsible for managing the graves of Commonwealth forces killed during both World Wars. The commission commemorates these 2.7 million fallen soldiers across more than 150 countries. Funds come from the six Commonwealth nations. The United Kingdom provides 78% of the total budget.
The Ypres office is responsible for Commonwealth cemeteries and monuments in nine countries in Northern Europe (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania) and employs more than 200 people.
The visitor center is located in the heart of Ypres, right across from the Menin Gate. It is the perfect starting point to visit the World War I battlefields, cemeteries and memorials where today the fallen are commemorated.
In the city center of Ypres, they include the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ramparts Cemetery, Lille Gate and Ypres Reservoir Cemetery.
