Orientation

The mine was blown underneath one of the highest German points in front of the Messines Ridge. The British advanced from the direction of Lone Tree Cemetery.

Spiel

This is the site of the largest of the nineteen mines which were fired under German strong points as part of the Messines Ridge campaign on 7 June, 1917. Chaplain William Doyle, of the 16th (Irish) Division, recorded the moments the mines blew:

‘The guns had ceased firing, to give their crews a breathing space before the storm of battle broke; for a moment at least there was peace on earth and a calm which was almost more trying than the previous roar to us who knew what was coming. A prisoner told us that the enemy knew we were about to attack, but did not expect it for another couple of days. I pictured to myself our men, row upon row waiting in the darkness for the word to charge, and on the other side the Germans in their trenches and dug-outs, little thinking that […] huge mines were laid under their feet, needing only a spark to blow them into eternity. The tension of waiting was terrific, the strain almost unbearable. One felt inclined to scream out and send them warning. But all I could do was to stand on top of the trench and give them Absolution, trusting to God’s mercy to speed it so far.

‘Even now I can scarcely think of the scene which followed without trembling with horror. Punctually to the second at 3.10 a.m. there was a deep muffled roar; the ground in front of where I stood rose up, as if some giant had wakened from his sleep and was bursting his way through the earth’s crust, and then I saw seven huge columns of smoke and flames shoot hundreds of feet into the air, while masses of clay and stones, tons in weight, were hurled about like pebbles. I never before realized what an earthquake was like, for not only did the ground quiver and shake, but actually rocked backwards and forwards, so that I kept on my feet with difficulty.

‘Later on I examined one of the mine craters, an appalling sight, for I knew that many a brave man, torn and burnt by the explosion, lay buried there.’ ³¹

There was, however, a minor problem with the mine here at Spanbroelmolen. Eighteen mines blew at 0310. The nineteenth, this one, blew fifteen seconds late. A number of soldiers of the Royal Irish Rifles, having left their trench at 0310, may well have been killed by the explosion or the falling debris of their own mine. Many are buried in Lone Tree Cemetery, across the road from here.

In order to preserve it as a memory of the fallen and to be a symbol for future peace, Lord Wakefield, of Toc H fame, bought this site in 1930 and it was christened the Pool of Peace.

Activities

A moment’s reflection and/or poetry reading. A visit to Lone Tree Cemetery; this may well take 15 minutes.

2b. Bayernwald German Trench System

30-45 minutes

With the Pool of Peace to your right, continue on the road until you come to a T junction. Turn left on to the N304 toward Kemmel. Follow the signs for Kemmel and park up as near to the central square as you can.

You should follow the (clear) signs for the information office to pay for and pick up your entry tickets to the trench system. Only one person in the group need do this; the rest can wait on the bus. Alternatively, your tour company may be able to arrange tickets before travel. The cost is exceptional at only €1 for those under 26 years of age. Once collected you head for the trench system (approximately ten minutes from Kemmel). The tourist information office will give you directions and they are printed on the reverse of the entrance tickets. It is advisable to walk the final stretch to the trench entrance.

Context

Outstanding, recently excavated and restored section of German trench. Reputedly a section where Hitler served.