Diksmuide historic site and tourist highlight : the Trench of Death

Memorial site of Diksmuide, the Dodengang or Trench of Death, preserved section of former battlefield on the banks of Yser River

(Browse the collection : West Flanders Province time lapse and video stock footage)

In Dutch it is called “De dodengang” which means “the way of the dead”. The name refers to the many people who died while fighting in these trenches for around four years. Next to the trenches you can also take a look at the visitor center, here you can take a look at the daily life of the soldiers in the trenches.

(Itineri)

In 1915, under heavy fire, Belgians started digging a trench along the west bank of the river to try to retake the base. Through the use of saps (the extension of a trench to a point below the enemy fortifications), both sides got closer to each other until they were yards apart.

(Trip Savvy)

The Dodengang Trench of Death stands mainly as it did when it was in use, though there have been a few restorations done to strengthen the durability of the trench itself. What looks like sandbags in the photos are actually cement bags made to mimic the original sandbags in place during the war.

(Arbours Abroad)