I was walking close to Mesen church last month and chanced on a farmer's crew at work, smacking away with a digger at a concrete structure he had dug up. His work force had removed the topsoil from a wide area, collecting a big pile of unexploded munitions and one gas shell in the process. I located the farmer amongst the workers and asked him what they were doing.

The area had been mysteriously unproductive of crops, so they had removed the topsoil and were going to replace it. But the actual reason was obviously a great big underground structure. They had been whacking away at one end of it for a while, but it was hard going as the walls were so thick. They knew it was a WW1 bunker system. I asked him if he might just leave it, and he said they probably would as the walls were "one metre thick". So I don't know how much remains and whether they stopped attacking it.

Looking at the attached photos, the digger had broken into and partly demolished a small square chamber at the eastern end. The extent of the main chamber can be seen in another photo, far larger with only the top excavated by the workers.

From the photos, you can see the proximity of the bunker to the church, and to farm 'De Twalf Bunders'. If anyone is interested, I can pinpoint it on a map or meet them there and show the location. It is close to a public right of way.

I'd be interested to know if this underground structure has previously been noted, and any other observations any other forum members may have.

Hugh Shipman

Another photo showing the outline of the main chamber, with view in thedirection of Wulvergem and allied lines.

best I can do is a couple civil war bullets (at best) in my back yard. Thanks for the pics.... this will be an awesome thread to follow. Andy

At the time I was horrified and upset about what was going on, but I tried to keep the post factual.
Hugh

Are remaining ww1 bunkers not considered as historical remains and therefore protected?

Dave

Absolutely fascinating, please, please someone keep us up-to- date with progress. I also was of the impression that these structures were protected, although I do have sympathy for the farmer with this in the middle of his field. Again if anyone can update us please do so.

Norman

A Gloucestershire Regiment Soldier
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glosters/sets...57601071707940/

Hugh,

Thanks for posting,

Cnock

Very interesting find, thanks for posting, echoing what seadog said if anyone could update us on the progress please,

Mitch

Great post, would love to know what is the story up to now !! Any updates. Peter

They probably are ,but like International Corner, the locals sometimes demolish a building before anyone has time to protest.

Gunner Bailey

Unfortunately they are not protected as historical remains (with very few exceptions), steps are taken to do so, but knowing Flemish politics, it will take them quite a while to do so...

Meanwhile some really unique bunkers have been destroyed over the last two years !

I believe I had seen this very photo on e-bay recently. It is appauling to see history being obliterated in such a careless manner. Unfortnately, urban sprawl is threatening many historical sites including the frontline trenches. I would be curious to see how this one turns out.

John

Any update on this Hugh ?

whilst i can understand those here wanting any structure, trench etc preserved, that would be so wrong.
Quite often there is nothing much left other than a pile of rubble, ie ypres, so should that have been left or re built?, should the somme fields have been left, no, once the war was over rebuilding and reinstatement of farm land must be a priority.

We have chosen our hobby, let's wonder that so much still remains for us to see, but after all the battlefields are a living landscape, which must continue to evolve.

Well put Willy!
I'm so glad they did, or my gaff would still be a pile o rubble!

[quote name='chrislock' date='Aug 2 2008, 09:24 PM' post='974781']
Well put Willy!
I'm so glad they did, or my gaff would still be a pile o rubble!


thats just my point chris so would most of northern france, belgium, germany, london, coventry, plymouth, japan etc etc.