A search throws up a couple of threads where this HQ is mentioned, but I wondered if anyone could actually place the location on a modern map for me? In the autumn of 1918 it became the home for a while to No.44 Casualty Clearing Station:

17.10.18
I then left for Ypres, to visit Nos.11, 36, and 44 CCS at Brielen, a little to the West of Ypres …
… I found No.11, 36, and 44 CCS’s had only been open and working 48 hours, but except for the enormous shell holes in all parts of the neighbourhood, it was difficult to realise that the Units had not been working for at least a month. They were well established and the patients being well cared for.
Nos.11 and 36 CCS had accommodation under canvas for the Nursing Staffs, while the staff of No.44 CCS were established in a bomb and shell proof shelter, which until the advance had been Army Headquarters since 1914. The shelter was built in and under an old farm-house, which had constantly been bombed, leaving merely the walls and part of the roof, and inside this a wonderful structure had been erected, lighted by electricity and supplied with telephonic communication to all parts of France. The structure consisted of various rooms connected by passages, and one quite nice sitting-room with a big brick fire-place. As well as being protected by several feet of concrete, which completely covered the structure, it was well sand-bagged. The staff were most comfortably established there, the only draw-back being the large quantities of rats, which had been a great nuisance, but which were gradually being got rid of.

Sue

Chateau des Trois Tours is now called Kast. drie Torens in Dutch.
It is located to the west of Brielen, which is north west of Ypres on the road to Elverdinge (N8).
Hope this helps,

Martin

Martin

Thank you, yes, I can see it now - I was still thinking in French, though now I realise the name's the same - but this must be post-war of course. But at least I can pinpoint the site - I shall go and have a look. The good news is that this doesn't appear to be under an estate of chalet bungalows

Sue

Just to finish this story off - two photos, the first the Chateau des Trois Tours just before the Great War when it was the home of banker Georges Breydel:



And the second the Chateau today - I didn't go and ask if I could inspect their cellars

Sue

I managed to get them the wrong way round, but you get the idea - during the war I believe it was the Headquarters of Canadian 1st Division.

Sue

Hi Sue,

Thanks for posting the images of Chateau des Trois Tours. Interesting to see these as my grandfather was based here during July 1917 with 5th Siege Battery RGA (though I doubt it looked quite as majestic then as it did prior to 1914!).

Steve

Chateau des Trois Tours Pictures
I have quite a few personal photographs and postcards of the Chateau dea Trois Tours, Brielen. Quite a few years ago, I discovered the Chateau was mentioned in the War Diary relating to the regiment of a late Great-Uncle. Believing it to be a hotel at the time, I wrote asking for a brochure! On a visit to Belguim soon after, my husband and I were given the chance to have a look around the now private home. If anyone is interested, please send me a pm and I'll oblige. Some images I can send quite quickly ... the photographs in question will have to be digitally copied because they were taken before I had a digital camera. Heather

Hi Sue

i just came across your post regarding Chateaux trois tours. I hope you don't mind ,e writing. I put a question on yesterday relating to this and was pointed in your direction! I'm looking for any info and noticed that i cannot see the photos you originally posted. Any chance you could send me them? My G G G Uncle was wounded near there in 1916 and i'm fascinated to llearn what i can.

cheers

Tim