The Vredesmolen (also "Old mill", "Van Couillie's mill" or "Afgeschoten mill") is a former windmill in the Belgian village of Klerken (Houthulst). The former wooden grain and oil mill is located at the highest point of the village (43 meters) and was therefore used by the Germans as a lookout post during the First World War. It was captured by the Allies during the final offensive, but the Germans had already left the mill by an underground passage. The mill is a rare example of a ruined mill and became a protected monument on April 1, 1999. On the same date it also got its official name "Peace Mill".

Translated by Google •

🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

September 17, 2022

The Peace Mill was a
GERMAN LOOKOUT POST during the Great War and is definitely worth a visit.

The Peace Mill, located in the sub-municipality of Klerken, is definitely worth a visit. In clear weather you have a beautiful view. The mill was used as a lookout post during the German occupation. There is also a secret escape tunnel at the bottom of the mill. However, this is not accessible. This would have been used effectively during the final offensive, launched on September 28, 1918, by the Germans to escape the mill unscathed. The mill was recaptured on September 29, 1918.
The mill has been beautifully restored to its value. Unfortunately, a large piece of wall was blown away by a storm

Translated by Google •

Els Q

April 18, 2023

In clear weather you have a view of the Heuvelland with the Kemmelberg etc. over the polders to the skyline of the coast.
During WWI the mill was used by the Germans as a lookout post. During the final offensive this strategic location was recaptured by the Belgians on 29 September 1918. The mill ruin was preserved as a war memorial and in 2012-2013 restored and consolidated as a lookout tower.

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Elevation 40 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 28 October

15°C

10°C

20 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

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Location: Houthulst, Diksmuide, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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