Belgian Forward Post Bunker WWI

The Belgian Outpost Bunker in Stuivekenskerke, also known as part of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwehoekje, was one of the most advanced Belgian positions on the Yser front during the First World War. This post was located on a strategically elevated spot in the middle of the inundated area, more than a kilometre in front of the actual front line. From this position, Belgian troops could observe the German lines on the western bank of the Yser and coordinate artillery fire2.The site includes a church tower converted into a bunker, a memorial chapel, memorial stones for regiments and a demarcation post. The tower ruin was permanently manned by a company of approximately 100 men and played a key role in the defence of the left flank of Kaaskerke.

Inundation area at a glance...This highlight is definitely worth a visit. On this site, a Belgian outpost bunker was expanded in 1915 on the old ruins of a damaged farm. This outpost bunker was located very strategically at 1 km in the inundation area. actually this place was an island in the middle of the flooded area. The island could only be reached via slippery footbridges. Many soldiers were killed there by German snipers. Soldiers died on their way to the outpost for supplies or when relieving the observation post.At this location, Belgian regiments had a broad overview of a large sector between the railway embankment and the Trench of Death on the IJzerdijk - Kaaskerke Diksmuide. From here the Germans were regularly fired upon.The island was further expanded in 1917 with two accompanying concrete shelters, a command post and a 1st Aid post.More than 100 years later, from the viewing platform you can confirm at a glance the strategic importance of this outpost. There is also an intact 'Demarcation pole' next to the bunker, on the street side, with the inscription "Here the Overwhelmer was stopped". During WWII, all inscriptions along the entire front line were professionally cut away on Hitler's orders. Fortunately, this demarcation pole was forgotten and is therefore unique in the Yser Front.