Simon Verdegem
@simonverdegem.bsky.social
Battlefield archaeologist - FWW archaeology - Recovering the missing
The Hill80 report was completed some time ago, but only now officially submitted — which means I can finally share it!
It’s in Dutch, but I hope you’ll still enjoy the content.
🔗 Read it here: oar.onroerenderfgoed.be/publicaties/...
It’s in Dutch, but I hope you’ll still enjoy the content.
🔗 Read it here: oar.onroerenderfgoed.be/publicaties/...
oar.onroerenderfgoed.be
November 11, 2025 at 9:07 PM
The Hill80 report was completed some time ago, but only now officially submitted — which means I can finally share it!
It’s in Dutch, but I hope you’ll still enjoy the content.
🔗 Read it here: oar.onroerenderfgoed.be/publicaties/...
It’s in Dutch, but I hope you’ll still enjoy the content.
🔗 Read it here: oar.onroerenderfgoed.be/publicaties/...
In 1917, during 3rd Ypres, 11/Northumberland Fusiliers returned to the front lines after a brief rest and took over from the 13/Durham Light Infantry. C company, with 2/Lt. L.W. Ablett and 2/Lt. E.D. Bruty, went in support trenches near Reutel on 12 Oct.
October 14, 2025 at 7:35 PM
In 1917, during 3rd Ypres, 11/Northumberland Fusiliers returned to the front lines after a brief rest and took over from the 13/Durham Light Infantry. C company, with 2/Lt. L.W. Ablett and 2/Lt. E.D. Bruty, went in support trenches near Reutel on 12 Oct.
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
Today we laid to rest the South African soldier recovered during the Hill 80 project.
With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place.
More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many.
With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place.
More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many.
September 16, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Today we laid to rest the South African soldier recovered during the Hill 80 project.
With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place.
More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many.
With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place.
More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many.
Today we laid to rest the South African soldier recovered during the Hill 80 project.
With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place.
More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many.
With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place.
More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many.
September 16, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Today we laid to rest the South African soldier recovered during the Hill 80 project.
With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place.
More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many.
With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place.
More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many.
September 4, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
If you're interested in this @theresthistory.bsky.social series, you'll like this chat with the brilliant archaeologist @simonverdegem.bsky.social of Dig Hill 80 and other compelling #FWW archaeology projects.
Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed - with Simon Verdegem
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed - with Simon Verdegem
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
September 4, 2025 at 11:30 AM
If you're interested in this @theresthistory.bsky.social series, you'll like this chat with the brilliant archaeologist @simonverdegem.bsky.social of Dig Hill 80 and other compelling #FWW archaeology projects.
Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed - with Simon Verdegem
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed - with Simon Verdegem
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
Our last man will finally be laid to rest.
He was recovered during our DigHill80 project, and while his exact identity could not be uncovered, the evidence was sufficient to determine that he had served with the South African Infantry.
www.cwgc.org/visit-us/eve...
He was recovered during our DigHill80 project, and while his exact identity could not be uncovered, the evidence was sufficient to determine that he had served with the South African Infantry.
www.cwgc.org/visit-us/eve...
www.cwgc.org
August 29, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Our last man will finally be laid to rest.
He was recovered during our DigHill80 project, and while his exact identity could not be uncovered, the evidence was sufficient to determine that he had served with the South African Infantry.
www.cwgc.org/visit-us/eve...
He was recovered during our DigHill80 project, and while his exact identity could not be uncovered, the evidence was sufficient to determine that he had served with the South African Infantry.
www.cwgc.org/visit-us/eve...
#OTD in 1917, Pte. John Lambert was killed near Langemark. Being buried in the field his body was lost until 2016 when we discovered his remains together with 7 others. He was identified in 2020 and reburied
@cwgc.bsky.social New Irish Farm Cemetery in 2022.
@cwgc.bsky.social New Irish Farm Cemetery in 2022.
August 16, 2025 at 9:17 PM
#OTD in 1917, Pte. John Lambert was killed near Langemark. Being buried in the field his body was lost until 2016 when we discovered his remains together with 7 others. He was identified in 2020 and reburied
@cwgc.bsky.social New Irish Farm Cemetery in 2022.
@cwgc.bsky.social New Irish Farm Cemetery in 2022.
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
🎉 1️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 📈 'Echoes from the Trenches: #WW1 Unearthed - with @simonverdegem.bsky.social' has now reached over 1,000 views!
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon Verdegem
YouTube video by Rubicon Archaeology Limited
youtu.be
July 13, 2025 at 10:45 PM
🎉 1️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 📈 'Echoes from the Trenches: #WW1 Unearthed - with @simonverdegem.bsky.social' has now reached over 1,000 views!
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
I’m truly honored to have been part of this project. The end result is absolutely impressive! Congratulations to everyone who made it possible.
www.inflandersfields.be/nl/bezoek/sc...
www.inflandersfields.be/nl/bezoek/sc...
project 2024-2025
Een jongerenblik op WOI-archeologie Tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog vielen naar schatting 600.000 slachtoffers in België, duizenden van hen zijn tot op de dag van vandaag vermist. Als er menselijke res...
www.inflandersfields.be
May 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I’m truly honored to have been part of this project. The end result is absolutely impressive! Congratulations to everyone who made it possible.
www.inflandersfields.be/nl/bezoek/sc...
www.inflandersfields.be/nl/bezoek/sc...
#OTD in 1915, Hull's attack (10th Brigade), one of the counterattacks in the early days of 2nd Ypres. 1st Royal Warwicks advanced over this ground towards Kitchener's Wood (behind farm buildings on the right)
#FWW #History #Archaeology
#FWW #History #Archaeology
April 25, 2025 at 8:07 PM
#OTD in 1915, Hull's attack (10th Brigade), one of the counterattacks in the early days of 2nd Ypres. 1st Royal Warwicks advanced over this ground towards Kitchener's Wood (behind farm buildings on the right)
#FWW #History #Archaeology
#FWW #History #Archaeology
Great work by Bert Heyvaert together with @cwgc.bsky.social, the German VDK and the French Direction de la mémoire, de culture et des archives.
#FWW #Archaeology
www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20....
#FWW #Archaeology
www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20....
Bodies of 22 Great War soldiers found in Ieper
www.vrt.be
April 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Great work by Bert Heyvaert together with @cwgc.bsky.social, the German VDK and the French Direction de la mémoire, de culture et des archives.
#FWW #Archaeology
www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20....
#FWW #Archaeology
www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20....
Looking for photos of the 2-in Medium Trench Mortar, (Toffee Apple or Plum Pudding), along with its accessories-crate, periscope, and other equipment-in use in the trenches. Can anyone #help with pictures, sources or references?
Any help is much appreciated!
#FWW #Archaeology
Any help is much appreciated!
#FWW #Archaeology
February 24, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Looking for photos of the 2-in Medium Trench Mortar, (Toffee Apple or Plum Pudding), along with its accessories-crate, periscope, and other equipment-in use in the trenches. Can anyone #help with pictures, sources or references?
Any help is much appreciated!
#FWW #Archaeology
Any help is much appreciated!
#FWW #Archaeology
It was a remarkable experience to take part in this unique research in Reningelst! Together with archaeologists from Flanders and China, we searched for traces of the Chinese Labour Corps. The first results reveal structures of the camp. #FWW #Archaeology
February 21, 2025 at 7:42 PM
It was a remarkable experience to take part in this unique research in Reningelst! Together with archaeologists from Flanders and China, we searched for traces of the Chinese Labour Corps. The first results reveal structures of the camp. #FWW #Archaeology
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
Now on video! 🎥 The Shindig #Podcast episode I did with Tom and Luke is now available with incredible photos that bring our discussion to life. See the preserved trenches, remarkable finds, and powerful stories.
Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
#WW1 #Archaeology #History
Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
#WW1 #Archaeology #History
Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon Verdegem
YouTube video by Red River Archaeology Group
youtu.be
January 29, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Now on video! 🎥 The Shindig #Podcast episode I did with Tom and Luke is now available with incredible photos that bring our discussion to life. See the preserved trenches, remarkable finds, and powerful stories.
Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
#WW1 #Archaeology #History
Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
#WW1 #Archaeology #History
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
#FWW Podcast
Thank you: In the first three days of release, we have already had 400+ views of our fully-illustrated video podcast on the sites and astonishingly well preserved finds of the #WW1 Flanders battlefields with expert archaeologist, @simonverdegem.bsky.social.
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
Thank you: In the first three days of release, we have already had 400+ views of our fully-illustrated video podcast on the sites and astonishingly well preserved finds of the #WW1 Flanders battlefields with expert archaeologist, @simonverdegem.bsky.social.
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon Verdegem
YouTube video by Red River Archaeology Group
youtu.be
February 1, 2025 at 11:21 PM
#FWW Podcast
Thank you: In the first three days of release, we have already had 400+ views of our fully-illustrated video podcast on the sites and astonishingly well preserved finds of the #WW1 Flanders battlefields with expert archaeologist, @simonverdegem.bsky.social.
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
Thank you: In the first three days of release, we have already had 400+ views of our fully-illustrated video podcast on the sites and astonishingly well preserved finds of the #WW1 Flanders battlefields with expert archaeologist, @simonverdegem.bsky.social.
youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
#WW1: In this clip, @simonverdegem.bsky.social talks to @thebigelbee.bsky.social about finding the remains of a cuddly toy in a First World War German soldier's backpack discovered in Flanders.
youtube.com/shorts/hU7ys...
youtube.com/shorts/hU7ys...
Uncovering personal stories of World War I #podcast #history #archaeology #worldwar1
YouTube video by Red River Archaeology Group
youtube.com
January 30, 2025 at 6:21 PM
#WW1: In this clip, @simonverdegem.bsky.social talks to @thebigelbee.bsky.social about finding the remains of a cuddly toy in a First World War German soldier's backpack discovered in Flanders.
youtube.com/shorts/hU7ys...
youtube.com/shorts/hU7ys...
Now on video! 🎥 The Shindig #Podcast episode I did with Tom and Luke is now available with incredible photos that bring our discussion to life. See the preserved trenches, remarkable finds, and powerful stories.
Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
#WW1 #Archaeology #History
Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
#WW1 #Archaeology #History
Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon Verdegem
YouTube video by Red River Archaeology Group
youtu.be
January 29, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Now on video! 🎥 The Shindig #Podcast episode I did with Tom and Luke is now available with incredible photos that bring our discussion to life. See the preserved trenches, remarkable finds, and powerful stories.
Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
#WW1 #Archaeology #History
Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...
#WW1 #Archaeology #History
Honoured to join the Shindig #Podcast! 🎙️ We explore the battlefields of Flanders Fields, uncovering trench warfare, powerful stories of the missing, and incredible projects like Dig Hill 80
Listen here: t.co/6ostoGAQKS
@hornesupremacy.bsky.social
@thebigelbee.bsky.social
#FWW #Archaeology
Listen here: t.co/6ostoGAQKS
@hornesupremacy.bsky.social
@thebigelbee.bsky.social
#FWW #Archaeology
Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon Verdegem
The Shindig - An Archaeology Podcast · Episode
open.spotify.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Honoured to join the Shindig #Podcast! 🎙️ We explore the battlefields of Flanders Fields, uncovering trench warfare, powerful stories of the missing, and incredible projects like Dig Hill 80
Listen here: t.co/6ostoGAQKS
@hornesupremacy.bsky.social
@thebigelbee.bsky.social
#FWW #Archaeology
Listen here: t.co/6ostoGAQKS
@hornesupremacy.bsky.social
@thebigelbee.bsky.social
#FWW #Archaeology
In Wijtschate’s Hospicestraat in 2020, the most impressive discovery was a series of stairs leading to a German dugout, the Kortestollen. While maps indicated this system was near the road, its exact location and extent had remained unknown until our excavation.
December 23, 2024 at 10:17 PM
In Wijtschate’s Hospicestraat in 2020, the most impressive discovery was a series of stairs leading to a German dugout, the Kortestollen. While maps indicated this system was near the road, its exact location and extent had remained unknown until our excavation.
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
December 12, 2024 at 10:57 PM
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
During the final phase in December and January, we worked between Westhoek and the old railway. While preservation of features was generally poor, we uncovered a few trench segments—and, most notably, an SMLE rifle on the very last day.
December 12, 2024 at 10:57 PM
During the final phase in December and January, we worked between Westhoek and the old railway. While preservation of features was generally poor, we uncovered a few trench segments—and, most notably, an SMLE rifle on the very last day.
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
In addition to the trench’s reconfiguration, several other locations and finds testified to the fierce battles fought here under extremely challenging conditions.
December 12, 2024 at 10:57 PM
In addition to the trench’s reconfiguration, several other locations and finds testified to the fierce battles fought here under extremely challenging conditions.
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
In August, we worked at Westhoek, uncovering a German trench known as Jabber Trench. The excavation revealed it was reconfigured by Commonwealth forces after its capture in August 1917. A ditch in front of the trench showed they had dug into the parapet to fortify their position.
December 12, 2024 at 10:57 PM
In August, we worked at Westhoek, uncovering a German trench known as Jabber Trench. The excavation revealed it was reconfigured by Commonwealth forces after its capture in August 1917. A ditch in front of the trench showed they had dug into the parapet to fortify their position.
Reposted by Simon Verdegem
The most extraordinary find was a grouser spud from a Mark IV tank, identified as 2668, B49 Britannia. Aerials showed it stranded near the road, but finding an actual piece was remarkable. A nearby plaque was likely connected to it as well.
December 12, 2024 at 10:57 PM
The most extraordinary find was a grouser spud from a Mark IV tank, identified as 2668, B49 Britannia. Aerials showed it stranded near the road, but finding an actual piece was remarkable. A nearby plaque was likely connected to it as well.