Simon Verdegem
@simonverdegem.bsky.social
Battlefield archaeologist - FWW archaeology - Recovering the missing
The artifacts found with them were exceptionally well-preserved and sometimes showed the incredibly brutal force with which the artillery had struck their positions. The impact on some objects speaks for itself
October 14, 2025 at 7:35 PM
The artifacts found with them were exceptionally well-preserved and sometimes showed the incredibly brutal force with which the artillery had struck their positions. The impact on some objects speaks for itself
In 2021, these soldiers found eternal rest @cwgc.bsky.social Tyne Cot Cemetery. They were reinterred with military honors, and their descendants, dignitaries, and even The Duke of Kent in attendance.
photos @EricCompernolle
#FWW #History #Archaeology
photos @EricCompernolle
#FWW #History #Archaeology
October 14, 2025 at 7:35 PM
In 2021, these soldiers found eternal rest @cwgc.bsky.social Tyne Cot Cemetery. They were reinterred with military honors, and their descendants, dignitaries, and even The Duke of Kent in attendance.
photos @EricCompernolle
#FWW #History #Archaeology
photos @EricCompernolle
#FWW #History #Archaeology
On-site identification of 2/Lt Ablett was a pivotal moment. A gold ring with an inscription and an id-tag led the way to discovering the identities of other soldiers. This extensive effort eventually identified 7 out of 9 soldiers from the 11/Northumberland Fusiliers.
October 14, 2025 at 7:35 PM
On-site identification of 2/Lt Ablett was a pivotal moment. A gold ring with an inscription and an id-tag led the way to discovering the identities of other soldiers. This extensive effort eventually identified 7 out of 9 soldiers from the 11/Northumberland Fusiliers.
In 2018, a remarkable discovery unfolded during sewer construction in Oude Wervikstraat, Beselare. Human remains and #FWW artifacts were unearthed. The Flanders Heritage agency initiated on-site research, revealing soldiers interred in trenches and shell craters.
October 14, 2025 at 7:35 PM
In 2018, a remarkable discovery unfolded during sewer construction in Oude Wervikstraat, Beselare. Human remains and #FWW artifacts were unearthed. The Flanders Heritage agency initiated on-site research, revealing soldiers interred in trenches and shell craters.
Tragically, heavy artillery shelling struck their positions on 14 October. On the following day, the war diaries grimly noted: 'C Coy very heavily shelled in the early morning - 2 Lt L.W. ABLETT and 2 Lt E.D. BRUTY ‘C’ Coy killed – Batt HQ shelled heavily.
October 14, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Tragically, heavy artillery shelling struck their positions on 14 October. On the following day, the war diaries grimly noted: 'C Coy very heavily shelled in the early morning - 2 Lt L.W. ABLETT and 2 Lt E.D. BRUTY ‘C’ Coy killed – Batt HQ shelled heavily.
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.
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
The chances of identification seemed very poor, until thorough historical research followed by DNA led to the identification of a young soldier from Newfoundland, Private John Lambert.
August 16, 2025 at 9:17 PM
The chances of identification seemed very poor, until thorough historical research followed by DNA led to the identification of a young soldier from Newfoundland, Private John Lambert.
For some cases the delay was too long and they died of their wounds at the RAP. These men were buried on the spot in field graves. Their burial site, erased by heavy shelling, remained unknown, until a few years ago the remains of 8 soldiers were recovered #FWW #Archaeology
August 16, 2025 at 9:17 PM
For some cases the delay was too long and they died of their wounds at the RAP. These men were buried on the spot in field graves. Their burial site, erased by heavy shelling, remained unknown, until a few years ago the remains of 8 soldiers were recovered #FWW #Archaeology
For some reason the location of the RAP remained unknown by Field Ambulances and evacuation of the wounded didn't start. On his own initiative, the M.O. of the Hants started sending German POW's back to evacuate stretcher cases and so restored the line of evacuation #History
August 16, 2025 at 9:17 PM
For some reason the location of the RAP remained unknown by Field Ambulances and evacuation of the wounded didn't start. On his own initiative, the M.O. of the Hants started sending German POW's back to evacuate stretcher cases and so restored the line of evacuation #History
That day, RAMC units of the 29th Division installed a Regimental Aid Post here at the banks of the Steenbeek (between Ruisseau Farm and Tuffs/Taffs Farm) in support of the attack on Langemark.
#FWW #Archaeology #History #WW1
#FWW #Archaeology #History #WW1
August 16, 2025 at 9:17 PM
That day, RAMC units of the 29th Division installed a Regimental Aid Post here at the banks of the Steenbeek (between Ruisseau Farm and Tuffs/Taffs Farm) in support of the attack on Langemark.
#FWW #Archaeology #History #WW1
#FWW #Archaeology #History #WW1
#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.
Cpt Walker was killed when he jumped out of a bomb crater. Many witness accounts reported on his death, they varied greatly on how he met his end but they all agreed on how fearless he led his men, with his revolver in his hand, shouting: ‘Come on lads”.
April 25, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Cpt Walker was killed when he jumped out of a bomb crater. Many witness accounts reported on his death, they varied greatly on how he met his end but they all agreed on how fearless he led his men, with his revolver in his hand, shouting: ‘Come on lads”.
In 2016 a new pipeline was constructed over the same ground. On this small stretch of land 15 soldiers were found. One of them was Henry John Innes Walker from New Zealand, killed at about the same time as the Gallipoli landing.
April 25, 2025 at 8:07 PM
In 2016 a new pipeline was constructed over the same ground. On this small stretch of land 15 soldiers were found. One of them was Henry John Innes Walker from New Zealand, killed at about the same time as the Gallipoli landing.
Germans took new positions overnight and where already at the farmhouse on the left (Oblong Farm). Unaware, the Warwicks advanced in closed formation. 20min later it was all over. 10th Brigade suffered 2000+ casualties (1/RW: 17 officers and 500 other ranks of whom 192 missing)
April 25, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Germans took new positions overnight and where already at the farmhouse on the left (Oblong Farm). Unaware, the Warwicks advanced in closed formation. 20min later it was all over. 10th Brigade suffered 2000+ casualties (1/RW: 17 officers and 500 other ranks of whom 192 missing)
#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
Yes, found in a German backpack near Langemark. Very likely lost during the first battle of Ypres.
April 11, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Yes, found in a German backpack near Langemark. Very likely lost during the first battle of Ypres.
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
December 24, 2024 at 12:19 PM
After the Battle of Messines, the tunnel, later known as the Wytschaete Catacombs, was taken over by Tunnelling Companies. They repaired the entire structure, added new entrances, and sealed off the original ones. The work took approximately a month and was completed on August 15, 1917.
December 23, 2024 at 10:17 PM
After the Battle of Messines, the tunnel, later known as the Wytschaete Catacombs, was taken over by Tunnelling Companies. They repaired the entire structure, added new entrances, and sealed off the original ones. The work took approximately a month and was completed on August 15, 1917.
Archaeologically, we determined that the Kortestollen gallery extends at least 106m and lies 4,8m below the surface. According to records from RIR 215, Kortestollen was described as an excellent structure, featuring space for 200 beds, multiple exits, and the ability to withstand heavy artillery.
December 23, 2024 at 10:17 PM
Archaeologically, we determined that the Kortestollen gallery extends at least 106m and lies 4,8m below the surface. According to records from RIR 215, Kortestollen was described as an excellent structure, featuring space for 200 beds, multiple exits, and the ability to withstand heavy artillery.
The name Kortestollen refers to its designer, Lieutenant Hubertus Korte, commander of a Mineurkommando who oversaw its construction. Tragically, Korte did not live to see its completion; he was killed on June 11, 1916, during an assault on a mine crater near Hollandseschuur.
December 23, 2024 at 10:17 PM
The name Kortestollen refers to its designer, Lieutenant Hubertus Korte, commander of a Mineurkommando who oversaw its construction. Tragically, Korte did not live to see its completion; he was killed on June 11, 1916, during an assault on a mine crater near Hollandseschuur.
A total of 7 entrances to the Kortestollen were uncovered. While the preservation of wood varied—some in poor condition, others excellently preserved—all entrances had collapsed and were blocked. Only the stairs could be excavated, making it impossible to access the actual tunnel.
#Archaeology
#Archaeology
December 23, 2024 at 10:17 PM
A total of 7 entrances to the Kortestollen were uncovered. While the preservation of wood varied—some in poor condition, others excellently preserved—all entrances had collapsed and were blocked. Only the stairs could be excavated, making it impossible to access the actual tunnel.
#Archaeology
#Archaeology