Ypres 2016 - Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 - Dug Out

During the Third Battle of Ypres (31st July - 10th November) 1917, the Commonwealth forces gradually secured territory from the Germans, and eventually they captured the Passchendaele Ridge. The area was so devastated that there was little cover to shelter troops from enemy artillery fire.

The British began to construct dugouts to protect their soldiers. In 1918, 25,000 tunnellers from the Royal Engineers, and 50,000 attached infantry began to construct a number of underground facilities. By the end of the War 270 dug outs of all types had been built in the region, one of which was a dugout under the ruined church at Zonnebeke.

Zonnebeeke Church Ruins

Zonnebeke Dug Out Model
Church Entrance

Zonnebeke Dug Out Model
Dug Out under Chrurch

Zonnebeke Dug Out Model
Dug Out Layout

 Reconstructed Dug Out            Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917  

Dug Out Entrance

 

 

 The Dug Out includes an office, officers room, bunk accommodation for soldiers, cooking facilities, workshop and a dressing station.

Royal Engineers officer in office

Officers Room

 

 

 Soldiers Accommodation



 

Cook House

Construction in progress

Soldiers working Dug Out WW1

Dug Out Exit