Saturday, 14 March 2020

Ypres 2020 - Izertower

To commemorate Belgian soldiers lost in the Yser Battlefields during World War One, a tower was built in Dixmuide, opening in 1930.  

As the majority of the Belgian soldiers were Flemish, the tower became a symbol for greater Flemish autonomy.

Izer Tower Diksmuide 1930

Izer Tower Diksmuide 1930 River Yser

During the early day of WWII, the Izer Tower was damaged during the British Expeditionary Forces' withdrawal to Dunkirk, when there was fierce fighting around Diksmuide.  

Izer Tower damaged during WW2

This original tower was blown up in 1946 by those unhappy with Flemish cooperation with the Nazis’ during WW2. 

Izer Tower destroyed in 1946

The existing tower, standing 84 metres (275 feet ) tall, was opened in 1965.

Izer Tower 2020
Izer Tower 2020
Original Izer Tower ruins