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.
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Izer Tower Diksmuide 1930 |
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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.
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Izer Tower damaged during WW2 |
This original tower was blown up in 1946 by those unhappy with Flemish cooperation with the Nazis’ during WW2.
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Izer Tower destroyed in 1946 |
The existing tower, standing 84 metres (275 feet ) tall, was opened in 1965.
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Izer Tower 2020 |
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Izer Tower 2020 |
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Original Izer Tower ruins |