Sanctuary Wood Museum Hill 62

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Canadalaan 26, Ypres, Flanders 8900+32 57-466373

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Museum Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Inn Photo - Sanctuary Wood Museum Hill 62, Ypres, Belgium

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Museum Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Inn

by Jctravel1983

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

July 22, 2011

Best of IgoUgo The territory and the trenches around Hill 62 was manned by Canadian soldiers when on June 2, 1916 the Germans began an offensive to this piece of land. Initially successful, the German army managed to drive out the Canadians. After a counterattack ...Read more The territory and the trenches around Hill 62 was manned by Canadian soldiers when on June 2, 1916 the Germans began an offensive to this piece of land. Initially successful, the German army managed to drive out the Canadians. After a counterattack failed the next day, the Allies managed to recapture the territory on June 13, 1916, after a heavy artillery bombardment. After the war, the farmer returned to his territory around Hill 62 and found the trenches of Canadians. Contrary to what most farmers do, he keeps the trenches in the original condition. Today the museum and the trenches are maintained by the grandson of the farmer.

The entrance of the museum is characterized by an authentic cannon and a terrace with benches and tables. Immediately upon entering, Hill 62 museum looks more like a gift shop and cafe than a museum. At the souvenir desk are several souvenirs from the first world war for sale. The first thing you notice upon entering this museum is the musty smell. The collection in this small museum is impressive. Outside military items such as helmets, remains of cannons, guns and boots are again various artefacts on display. Most impressive are the photos. Several original photographs including photos of the devastated Ypres in 1919 adorn the walls. There are also several photographs, more than most other pictures from this time and gives a good picture of total despair prevailed soldiers in the trenches. There is even a photograph to see a mutilated soldier whose jaw was completely washed away. This is also unique because most museums choose to make this kind of shocking photos not to show.

As mentioned here you can admire the trenches after the war, reinforced with iron plates in order to prevent collapse and erosion. The trenches can be entered. Characteristic of the landscape above the pits created by shell craters. The landscape after more than 90 years now surrounded by trees, but in 1916 this will be, partly due to the descent of many shells, almost been bare.

Museum Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Inn is not large but is a must for all those that are interested in the First World War. The special collection of photographs and the trenches make the museum unique. The only disadvantage I can think of is the musty smell that hangs in the museum. The cafeteria is nice and the terrace is a must if the weather is nice. Close

From journal Having fun in Belgium

Sanctuary Wood Museum Hill 62

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Museum Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Inn