The Ijzertoren (Iron Tower) is a memorial along the Belgian Yser river in Diskmuide. It commemorates the Belgian and Flemish soldiers killed on the front during WWI.
The rebuilt* tower is 84 metres high, and is the highest peace monument in Europe.
The rebuilt* tower is 84 metres high, and is the highest peace monument in Europe.
As you walk along the narrow pathway to the monument, hidden speakers call out the names of the war heroes.
No More War - written on the bottom right. AVV-VVK - at the top mean - Alles Voor Vlaanderen, Vlaanderen voor Kristus; All for Flanders-Flanders for Christ.
From the start of Belgium until the first World War, the official language in the Belgian army was French. Most officers spoke French. During World War I, many Flemish soldiers were recruited to fight in the trenches. This resulted in the Flemish Movement during the war, and the demand for more Flemish rights.
View from the top of the monument.
The IJzertoren site is the burial place of Flemish soldiers killed during the fighting on the Yser Front.
You take the lift to the top of the tower and enjoy the wonderful view - that is surely a mass grave.... Then you climb down the stairs to experience the sights and sounds of Diksmuide during the Great War.
It's hard to believe this town (and many others) were reduced to rubble during the First World War. It was the scene of a famous battle the Battle of the Ijzer, in 1914, when French and Belgian troops finally stopped the German advance, but at an horrendous price. The old town centre was rebuilt completely after the armistice.
How did they stop the advance?
A ship’s master, Hendrik Geeraert opened the sea locks and masses of water flowed inland toward the low-lying plains. This paralysed further German movement. However, the Germans managed to hold on to a few isolated ’islands’ on the west bank of the river until 1918. In the open plains, the situation was always dangerous, though. The front stabilised on the IJzer and later on the River Marne in France. But both sides dug in and four years of dreadful trench warfare began.
How did they stop the advance?
A ship’s master, Hendrik Geeraert opened the sea locks and masses of water flowed inland toward the low-lying plains. This paralysed further German movement. However, the Germans managed to hold on to a few isolated ’islands’ on the west bank of the river until 1918. In the open plains, the situation was always dangerous, though. The front stabilised on the IJzer and later on the River Marne in France. But both sides dug in and four years of dreadful trench warfare began.
These plains were flooded to prevent Germany advancing.
Up till World War II, the main language in Belgian politics and the army was still French.
But many Flemish sympathised with the Germans - the language was easier to understand than French, and this resulted in a split between Flemish families still supporting the Belgian stage and Flemish families who collaborated with the Germans.
But many Flemish sympathised with the Germans - the language was easier to understand than French, and this resulted in a split between Flemish families still supporting the Belgian stage and Flemish families who collaborated with the Germans.
Nieuwpoort - 16 km away
There's Nieuwpoort in the distance. On the horizon I could see a ship - when I looked through the telescope I could see several ships.
Shells - each one bears the name of the soldier who's ashes are inside.
After World War II, many Flemish were accused of German collaboration. Either by the state or by former members of the resistance.
In March 1946, the first *IJzertoren was blown up. The perpetrators were never caught, but there are theories of the Belgian state approving the demolition, or even helping the saboteurs.
On the same site a new, larger tower was built several years later. With the remains of the old tower, the Pax gate (Gate of Peace).
Today, the tower is a symbol to remember the cruelties that happen during wars, thus it is a symbol of peace.
In March 1946, the first *IJzertoren was blown up. The perpetrators were never caught, but there are theories of the Belgian state approving the demolition, or even helping the saboteurs.
On the same site a new, larger tower was built several years later. With the remains of the old tower, the Pax gate (Gate of Peace).
Today, the tower is a symbol to remember the cruelties that happen during wars, thus it is a symbol of peace.
On a lighter note - this is where we are for winter - you can see the row of boats coming toward the centre from the left. We are the last boat in the row - pretty much in the centre of the picture. It is lovely and peaceful with no hint of the atrocities that once occurred. Locals warn us to be careful where we walk; many live mines still remain.... bombs have been known to rise with the water..... An interesting place and filled with wonderfully kind people.
RSS Feed
