"Zonnebeke, a too sunny name for a shady place" Zonnebeke by Pavlik_NL

In Sepetmebr 1917 the allied forces started a fierce attack ordered by fieldmarchall Haig. This dreadful man had never been to a tranch in his whole military carreer (reason: it was too depressing) and he kept on sending 100.000s into their death. 40 kilometers behind the frontline he was sipping wine in his "chateau" when others had to go "over the top" towards certain death. May he pay the price for his awful deeds (sorry, just had to get that out of my system).
The assault was appointed North-East in the direction of Poelkapelle, Zonnebeke and eventually Passchendaele. Here the attack was stopped and thus only twelve kilometers were won. 60.000 men lost their lives in this battle. Almost 12.000 of British are burried in Tyne Cot Cemetry, the largest common wealth cemetry on mainland Europe.

Saint-Charles de Potyze

In the attack the British were supported by the French and they to advanced minimally with heavy losses. Near Zonnebeke is also the large French cemetry Saint-Charles de Potyze, where 4.000 soldiers of France found their grave.

Zonnebeke church, modern tower in the fog

In Zonnebeke I read on a roundabout the wonderful text "Living in the land of the dead, we will not let ourselves be ruled by death." This of course must be true and I can only amaze myself about the strength the inhabitants of this sad area must have.