11.—Battalion commander’s Headquarters at Km. 4.400 of the Nieuport-Dixmude railway line.
That concrete dug-out served as battle Headquarters to the major commanding the Oud-Stuyvekenskerke subsector. It was of that type adopted for such shelters prompted along the railway line.
These emplacements were generally constructed in the years 1916 and 1917 to take the place of the far less resisting ones whose walls as well as roofings were formed by beams and logs in juxtaposition. The roof had been rendered waterproof by means of tarred board, while a more or less thick layer of bags filled with concrete rendered them safe against small shells.
These which replaced them, some of which are still remaining such that of kilom. 4.400, were very well conceived. They often contained several different rooms, the number of which were varying according the need of the sector: major’s orderly room, major’s and adjutant’s lodging, visual signalling and very-light posts, telephone central, etc....
12.—The base of the tower of Oud-Stuyvekenskerke.
The old tower of Oud-Stuyvekenskerke has not been able to resist to the amount of projectiles poured upon it by the Germans, throughout the whole campaign. Its emplacement however, and the concrete bloc which has taken its place are interesting as marking the extreme advance of the enemy in the region, it also brings back to memory the terrific bombardments and fights which that corner of Flanders witnessed.
Dixmude.—Aerial photo (Mai 26th 1917).
Dixmude.—Their Majesties King and Queen at the “Death trench”. (June 1st 1917).