From this village, the Yser describes a wide curve towards the west which ends at Schoorbakke. At Tervaete, a bridge spanned the Yser. From the right bank the enemy were able to enfilade and even attack the Allies' defences on the left bank, in the rear, and effect a crossing of the river at that point. This explains the frequency and fierceness of the German attacks on Tervaete, which was first lost then recaptured on October 22, 1914, being finally captured by the Germans the next day (See p. [12]).
From Stuyvekenskerke, return to the road previously followed, turning left towards Pervyse. Shortly before reaching Pervyse are the remains of an elevated footway, which formerly crossed the inundated ground. After crossing what used to be the permanent way of the Dixmude-Nieuport railway, the village of Pervyse is reached (3½ kms.) The railway embankment formed the boundary of the inundated area, and was fortified. Shelters and graves are still to be seen all the way along. There was an observation-post on the top of the railway-station, to the left of the road.
Temporary Bridge at Tervaete, on the impassable road to Stuyvekenskerke, in 1919.
Pervyse, in ruins, was made famous by the heroic resistance of the French Marines who beat off the enemy's fierce onslaughts of October and December 1914.
The houses bordering the road at the entrance to the village were turned into machine-gun blockhouses, thus barring the way.
Ramscappelle Church.
Beyond the church is a crossing; the road on the right leads to Ramscappelle (4½ kms.) which played an important part in 1914. On October 30, 1914, a fierce German thrust ended in the capture of the village—already on the point of being inundated—from the Belgian 5th and 6th Infantry Regiments. The loss was one of the greatest importance, as no lines of resistance had been prepared in the rear. The recapture of Ramscappelle was therefore an indispensable if very difficult operation. (See p. [15].)
