KEMMEL CHURCH AND VILLAGE IN RUINS
Photographed from the eastern slopes of Kemmel Hill
RUINS OF KEMMEL CHÂTEAU AND HILL
KEMMEL HILL
Photographed from the road to Kemmel at La Clytte, 500 yards from the latter.
Beyond the ruins of the church, in the middle of a devastated cemetery, turn to the left; then at the next fork, leaving some French graves on the left, take the road on the right leading to Kemmel Hill.
This hill, the first of the Hills of Flanders, is famous for the battles fought there in 1918. On April 17, 1918, the Germans had reached the foot. On the 25th, they rushed to the attack, encircling and capturing the hill, which was held by the French 30th Infantry Regiment. During the next and following days French counter-attacks failed to dislodge the enemy. It was only on August 30 that the Germans evacuated the hill; on the 31st it was occupied by the British.
Pass Burgrave Farm. At the foot of the hill (inaccessible to vehicles) the road turns to the left. Here the ground is completely churned up, the bits of road being connected up by little bridges thrown across the shell-holes. In the distance is seen the ruined church of Kemmel (photo, p. 113). On reaching the village, turn to the right, to visit the ruins of the château (photo, p. 114), then return to the fork and take the road on the right.
The road is hilly, as the photograph, taken 500 yards this side of the crossing with the La Clytte road, shows. Keeping straight along the road by which he came, as far as Zevecoten, the tourist then returns first to the left and then to the right.