OTD 31 July 1917 Battle of Passchendaele

Fighting in Flanders Fields, own picture from a photograph taken in 2017
In Flanders Fields Museum

On 31 July 1917, one of the worst battles in History took place near Ypres in Belgium.
It was called the Battle of Passchendaele or the Third Battle of Ypres.

Hundred years ago, soldiers from the British Empire (they came from Australia,
Canada, India, Newfoundland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom),
France and Belgium had to fight for a few square meters of land in the deadliest
Flanders Fields.

Menin Gate with the monument of India in Front - own picture taken in 2017

On 30 July 2017, a lot of remembrances will take place at Ypres. There will be
a special Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in presence of
King Philippe of the Belgians,
his wife Queen Mathilde,
William, Duke of Cambridge
and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

The Menin Gate with lots of names of Fallen soldiers - own picture taken in 2017

The poppies are a symbol of World War 1

poppies at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium - own picture taken in 2017

Later the royals will visit the In Flanders Fields museum.
To know more, check their site on this link .

Ypres, Cloth Hall and the In Flanders Fields museum own picture 2017

The commemorations are organized in association with the British Government
and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (founded in 1917) .

Ypres Grand Place with the Cloth Hall and the in Flanders Fields museum
own picture 2017

Ypres destroyed during Word War I - picture from painting taken in 2017

Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate of 30 July 2017

Queen Mathilde, King Philippe of the Belgians, Duke of Cambridge,
Duchess of Cambridge - screenshot

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - screenshot

King Philippe of the Belgians and Queen Mathilde - screenshot