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The Brooding Soldier: A Canadian Tribute

A solemn Canadian war memorial in Belgium, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers during the first gas attacks of WWI.

The Brooding Soldier, located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, Belgium, is a poignant monument commemorating the Canadian soldiers who fought in the Second Battle of Ypres during World War I. Erected in 1925, the statue depicts a lone Canadian soldier with bowed head, honoring the sacrifices made in the face of the first poison gas attacks on the Western Front.

A brief summary to The Brooding Soldier

  • N313, Langemark-Poelkapelle, Langemark, 8920, BE

Local tips

  • Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought here.
  • Visit during a commemorative event to witness a moving tribute to the fallen.
  • Explore the surrounding area to discover other WWI sites and memorials.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Langemark-Poelkapelle, you can take a local bus towards the N313 road. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information. Single bus fares typically cost around €3. From nearby cities like Ypres or Bruges, you may need to take a train to a connecting bus station.

  • Walking

    The Brooding Soldier is located on the N313, a short walk from the village of Sint-Juliaan. From the center of the village, head north along the Zonnebekestraat, which intersects with the N313. The memorial is visible from a distance. There are parking spaces available near the memorial.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in the larger surrounding towns. A short trip from Langemark-Poelkapelle to The Brooding Soldier would likely cost between €15-€25. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about The Brooding Soldier

The Brooding Soldier stands as a solemn reminder of the horrors of World War I and the courage of Canadian troops. Located at Vancouver Corner, near Langemark-Poelkapelle, Belgium, the memorial marks the site where the Canadian First Division faced the first large-scale poison gas attack in 1915 during the Second Battle of Ypres. The monument, designed by Frederick Chapman Clemesha, features a 35-foot-high statue of a Canadian soldier with head bowed and hands resting on a reversed rifle, a traditional symbol of mourning. The soldier's somber expression reflects the heavy losses suffered during the battle, where approximately 2,000 Canadians perished. The surrounding grounds are meticulously maintained, with gardens of cedars trimmed in the shapes of artillery shells and explosions, adding to the atmosphere of reflection and remembrance. Soil from various locations across Canada was used in these gardens, symbolizing the diverse origins of the soldiers who fought there. The Brooding Soldier was unveiled on July 8, 1923, by the Duke of Connaught, with dignitaries such as Marshal Ferdinand Foch in attendance. Today, the site serves as a focal point for commemorative events and attracts visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects to the fallen.

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