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Messines Ridge New Zealand Memorial: A Tribute to Courage

A solemn World War I memorial in Mesen, Belgium, honoring the New Zealand soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Messines.

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The Messines Ridge New Zealand Memorial, located in Mesen, Belgium, commemorates over 800 New Zealand soldiers who died in or near Messines during World War I and have no known graves. It stands within the Messines Ridge British Cemetery and serves as one of seven memorials in France and Belgium dedicated to New Zealand soldiers missing on the Western Front.

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Local tips

  • Pay your respects to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives and reflect on the impact of the war.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Messines Ridge British Cemetery to understand the broader historical context.
  • Visit on Anzac Day (April 25th) to witness a special remembrance service.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Ieper, take the Line 71 bus from Ieper Station perron 5 to Mesen Peace Village. The bus ride takes approximately 27 minutes and departs every two hours on Monday to Friday. From Mesen Peace Village, the memorial is a short walk away. A single bus ticket costs €3.

  • Car

    From Ieper, take the N365 towards Mesen. In Mesen, turn left onto Nieuwkerkestraat (N314). The Messines Ridge British Cemetery, where the memorial is located, will be 250 meters on the left. Parking is available next to the cemetery. Driving from Brussels to the memorial is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes via the E429/A8.

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The Messines Ridge New Zealand Memorial is a poignant tribute to the soldiers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force who lost their lives in the fierce battles around Messines during World War I. Situated within the Messines Ridge British Cemetery, the memorial commemorates over 800 soldiers who have no known grave, their names etched into history for their sacrifice. The memorial stands as a testament to the strategic importance of Messines Ridge, which saw intense fighting throughout the war. The village was captured by German forces in late 1914 and retaken by the New Zealand Division in June 1917 during the Battle of Messines. The area fell again to the Germans in April 1918 before being liberated for the final time in September 1918. The memorial is one of seven located in France and Belgium dedicated to New Zealand soldiers who died on the Western Front and whose final resting place remains unknown. The Messines Ridge British Cemetery, in which the memorial stands, was created after the Armistice, with graves brought in from the surrounding battlefield and smaller burial grounds. Today, it holds over 1,500 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War. Designed by Charles Holden, both the cemetery and the memorial offer a place for reflection and remembrance amidst the serene landscape of Belgium.

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