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Tank Memorial Ypres Salient

A tribute to the tank crews of World War I, commemorating their bravery and sacrifice in the Ypres Salient. A place for reflection and remembrance.

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The Tank Memorial Ypres Salient in Poelkapelle, Belgium, commemorates the tank crews who fought and died in the Ypres Salient during World War I. Unveiled in 2009, it stands near the site where many tanks were lost in the mud during the 1917 Battle of Poelkapelle. The memorial serves as a reminder of the tank warfare that occurred here and honors the 243 tank soldiers who are buried or commemorated in Belgium.

A brief summary to tank memorial ypres salient te poelkapelle

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual commemoration ceremony to witness a moving tribute to the fallen soldiers.
  • Take time to reflect on the history of tank warfare in the Ypres Salient and the sacrifices made by the tank crews.
  • Combine your visit with other World War I sites in the Ypres region to gain a deeper understanding of the conflict.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From nearby towns like Ieper (Ypres), take a bus to Poelkapelle. Bus lines 31 and 91 stop near the Tank Memorial. From the 'Poelkapelle Kerk' bus stop, the memorial is a short walk away. A single bus fare will typically cost around €3.

  • Walking

    The Tank Memorial is located on the Guynemerplein in Poelkapelle, easily accessible from most locations within the village. It's situated near the roundabout and the church car park. Follow local signs to Guynemerplein.

  • Driving

    The Tank Memorial is located at the junction of the N313 and N301 in Poelkapelle. Parking is available on Guynemerplein. There are short-term parking zones (max 30 minutes) near some businesses, requiring a parking disc. For longer visits, parking is available at Boezingestraat 45A, 8920 Langemark-Poelkapelle for €12 per night.

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Discover more about tank memorial ypres salient te poelkapelle

The Tank Memorial Ypres Salient, located in Poelkapelle, Belgium, stands as a solemn tribute to the tank crews who served in the Ypres Salient during World War I. This memorial is dedicated to the 243 members of the Heavy Branch Machine Gun Corps and the Tank Corps who lost their lives in action or died of wounds in Belgium. Poelkapelle witnessed intense tank warfare in 1917, during which many British tanks became trapped in the muddy terrain or were destroyed by enemy fire. After the war, numerous tank wrecks remained scattered between St. Julien and Poelkapelle. One such tank, the Damon II, remained bogged down near the De Zwaan pub until it was moved to the market square in 1923, becoming a tourist attraction. The Germans dismantled the tank in 1941. The Tank Memorial Ypres Salient was unveiled on October 10, 2009, on Guynemerplein (Guynemer Square), near the location where the Damon II once stood. The memorial aims to commemorate the heroic efforts of the tank crews who fought in the Ypres Salient. An authentic steel fragment of a tank plate, found in Poelkapelle, is affixed to the monument. The memorial is constructed from black brick and cement, emulating the color of the Royal Tank Regiment. An annual commemoration ceremony is held at the monument to honor the fallen tank soldiers. The memorial stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and serves as a call for peace.

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