20200427_-c-toerismeieper_8341_2bis_3

Mine Crater Sint-Elooi

The Mine Battle of 7 June 1917 - also known as the Battle of Messines Ridge - was one of the most succesful British operations on the Western Front during world war one. The offensive was opened with the explosion of 19 large mines. Traces of 16 craters are still visible to this day, almost all in the shape of deep ponds.

The minecrater at St.Eloi is the result of the largest deep mine (50 tons of ammonial) detonated during the war. The crater is flanked by an intact British bunker from 1917 and stands just 100 metres from another crater, the result of one of the six mines exploded on 27 March 1916 during the Attack of St.Eloi.

Other fanous craters of 7 June 1917 are the Lone Tree Crater in Wijtschate (commonly known as the Pool of Peace) and the Caterpillar Crater near Hill 60.

Crater accessible from 12 to 5pm - Closed from November 15th to April 1st

Access code available in Tourist Office Ieper - +32(0)57 239 220 - toerismebalie@ieper.be

Download brochure 2024

Download brochure