The canal and river from Ieper formed a frontline for the Belgian troops. One of the many trenches has been preserved. It was called the Dodengang, the trench of death. The many clumps of poppies growing out of the walls add to the poignancy.

Still today, farmers are killed as they plough their land and hit unexploded bombs from WW1. Every year, thousands of tons are still discovered in Belgium by specialist teams.