Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

PHOTOS: A landscape shaped by World War I

August 03, 2014 14:59 IST

One hundred years on, World War I resonates across Belgium in countless monuments and cemeteries along with relics of long-abandoned bunkers and trenches that dot the landscape.

These relics are a constant reminder of what happened on Flanders Fields 100 years ago when life was about trenches, the protection of a bunker, a muddy battlefield and destroyed villages.

The setting sun creates long shadows in front of the graves at Sanctuary Wood Military Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium. Monday marks the 100th anniversary of Great Britain declaring war on Germany.

Please click NEXT to view more…

PHOTOS: A landscape shaped by World War I

August 03, 2014 14:59 IST

A simple wooden memorial cross marks the field outside Ploegsteert Wood, Flanders, where British and German soldiers played football during the World War One Christmas Day truce in 1914.

Please click NEXT to view more…

 

PHOTOS: A landscape shaped by World War I

August 03, 2014 14:59 IST

The setting sun illuminates the sculpture of the ‘Brooding Soldier’ and creates a rainbow. The monument commemorates the Canadian First Division’s participation in the Second Battle of Ypres of World War I.

Please click NEXT to view more…

PHOTOS: A landscape shaped by World War I

August 03, 2014 14:59 IST

The sun falls on the names of missing soldiers at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.

Please click NEXT to view more…

PHOTOS: A landscape shaped by World War I

August 03, 2014 14:59 IST

The sun is reflected off grave stones at the German Langemark military cemetery in Poelkapelle, Belgium.

Please click NEXT to view more…

PHOTOS: A landscape shaped by World War I

August 03, 2014 14:59 IST

Rifle House Cemetery containing mainly Australian soldiers nestles inside Ploegsteert Wood.