57322: Road from Ypres to Sint-Juliaan

The road from Ypres to Sint-Juliaan in the distance, (St. Julien as it was known to the British). The farm on the left is near the site of the farm known to the troops as Cheddar Villa. A large bunker can be seen behind the farm's outbuildings. This bunker was a German strongpoint, which was taken on the opening day of Third Ypres. It was then used by British troops, but its large entrance (having been built by the Germans) now faced the enemy, making it a dangerous place. On the 7th of August 1917 a first aid post was set up within the bunker by the 3/Ox & Bucks Light Infantry when they took over this part of the line. A platoon was also sheltering here when a shell came straight into the entrance opening - with awful but predictable results. Many there were killed, and many horribly mutilated.