Flanders: Crossing of Yser river barrier
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Flanders: Crossing of Yser river barrier
The bridging of the Yser and Yser canal under fire, during the opening allied attack: Two of the British infantry and pack-horse bridges. Date: 1917
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Media ID 14147980
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Barrier Bridges Canal Crossing Flanders Infantry Pack Yser Bridging
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a pivotal moment during the Battle of the Yser in 1917, as British infantry and pack-horse bridges are being constructed under heavy enemy fire in the Flanders region of Belgium. The First World War, also known as the Great War, had reached its third year, and the Western Front had become a stalemate of trench warfare. In an attempt to break through the German lines, the Allied forces launched an offensive in the Ypres Salient, with the Yser River and canal serving as a crucial barrier. The image shows two British soldiers, focused and determined, as they work to lay down the bridge planks amidst the chaos of battle. The pack horses, tethered nearby, await their turn to cross, their backs laden with supplies. In the background, the smoke from artillery fire rises ominously, a constant reminder of the danger and destruction that surrounds them. The Yser canal, a strategic waterway, is visible in the distance, its calm surface a stark contrast to the turmoil on the land. The successful crossing of the Yser river and canal was a significant achievement for the Allied forces, as it allowed them to establish a defensive position and prevent the German advance towards the English Channel. The bravery and resilience of the soldiers, despite the harrowing conditions, underscore the heroism and determination that characterized the First World War. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history.
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