The Battle of Messines

The Western Front has barely moved in two years. But this will change dramatically when the British refocus their operations on Flanders in Belgium and the city of Ypres in France. The British attempt to break the German stranglehold on the city by capturing Messines Ridge, high ground south of Ypres held by the Germans.

For 12 months British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand tunnelling companies have been hard at work digging 21 separate mine shafts under the German front line. Now complete, each mine is packed with tonnes of explosives.

The New Zealand Division takes part in the assault alongside British and Australian troops. In the early hours of 7 June the first wave of infantrymen are waiting to go over the top when the mines are exploded. The German trenches are blown sky high, killing an estimated 10,000 soldiers.

For once, everything has gone to plan. Messines Ridge is captured with little resistance from the dazed German survivors.