Memorial 20th Light Division

This memorial remembers the taking of the village of Langemark on 16 August 1917 by the British 20th Light Division and the fallen soldiers of this division.

In preparation of the Third Battle of Ypres 20th Light Division joined XIV Corps in the second part of July 1917 and moved to Elverdinghe. On the 6Th of August they took over from 38th (Welsh) division. The line of operation was on the left bond by the railway line (Langemark – Boezinghe) and then approx. 900 meters to the right, along the Steenbeek when looking into the direction of Langemark.

On the 7th of August the 59th Brigade was tasked with establishing bridgeheads over the Steenbeek, but were having serious difficulties because of the Marshy land as well as 1 strongpoint called Au Bon Gite with several pill boxes, which was located towards the left of the monument in the direction of the Steenbeek. They made 3 attempts in a period of 1 week and were able to take some of the pillboxes but forced back by a German countrattack.

Only on the 16th of August the 20th Light Division succeeded in overtaken de Au Bon Gite as part of a bigger attack to capture Langemark when both the 60th and 61st Brigade attached into the direction of Langemark. That same evening 20th Light Division was replaced by the 38th (Welsh) Division due to heavy losses they sustained.

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: Luc Van Waeyenberge & Gio Theunissen
• Photos: Luc van Waeyenberge