Irish Peace Park Mesen

On November 1, 1914, Messines was occupied by the Germans after the First Battle of Messines. In 1916 the German positions were undermined and in June 1917 they were detonated. Then the Second Battle of Messines broke out (14-17 June 1917) and Messines was recaptured by New Zealand troops. From April to September 28, 1918, Messines came back into German hands after the Spring Offensive, but was liberated in November of that year.

The Irish Peace Park in Messines has been a national memorial for Ireland in the Westhoek since 1998. The round rough stone tower, 30 meters high, is a typical Irish symbol and commemorates all Irish soldiers who died during WW I. The tower contains the 'war memorial books' by John French (1922) with the names of ca. 49,000 Irish casualties.
The Peace Park also refers to the 1917 Mine Battle when the Catholic "16th (Irish) Division" and Protestant Irish soldiers "36th (Ulster) Division" fought side by side.

The tower is located in a landscaped 'peace park'. Along the path to the tower are 4 columns with the text on a bronze plaque:
"Irish Island Peace Park.
This Peace Tower, in memory of all of the Island of Ireland who lives in the
World War I fought and died
Was founded by "A Journey of Reconciliation Trust"
With the support of the people of Messines,
This memorial plaque was unveiled on November 11, 1998 by
President Mary McAleese, in the presence of His Majesty King Albert II,
And Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ".
This text is repeated on the 3 other columns in French, English and Irish.

To the right of the access path are 9 flat stones with poems.
The number of fallen, wounded and missing of the 3 divisions is stated on 3 columns with a sloping top surface.
The names of the 4 provinces of Ireland are engraved vertically on 4 rectangular, upright columns. On the southern edge is an incomplete circular earthen wall.

Source: Immovable Heritage

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Source

• Text: Marie-Christine Vinck
• Photos: Marie-Christine Vinck