Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Just another day at the office Photos @BAACVlaanderen #FWW #Archaeology 0122
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 26/04/202625 April 1915, Hull's attack (10th Brigade), one of the counterattacks in the early days of 2nd Ypres. 1st Royal Warwicks advanced over this ground towards Kitchener's Wood (behind farm buildings on the right) #FWW #History #Archaeology 1144
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 25/02/2026I’m looking for someone who has the book Twice in a Lifetime by M.L. Walkinton. If you have a copy, I’d be incredibly grateful for photos/scans of a few pages. Eternal thanks! 🙏📚 212
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 05/02/20263 years ago already — during archaeological research near Westhoek, we investigated this former German trench. In 1917, Commonwealth troops took over the sector and left behind this SMLE. Still the best-preserved one I’ve ever had the privilege to excavate. #FWW #Archaeology 0141
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 14/01/2026My final project of 2025, with some great results. www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20...vrt.beArcheologists unearth Nazi brick trench on the outskirts of a West Flemish village | VRT NWS: newsArcheologists have unearthed a forgotten defensive trench that was built by German troops during the Second World War. The trench was discovered just outside the centre of Pervijse, a village near to ... 081
Reposted by Simon VerdegemDe Archeoloog @dearcheoloog.bsky.social · 13/01/2026Net buiten de dorpskern van #Pervijze bij Diksmuide in #België hebben archeologen een #Duits, bakstenen loopgraaf met in het verlengde ervan een #geschutsstelling uit de Tweede Wereldoorlog (#WO2) blootgelegd. /1 www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/20...vrt.beArcheologen leggen vergeten Duitse loopgraaf uit WO II bloot in Pervijze | VRT NWS: nieuwsNet buiten de dorpskern van Pervijze bij Diksmuide hebben archeologen een vergeten Duits verdedigingswerk uit de Tweede Wereldoorlog blootgelegd. Het gaat om een bakstenen loopgraaf die uitmondt in ee... 1307
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 29/11/2025In 2019, the remains of a young German paratrooper (18–22y) from Kampfgruppe Hübner were found in Houthalen-Helchteren (B), but his identity remains unknown. A clue points to a connection with Finsterwalde (1943). Any #help in identifying him is requested. #Archaeology #History 084
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 11/11/2025The Hill80 report was completed some time ago, but only now officially submitted — which means I can finally share it! It’s in Dutch, but I hope you’ll still enjoy the content. 🔗 Read it here: oar.onroerenderfgoed.be/publicaties/...oar.onroerenderfgoed.be 073
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 14/10/2025In 1917, during 3rd Ypres, 11/Northumberland Fusiliers returned to the front lines after a brief rest and took over from the 13/Durham Light Infantry. C company, with 2/Lt. L.W. Ablett and 2/Lt. E.D. Bruty, went in support trenches near Reutel on 12 Oct. 24710
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 16/09/2025Today we laid to rest the South African soldier recovered during the Hill 80 project. With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place. More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many. 517023
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 16/09/2025Today we laid to rest the South African soldier recovered during the Hill 80 project. With his reburial, the last of the men we found has now received a final resting place. More than 100 missing soldiers have been recovered and honoured thanks to the support of so many. 517023
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 04/09/2025Today’s office reminded me why I love what I do #FWW #Archaeology 0112
Reposted by Simon VerdegemDr Tom Horne @hornesupremacy.bsky.social · 04/09/2025If you're interested in this @theresthistory.bsky.social series, you'll like this chat with the brilliant archaeologist @simonverdegem.bsky.social of Dig Hill 80 and other compelling #FWW archaeology projects. Echoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed - with Simon Verdegem youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...youtu.beEchoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon VerdegemYouTube video by Rubicon Archaeology Limited 051
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 29/08/2025Our last man will finally be laid to rest. He was recovered during our DigHill80 project, and while his exact identity could not be uncovered, the evidence was sufficient to determine that he had served with the South African Infantry. www.cwgc.org/visit-us/eve...cwgc.org 061
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 16/08/2025#OTD in 1917, Pte. John Lambert was killed near Langemark. Being buried in the field his body was lost until 2016 when we discovered his remains together with 7 others. He was identified in 2020 and reburied @cwgc.bsky.social New Irish Farm Cemetery in 2022. 212714
Reposted by Simon VerdegemDr Tom Horne @hornesupremacy.bsky.social · 13/07/2025🎉 1️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 📈 'Echoes from the Trenches: #WW1 Unearthed - with @simonverdegem.bsky.social' has now reached over 1,000 views! youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...youtu.beEchoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon VerdegemYouTube video by Rubicon Archaeology Limited 074
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 09/05/2025I’m truly honored to have been part of this project. The end result is absolutely impressive! Congratulations to everyone who made it possible. www.inflandersfields.be/nl/bezoek/sc...inflandersfields.beproject 2024-2025Een jongerenblik op WOI-archeologie Tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog vielen naar schatting 600.000 slachtoffers in België, duizenden van hen zijn tot op de dag van vandaag vermist. Als er menselijke res... 041
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 25/04/2025#OTD in 1915, Hull's attack (10th Brigade), one of the counterattacks in the early days of 2nd Ypres. 1st Royal Warwicks advanced over this ground towards Kitchener's Wood (behind farm buildings on the right) #FWW #History #Archaeology 1153
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 17/04/2025Great work by Bert Heyvaert together with @cwgc.bsky.social, the German VDK and the French Direction de la mémoire, de culture et des archives. #FWW #Archaeology www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20....vrt.beBodies of 22 Great War soldiers found in Ieper 0204
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 24/02/2025Looking for photos of the 2-in Medium Trench Mortar, (Toffee Apple or Plum Pudding), along with its accessories-crate, periscope, and other equipment-in use in the trenches. Can anyone #help with pictures, sources or references? Any help is much appreciated! #FWW #Archaeology 6177
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 21/02/2025It was a remarkable experience to take part in this unique research in Reningelst! Together with archaeologists from Flanders and China, we searched for traces of the Chinese Labour Corps. The first results reveal structures of the camp. #FWW #Archaeology 1152
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 29/01/2025Now on video! 🎥 The Shindig #Podcast episode I did with Tom and Luke is now available with incredible photos that bring our discussion to life. See the preserved trenches, remarkable finds, and powerful stories. Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?... #WW1 #Archaeology #Historyyoutu.beEchoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon VerdegemYouTube video by Red River Archaeology Group 0124
Reposted by Simon VerdegemDr Tom Horne @hornesupremacy.bsky.social · 01/02/2025#FWW Podcast Thank you: In the first three days of release, we have already had 400+ views of our fully-illustrated video podcast on the sites and astonishingly well preserved finds of the #WW1 Flanders battlefields with expert archaeologist, @simonverdegem.bsky.social. youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...youtu.beEchoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon VerdegemYouTube video by Red River Archaeology Group 1102
Reposted by Simon VerdegemDr Tom Horne @hornesupremacy.bsky.social · 30/01/2025#WW1: In this clip, @simonverdegem.bsky.social talks to @thebigelbee.bsky.social about finding the remains of a cuddly toy in a First World War German soldier's backpack discovered in Flanders. youtube.com/shorts/hU7ys...youtube.comUncovering personal stories of World War I #podcast #history #archaeology #worldwar1YouTube video by Red River Archaeology Group 031
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 29/01/2025Now on video! 🎥 The Shindig #Podcast episode I did with Tom and Luke is now available with incredible photos that bring our discussion to life. See the preserved trenches, remarkable finds, and powerful stories. Watch here: youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?... #WW1 #Archaeology #Historyyoutu.beEchoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon VerdegemYouTube video by Red River Archaeology Group 0124
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 29/01/2025Honoured to join the Shindig #Podcast! 🎙️ We explore the battlefields of Flanders Fields, uncovering trench warfare, powerful stories of the missing, and incredible projects like Dig Hill 80 Listen here: t.co/6ostoGAQKS @hornesupremacy.bsky.social @thebigelbee.bsky.social #FWW #Archaeologyopen.spotify.comEchoes from the Trenches: WW1 Unearthed – with Simon VerdegemThe Shindig - An Archaeology Podcast · Episode 161
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 23/12/2024In Wijtschate’s Hospicestraat in 2020, the most impressive discovery was a series of stairs leading to a German dugout, the Kortestollen. While maps indicated this system was near the road, its exact location and extent had remained unknown until our excavation. 1379
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024The report can be accessed here: id.erfgoed.net/archeologie/... 2286
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024During the final phase in December and January, we worked between Westhoek and the old railway. While preservation of features was generally poor, we uncovered a few trench segments—and, most notably, an SMLE rifle on the very last day. 3447
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024In addition to the trench’s reconfiguration, several other locations and finds testified to the fierce battles fought here under extremely challenging conditions. 1222
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024In August, we worked at Westhoek, uncovering a German trench known as Jabber Trench. The excavation revealed it was reconfigured by Commonwealth forces after its capture in August 1917. A ditch in front of the trench showed they had dug into the parapet to fortify their position. 1214
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024The most extraordinary find was a grouser spud from a Mark IV tank, identified as 2668, B49 Britannia. Aerials showed it stranded near the road, but finding an actual piece was remarkable. A nearby plaque was likely connected to it as well. 2304
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024In April, our excavation took us near Clapham Junction, along Oude Kortrijkstraat. Here, we uncovered the original road pavement, which bore the scars of numerous craters. Within these, we found remarkably well-preserved items, including crates, Lewis gun drums, and various pieces of military kit 2223
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024In January 2022, we were on the eastern section of Bellewaardestraat, near its intersection with Frezenbergstraat. Unfortunately, most features in this area were poorly preserved, due to post-war battlefield clearances. However, one significant exception stood out: the bunker near Surbiton Villas 1223
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024Some of the most remarkable finds: - a watch - a fragment of a post card - a complete P14 Leather Equipment 1282
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024In December 2021, our work focused on the western part of Bellewaardestraat. Here, we uncovered several significant features: segments of trenches, a collapsed tunnel, and a German storage room. 1294
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024We recently completed the report on the Frezenberg-Westhoek excavation, conducted between December 2021 and January 2023. This dig took place alongside street renovations for pipe replacement. Here’s a thread to refresh our memory on the key findings and discoveries from this remarkable project 1367
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024We recently completed the report on the Frezenberg-Westhoek excavation, conducted between December 2021 and January 2023. This dig took place alongside street renovations for pipe replacement. Here’s a thread to refresh our memory on the key findings and discoveries from this remarkable project 1367
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/12/2024About 2 years ago, we had the opportunity to investigate this German Atlantikwall bunker. Due to inaccessible entrances, the only option was through the roof. It turned out to be a few extraordinary days with a great team. #Archaeology 0190
Reposted by Simon VerdegemDr Bernard Wilkin @bernardwilkin.bsky.social · 06/12/2024On the train to Brussels to talk about the missing bones of the Napoleonic wars to a room full of archeologists. Cannot wait to meet @simonverdegem.bsky.social and share the research written with @robschaefer-historian.com and @tonypollard.bsky.social 4162
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 28/11/2024Pilckem Ridge 2013. During the excavation, the remains of 4 soldiers were found. Two of them were located in front of the support trench and were clearly not buried. The other two were buried side by side in separate field graves behind the support trench #FWW #Archaeology 2364
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 26/11/2024Pilckem Ridge 2013. A support trench was found with dozens of shelters built along it. These were mostly on the enemy side and accessible via a short trench. The layout and dimensions were almost always identical. #FWW #Archaeology 1547
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 24/11/2024Pilckem Ridge 2013. Several textbook examples of British trenches with A-frames, duckboards, and corrugated iron or XPM (expanded metal) sheets were uncovered during the excavation. #FWW #Archaeology #memories 1232
Reposted by Simon VerdegemSimon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 21/11/2024When we discovered this German backpack in a 1914 trench near Wijdendrift (Langemark), we could never have imagined the extraordinary find it held. Only during cleaning in the depot did the eyes and claws of a cuddly toy come to light. #FWW #Archaeology #History 04910
Reposted by Simon VerdegemAndy Lock @bigandylock.bsky.social · 23/11/2024Memorial plaque for the Great War has gone back up in Blackheath Rugby Club after a spell in storage with the move to the new ground. H J Walker listed on the bottom right. @simonverdegem.bsky.social 4241
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 21/11/2024When we discovered this German backpack in a 1914 trench near Wijdendrift (Langemark), we could never have imagined the extraordinary find it held. Only during cleaning in the depot did the eyes and claws of a cuddly toy come to light. #FWW #Archaeology #History 04910
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 17/11/2024The archaeological features we uncovered in Messines in 2012 were exceptional. However, what has stayed with me the most was the discovery of the mortal remains of a missing soldier. It turned out to be a defining moment in the course of my professional journey, a focus I still maintain to this day. 2476
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 14/11/2024Equally impressive as the bunker was the German fighting trench Eckert Graben. In addition to various construction styles, multiple overlapping levels of duckboards were preserved, bearing witness to the continuous struggle against the water. #FWW #Archaeology 0131
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 13/11/2024The tunnels were not the only remarkable thing we found around Messines. A bit closer to the German front line, there was this personnel bunker with an exceptionally well-preserved access trench. Note the niches with stick grenades and the rifle rack at the entrance. #FWW #Archaeology 0150
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 12/11/2024It’s unbelievable that this was already 12 years ago. Around this time of year, we were working in and on the German tunnels we unexpectedly discovered in Messines. This discovery remains one of the most remarkable I’ve had the privilege to investigate. #FWW #Archaeology 2426
