Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Just another day at the office Photos @BAACVlaanderen #FWW #Archaeology 0122
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 26/04/2026Eight years ago he was finally laid to rest at @cwgc.bsky.social New Irish Farm Cemetery. Before the ceremony we took his relatives to some key locations where we know their ‘Uncle Jack’ has been. It was an emotional moment when we reached the spot where he was found. youtu.be/A4oGiEfi5a8youtu.beRest in Peace Captain Walker #InFlandersFieldsYouTube video by VISITFLANDERS 261
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 26/04/2026Cpt Walker was killed when he jumped out of a bomb crater. Many witness accounts reported on his death, they varied greatly on how he met his end but they all agreed on how fearless he led his men, with his revolver in his hand, shouting: ‘Come on lads”. 161
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 26/04/2026In 2016 a new pipeline was constructed over the same ground. On this small stretch of land 15 soldiers were found. One of them was Henry John Innes Walker from New Zealand, killed at about the same time as the Gallipoli landing. 141
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 26/04/2026Germans took new positions overnight and where already at the farmhouse on the left (Oblong Farm). Unaware, the Warwicks advanced in closed formation. 20min later it was all over. 10th Brigade suffered 2000+ casualties (1/RW: 17 officers and 500 other ranks of whom 192 missing) 141
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 · 17/01/2026Sounds good! Actually, it’s an alternative way to visit the battlefields, very interesting and unexpected locations 010
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 · 14/10/2025The artifacts found with them were exceptionally well-preserved and sometimes showed the incredibly brutal force with which the artillery had struck their positions. The impact on some objects speaks for itself 060
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 14/10/2025Private Joseph Patrickson MM, 11/NF, 24 Private Arnold Sanderson MM, 11/NF, 26 An Unknown Soldier of the Northumberland Fusiliers An Unknown Soldier of the Great War 270
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 14/10/20252nd Lieutenant Leslie Wallace Ablett, 11/NF, 20 2nd Lieutenant Edward Douglas Bruty, 11/NF, 21 Serjeant Thomas Feasby, 11/NF, 32 Lance Corporal Stanley Blakeborough, 11/NF, 21 Private Harry Miller, 11/NF, 28 150
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 14/10/2025In 2021, these soldiers found eternal rest @cwgc.bsky.social Tyne Cot Cemetery. They were reinterred with military honors, and their descendants, dignitaries, and even The Duke of Kent in attendance. photos @EricCompernolle #FWW #History #Archaeology 170
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 14/10/2025On-site identification of 2/Lt Ablett was a pivotal moment. A gold ring with an inscription and an id-tag led the way to discovering the identities of other soldiers. This extensive effort eventually identified 7 out of 9 soldiers from the 11/Northumberland Fusiliers. 150
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 14/10/2025In 2018, a remarkable discovery unfolded during sewer construction in Oude Wervikstraat, Beselare. Human remains and #FWW artifacts were unearthed. The Flanders Heritage agency initiated on-site research, revealing soldiers interred in trenches and shell craters. 140
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 14/10/2025Tragically, heavy artillery shelling struck their positions on 14 October. On the following day, the war diaries grimly noted: 'C Coy very heavily shelled in the early morning - 2 Lt L.W. ABLETT and 2 Lt E.D. BRUTY ‘C’ Coy killed – Batt HQ shelled heavily. 141
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 · 16/08/2025The chances of identification seemed very poor, until thorough historical research followed by DNA led to the identification of a young soldier from Newfoundland, Private John Lambert. 0121
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 16/08/2025For some cases the delay was too long and they died of their wounds at the RAP. These men were buried on the spot in field graves. Their burial site, erased by heavy shelling, remained unknown, until a few years ago the remains of 8 soldiers were recovered #FWW #Archaeology 181
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 16/08/2025For some reason the location of the RAP remained unknown by Field Ambulances and evacuation of the wounded didn't start. On his own initiative, the M.O. of the Hants started sending German POW's back to evacuate stretcher cases and so restored the line of evacuation #History 141
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 16/08/2025That day, RAMC units of the 29th Division installed a Regimental Aid Post here at the banks of the Steenbeek (between Ruisseau Farm and Tuffs/Taffs Farm) in support of the attack on Langemark. #FWW #Archaeology #History #WW1 141
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 · 25/04/2025Seven years ago he was finally laid to rest at @cwgc.bsky.social New Irish Farm Cemetery. Before the ceremony we took his relatives to some key locations where we know their ‘Uncle Jack’ has been. It was an emotional moment when we reached the spot where he was found. www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4oG...youtube.comRest in Peace Captain Walker #InFlandersFieldsYouTube video by VISITFLANDERS 071
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 25/04/2025Cpt Walker was killed when he jumped out of a bomb crater. Many witness accounts reported on his death, they varied greatly on how he met his end but they all agreed on how fearless he led his men, with his revolver in his hand, shouting: ‘Come on lads”. 151
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 25/04/2025In 2016 a new pipeline was constructed over the same ground. On this small stretch of land 15 soldiers were found. One of them was Henry John Innes Walker from New Zealand, killed at about the same time as the Gallipoli landing. 131
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 25/04/2025Germans took new positions overnight and where already at the farmhouse on the left (Oblong Farm). Unaware, the Warwicks advanced in closed formation. 20min later it was all over. 10th Brigade suffered 2000+ casualties (1/RW: 17 officers and 500 other ranks of whom 192 missing) 131
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 · 11/04/2025Yes, found in a German backpack near Langemark. Very likely lost during the first battle of Ypres. 000
Simon Verdegem @simonverdegem.bsky.social · 24/02/2025Any info would be great, manuals or other too. Found evidence that there was an mortar emplacement in the trench where we found that toffee apple 100
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
