Walking the Ypres Salient with Mat McLachlan: Part 1

Battlefield historians Mat McLachlan and Simon Louagie explore the preserved battlefield of Hill 60 in the heart of Belgium's Ypres Salient. In four years of horrific combat between 1914 and 1918, Hill 60 was pummelled by shellfire and underground mines. Today the landscape has been preserved as it was at the end of the war, and it tells a tale of courage and sacrifice in one of the most dangerous sectors of World War One.

[robynsjp]

Born in West Flanders, we walked for them each November with school. Our most important memorial place is Menin Gate, more sacred than memorials for our own forces. When you go to Menin Gate, place your hand on the wall with the names, you will feel the emotion, even when born after the wars.

[davidc]

I've long had an interest in both World Wars but have never visited any of the sites or locations. I've only just discovered Mat's videos and find them absolutely fascinating. They're very informative and interesting, but extremely watchable although clearly depicting the horrors and sacrifice of war. I am working my way through all of the videos and am planning (finally) to visit the sites in the near future. Thanks for making these videos Mat !

[northernlight]

My grandfather Harry E. Ludford, fought there with the New Brunswick 26 regiment. Another relative of mine, Beverly Powys, was killed from an underground explosion in 1916. His name is on the Menin Gate memorial.

[tarakai]

Thank you Matt. My Great grandmothers cousin was Oliver Woodward, the Australian mining Engineer who triggered the Hill 60 and Caterpillar mine. The bravery shown by the miners, both German and allied was astounding. The front lines on Hill 60 did shift somewhat, back and forth by a few times meaning that even after the main blasts the Germans counter attacked and held the Hill. Most of the tunnels were only 4 1/2ft high and 2 1/2 ft wide. So many men are still buried under the hill. I don't know where the courage came from to do the job they had to do.

[kidmohair]

for anyone with a smidgen of imagination,
and a passing familiarity
with even just the pictures of WW1,
these walking talks are deeply evocative...

thank you for doing, what I am guessing is, a labour of love.

[darrenwalsh]

Fantastic history remembered and well told by Mat in these video clips. Well done, great work Mat. Thank you. Lest we forget.

[djjayem]

Best bite sized WW1 walks on the internet by far! Love these. Great stuff.

[aimdrummer]

Really enjoyed that.
It is one of the few Great War sites I have been to more than once.
The scale of the crater is hard to comprehend.

[roywatkins]

I sat there just over forty years ago, don't recall duck boards and walkways except for well-trodden paths. but it was a beautiful summers morning, just after dawn and leaning against a tree. To have read up and learnt about Hill 60 and just that atmosphere of quietness, just as the birds were getting started it was magical yet mystical. Thank you, Mat, Simon for kicking the old grey cells back in time.

[panzer-head]

Wow. Very well done! Many of us cannot make it there, but these battlefield walks take us there and tell so many stories of what it must have been like. I love this series, thanks for doing this.

[Dadsterful]

Went there last week on the strength of your film. A truly humbling experience, just strolling around in the tranquillity, pondering the awful events that occurred here. Thanks again guys.

[davewilson]

This format is perfect Mat, this chat and the walk was incredible to join you both on. And also realising that Belgium has been fought over so many times is sad to comprehend.

[midlandgeordie]

Went there as a child with my parents.
Impressive and poignant place.
Great historical film👍👍

[Wolfsschanze]

Thanks Mat, amazing report & hats off to Simon.

[burb]

Your making really good content Matt. Keep it up. These long WW1 walk throughs and highlights are amazing!

[ryanharris]

Wow I am actually blown away both both team members and this whole video
Speachless keep up the good work. I would really like to head to flanders
Thank you
UK love

[generalbanastretarleton]

I’ve been watching your Channel for 3yrs now. Your videos get better and better. Thank you for posting your videos. Absolutely fantastic work as always.

[thenoworriesnomad]

As always Mat and some great information & knowledge from Simon too..👍

[dangercloseusmc]

Mat, your videos are incredibly fascinating, and I sincerely appreciate your hard work when you're at these hallowed places. I love tangible history, like the bunker used in both world wars you talked about in this video, and I think it's vital to preserve and respect these places where brave men struggled and died. Thank you for doing what you do. I look forward to the next one.

[celestinclauw]

Thank you for another amazing video. I used to work in the restaurant as a waiter across Hill 60. The restaurant is called Hill 60 as well. Also, I am very happy to see Simon in your video.