The Ypres Salient: Hell on Earth - Episode 1 (The Town)

From 1914-1918 there may not have been a deadlier, more horrifying place to be than the small town of Ypres, Belgium. Millions were killed and wounded in the fields surrounding this medieval town with a storied history. Join me as we explore the town and its history, and talk about what made this place hell on earth in the Great War.

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#History #WW1

[gnxreub]

Wow, the quality of this video blew me away. As a Belgian and a history nerd, I really appreciate this video! Thank you so much for highlighting this important piece of history!! Well done Chris!

[gouldthorp]

My grandfather fought there and was wounded at Passchendaele. He told me about the 1914 Christmas truce but never spoke of the colleagues whom he lost in battle. However, in the late 1960's he returned to Ypres with grandma to say a final farewell to his "old friends" not long before he passed and joined them.

[justarandombird]

As a Belgian and someone who also lives in Ypres i couldn't thank VTH enough for this vid. Not only does his vid feel genuine, it kinda shows how this city suffered in the past, and yet managed to rebuild and move on while not forgetting its history. I really enjoyed it and i'm looking to the upcoming parts. :)

[TheMixCurator]

My Grandfather fought in the Battle of Passchendaele (The Third Battle of Ypres) as an 18 year old. He suffered some shrapnel/bullet wounds and was sent home to Edinburgh. I never had the chance to meet him (him being born in 1898 and me 80 years afterwards) due to him and my father being mid-forties when they had children. I remember being fascinated as a child by his bayonet that he gave to my father (not realising that he might of had to use to for his survival and my existence).

[jayski]

Beautifully respectful and highly educational. I visited Ypres in 2008 whilst in basic training. The battlefield tour is something I’ll never forget. 🇬🇧

‘Lest we forget.’

[Ronaldl]

Inside the church and seeing all the memorials. Really hits the emotions and brings the reminder of the terrible cost of war.

[dude]

As much as I enjoy the reaction videos, your videos on location for me are your best work. Thank you for making these.

[robynsjp]

Born 25 miles from Ypres. The most sacred place in my country and in my heart. Go there and touch the names on the wall of Menin Gate with your hand ...

[CosplayingHistoryNerd]

Great video Chris, for the past 10 years I’ve been on/off researching my great grandfather who was in the 4th Australian Division and I’m lead to believe that he was at the 3rd Battle of Ypres which could’ve potentially been where he lost his eye

[aronjohansson]

Thank you for bringing all these stories in to the light, ww1 is such an overlooked war.

[Char_cuterie]

Not going to lie, I watch your reactions and typically don’t watch original content pieces, no particular reason, just never had. I also don’t comment on things usually, but it has to be said - This was AMAZING in quality and content. Now I need to go back and watch everything I’ve missed out on.

[nobodysman]

I was there about three years ago, and was incredibly moved by the whole experience at Menin Gate and the rest of the sites in and around the city and the Flanders region as a whole. I was fortunate enough to have witnessed the famous Last Call ceremony at Menin Gate and was very nearly driven to tears...something I have no shame in admitting.

[samsona]

Visited Ieper around 30 times and always find something new to investigate. We love going to Ieper to pay our respects

[Tom-yw]

Worked on a blacksmith project there around 2018. Smiths from all over the world making fence panels for a German cemetery. Great folks, wonderful experience.

[wick]

The original videos are getting better and better. The professional look and feel has come a long way and I do hope more VTH viewers give them a chance! Good luck and KEEP GOING!!

[Barbarossamodels]

Wonderful, well presented video…👏😊
Visiting Ypres in April so nice to have a preview of what to look out for. Educational & moving - particularly in St.Georges church. Really well done!
Thanks for the tour 🙂👍

[jacobweddell]

This is much better than a TV documentary because it's so much more personal and detailed and gives a real sense of visiting these places. I visited Ypres on a school trip years ago, exactly how I remember it. Great work!

[JanVansteenlandt]

The Menin gate is very much an awe inspiring monument. As a Belgian, thanks for all amazing content you're making!

[simonphillips]

Wow! This looks good! I'm a Brit, walked the battlefields quite a few times. Looking forward to this whole series. Thanks!

[MrsShykisser]

So beautiful yet so humble a place. The church really does encompass the emotion of the loss. Wonderful video, looking forward to the rest.