Dodengang, Military trench and war memorial in Diksmuide, Belgium
The Dodengang is a preserved trench system along the Yser Canal featuring interconnected trenches, dugouts, and firing positions from World War I defensive lines. The site displays the original layout of these fortifications so visitors can explore the physical structure of front-line defenses.
Belgian forces built this defensive position in 1915 to repel German attacks and protect the coastline and territorial integrity. They held this section until the war ended in 1918, keeping it as a crucial part of the broader front-line resistance.
The site honors the soldiers who fought here and lived in harsh trench conditions while defending their homeland against invasion. Visitors today encounter their stories through preserved objects and recorded accounts that bring daily life into focus.
This site is best explored on foot, and sturdy footwear is recommended since the paths are uneven and the trenches can be damp. An attached museum provides shelter from the weather and displays artifacts and photographs that enhance the outdoor exploration.
A pink granite demarcation stone from 1922 topped with a laurel wreath and Belgian army helmet marks this location as part of the Western Front. The stone is a rare example of memorial symbolism from that era and often goes unnoticed by visitors focused on the trenches themselves.
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