My final project of 2025, with some great results. www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20...

Net 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...

In 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

The 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/...

In 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.

Today 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.

Today 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.

Today’s office reminded me why I love what I do #FWW #Archaeology

If 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?...

Our 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...

#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.

🎉 1️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 📈 'Echoes from the Trenches: #WW1 Unearthed - with @simonverdegem.bsky.social' has now reached over 1,000 views! youtu.be/EYUniJ_NZuo?...

I’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...

#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

Great 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....

Looking 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

It 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

Now 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 #History

#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?...

#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...

Now 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 #History

Honoured 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 #Archaeology

In 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.

The report can be accessed here: id.erfgoed.net/archeologie/...

During 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.

In addition to the trench’s reconfiguration, several other locations and finds testified to the fierce battles fought here under extremely challenging conditions.

In 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.

The 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.

In 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

In 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

Some of the most remarkable finds: - a watch - a fragment of a post card - a complete P14 Leather Equipment

In 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.

We 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

We 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

About 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

On 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

Pilckem 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

Pilckem 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

Pilckem 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

When 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

Memorial 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

When 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

The 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.

Equally 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

The 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

It’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

A few weeks ago, we were called out by the Flanders Heritage Agency after skeletal remains were found along the Yser. Investigation revealed it belonged to a Belgian soldier. Hopefully, further research will provide enough information to identify him. t.co/zGOa86gaWu