Simon Verdegem

I’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! 🙏📚

3 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

Eckert Graben, excavated in Messines in 2012. One of the most impressive and exceptionally well-preserved trench systems I’ve ever encountered — and a site I was incredibly fortunate to excavate as a young archaeologist. #FWW #Archaeology #Memories

@Longm8 @sommecourt Anaerobic conditions indeed. The asphalt sealed it very well.

@SimonVerdegem @sommecourt Incredible. Did you figure out why it was so well preserved? Anaerobic condition, or something to do with manufacture ?

There where more amazing and well preserved features found during that excavation... 3/3 #FWW #WW1 #Archaeology #History #InFlandersFields #Messines #Ypres

There where more amazing and well preserved features found during that excavation... 2/3 #FWW #WW1 #Archaeology #History #InFlandersFields #Messines #Ypres

There where more amazing and well preserved features found during that excavation... 1/3 #FWW #WW1 #Archaeology #History #InFlandersFields #Messines #Ypres

Working on the study of trench evolution in the #FWW, I came across Eckert Graben (Messines, 2012) again. It remains the most impressive and best preserved trench I’ve ever encountered in archaeological context. #WW1 #archaeology #history

@selhurstpaw1 @DigHill80 @ProfPeterDoyle @RaphDeBrant @GerMilHistory @Taff_Gillingham @ProfTonyPollard @SimonJHistorian Thanks Paul

@SimonVerdegem @DigHill80 @ProfPeterDoyle @RaphDeBrant @GerMilHistory @Taff_Gillingham @ProfTonyPollard @SimonJHistorian Simon, you and your team's patience knows no bounds. Fantastic work.

The @DigHill80 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/RO…

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?fe… #WW1 #Archaeology #History

My final project of 2025, with some great results. vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2026…

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 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

Private 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

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.