Skylarcs

Very pleased to be able to share this. A study into which a lot of time and energy has been invested. But above all, a subject that is very close to my heart. With a result that we can certainly be proud of. @RaphDeBrant @skylarcs onroerenderfgoed.be/blog/syntar-19… #FWW #Archaeology

Today, we were privileged to attend the reburial of 4 French soldiers at Saint-Charles de Potyze. Our teams were responsible for their recovery: a Tirailleur Sénégalais, a Chasseur and a French soldier, all unknown. And Sgt Valentin Menetre (2e B. Chasseur à Pied).

Little time to post lately, but didn't want to withhold these from you. I keep repeating myself, but the preservation of the artefacts from Frezenberg is exceptional. Hard to believe these were buried for over 100 years on the battlefields of the Ypres Salient. #FWW #Archaeology

Under the asphalt, it once again became evident that the preservation of the artefacts was exceptional. During the inventory next week, we'll share updates with photos of the cleaned pieces. Here are a few items that emerged from the ground looking almost new #FWW #Archaeology

What is your most important find? It's a common question. Today it was this wounded stripe. It made the difference for L/S Robert Brand, now not only known unto god.

During a brief intervention near Passchendaele, we found these SMLE rifles on the bottom of a trench last year. Note that a .303 cartridge has been placed in the loop of the sling to prevent it from slipping. It's always fascinating to archaeologically confirm these small details

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.

A wooden shelter was also uncovered @DigHill80, and it might be one of the best-preserved shelters ever encountered. The preservation of the wood and sandbags was incredible. It was located at Sachsen Graben and could be accessed via a stair #FWW #Archaeology

Another update on the progress of the @dighill80 reporting. Now that the GIS files are organized and cleaned up, we can create various maps. This is the latest version of the base map with all the relevant features. #FWW #Archaeology

Over 100 years after his death, William Meager, a 38-year-old soldier from London, has finally been laid to rest with full military honours in our Poelcapelle British Cemetery, Belgium. Learn about Pte Meager's story and yesterday's service here: ow.ly/X1tM50PQy52

Yesterday marked a beautiful conclusion. 4 yrs ago, during an excavation led by @RaphDeBrant, several soldiers were discovered, incl. 3 British. One was identified as Pte W. J. Meager (16/Middlesex). Now, they rest with their comrades, no longer missing. Photos: @westienatan

Of the 3 soldiers discovered, only 1 could be identified through DNA analysis, thanks to the JCCC. The burial service will be held on September 27, at CWGC Poelcapelle British Cemetery shorturl.at/defST (photo Eric Compernolle)

Pte Meager's remains were discovered in a shallow trench within a former German parapet, alongside 2 unidentified British soldiers. Pte Meager, recorded as a machine gunner, likely served as part of a Lewis Gun crew in a defensive position, a primary target for enemy fire.

Pte William James Meager joined the 16/Middlesex just before the Third Battle of Ypres. From August 18 to 20, his unit held the front line on the British Army's left flank, resulting in the loss of 1 officer and 16 other ranks. Pte Meager has been missing since then (Map: TNA)

Yesterday, Pte Robert Kenneth Malcolm was laid to rest beside his comrades in @CWGC Bedford House Cemetery in the presence of his family. He was a stretcher-bearer and died on 6/8/1917, near a medical post in Fusilier Wood as a result of heavy shelling. Photos by Nick Mol

Proud that our team could contribute to the process that led to this moment. Once again, it is inspiring and motivating to continue our work. #nomanshouldbeleftbehind

Our report on the excavation at Hospicestraat in Wijtschate, which we conducted in 2020 on behalf of @vioe, has been published. You can find an online version via the link below. doi.org/10.55465/ZQZF9… Drone images by @RaphDeBrant

Robert Kenneth Malcolm (140th FA RAMC) was 23 years old when he went missing on 6 Aug 1917, in Fusilier Wood. Thanks to @wardetectives, he is no longer missing. We recovered his remains in Sept 2019, and next month he will be reburied @CWGC Bedford House. rb.gy/4j34r