The Ypres Salient was a semi - circular bulge in the front line. The Germans held the high ground on three sides of the city of Ieper. This meant that the British positions could be fred on from all directions - a huge military disadvantage. The Salient was the scene of heavy fighting, since it was the most vulnerable point on the front in the Westhoek. A breakthrough here could have led to disastrous consequences. The land to the north, between Ieper and Nieuwpoort, had been flooded by the Belgians. But whoever controlled ieper controlled the approaches to the vital channel harbours. The Germans were unable to break out of the salient. In particular, the Battle of Passchendaele caused huge casualties on both sides. The Ypres Salient route will take you to all the most important war sites and monuments on the old battlefields and will tell you the stories, amongst others, of John McCrae, Guynemer, Passendale, Tyne Cot Cemetery and Hill 60.

Brochure of the tourist car route 'Ypres Salient' is available for €6 at the Tourist Office.

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