Aerial view near Messines, West Flanders, Belgium, WW1

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Aerial view near Messines, West Flanders, Belgium, WW1

Aerial view of a shelled area east of Messines, a front line area near Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium, on 9 May 1918. Date: 1918

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Media ID 14415181

© The Patricia Aubrey Collection / Mary Evans

Auerbach Belgian Corps Fields Harold Observation Reconnaissance Roads Squadron

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> Aerial Photography > Belgium

> Europe > Belgium > Aerial Views

EDITORS COMMENTS
This aerial photograph, taken on May 9, 1918, depicts the devastating impact of war in the eastern outskirts of Messines, a front line area near Ypres in West Flanders, Belgium. The image was captured during the First World War by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), a military aviation branch of the British Army. The photograph reveals a barren and desolate landscape, with the remnants of roads and buildings scattered amidst the destroyed fields. The rural countryside, once lush and green, lies in ruins, a testament to the destructive power of artillery shells. The roads, now reduced to mere traces, are barely visible, leading to what was once a thriving community. The RFC conducted regular aerial reconnaissance missions over the Western Front to gather intelligence on enemy positions, movements, and fortifications. The use of airplanes for military observation proved to be a game-changer in the war, providing valuable insights that helped inform strategic decisions and tactical planning. This photograph offers a unique perspective on the realities of war, revealing the devastating consequences of the conflict on the land and people of Belgium. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War and the enduring impact of conflict on communities and landscapes.

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