Theatres of War - WWI - Messines
Below is some information on the battle of Messines. Were your ancestors part of the battle? It also includes the regiments involved in battle of Messines with some suggested websites that may be of interest in researching your ancestors or genealogy in general.
Theatres of War, Army Regiments, Naval Detachments, RAF
Description: The battle of Messines took place on 7-14 June 1917 in Belgium between Britain, Australia and New Zealand troops and the German Empire. The objective was to take the ridge north of Messiness village which would create a natural barrier to the South-East of Ypres. The battle started with the mass detonation of 19 mines and heavy artillery fire which disrupted enemy lines. The mines were placed in underground chambers, dug-out under intensive fire and counter-mining from the Germans. The detonation killed 10000 Germans outright and destroyed Messines itself. The subsequent infantry advance took all of their objectives with relative ease. The British lost 23749 men during the action compared to 25000 Germans and is considered a decisive allied victory. Of the 21 mines laid, 2 did not detonate. One was blown up in 1955 thanks to a lightening strike and the final remains active in the agricultural fields of Belgium.
- Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
- City of London
- East Lancashire
- Eastyorkshire
- Essex
- Gordon Highlanders
- Hampshire
- Lincolnshire
- Lothian
- Middlesex
- Prince Albert Light Infantry Somersetshire
- Royal Irish
- Royal Irish Rifles
- Royal Scots Fusiliers
- Royal Warwickshire
- Royal Welsh Fusiliers
- Seaforth Highlanders
- South Lancashire
- Suffolk
- West Yorkshire
- Wiltshire
- Worcestershire
- Duke of Wellington's Halifax
- King's Liverpool
- King's Own Royal Lancaster
- King's Shropshire Light Infantry
- Northumberland
- Prince Consort's Own Rifle Brigade
- Princess Victoria's Royal Irish Fusiliers
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