A Nature restoration project in Belgium has unveiled a hidden piece of World War II history as archaeologists uncover bunkers, trenches, and structures at Director-General Willemspark in Heist, Belgium. The restoration work is aimed at removing invasive plants and restoring coastal dunes in the area, which was the site of battles during World War I and served as inspiration for the famous “In Flanders Fields” poem.
The park, which was once home to two German gun batteries – Freya and Augusta – built during World War I, was converted into a military stronghold by German soldiers in 1942, with around 60 structures still intact. Excavations have revealed bunkers, brick trenches, a concrete track, and even a water well, showcasing the efforts made to erase war history by demolishing lighter structures and hiding bunkers under the soil.
Archaeologists from a heritage agency are on-site to supervise the restoration work and map out the findings, although war relics are likely still present in the park outside the scope of the restoration work. To preserve these remains for future generations, they have been covered with sand.
The discovery of these World War II relics sheds light on the park’s hidden history and the significant role it played during the war. The restoration project not only aims to restore the natural beauty of the area but also serves as a reminder of the past and the sacrifices made during wartime.
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