Mesen
New Zealand Monument and Bunkers
Location
Mesen is located on the N365 road between Ieper, Wijtschate, Mesen and Ploegsteert.
As you pass through the village there are signs to the memorial but it is easily missed as it sits back on the left hand side of the road as you descend the hill along Nieuwzeelanderstraat.
There is a parking area on the left just after the hangar and a sign warns users that it is at their own risk.
The obelisk is similar in style to other New Zealand memorials including the one at s'Gravenstafel.
s'Gravenstafel
It was unveiled on 1 August 1924 by King Albert I and stands in an area of two German bunkers in Uhlan Trench which were captured by men from the New Zealand Division on 7 June 1917 during the Battle of Messines Ridge.
The two bunkers can be found at the bottom end of the small garden. There are information panels but rather curiously when I last visited they were outside the park on the far side of the wall so you had to go out and around to read them.
With your back to Mesen village (Though the inhabitants would correct me and point out that it is in fact a City) you can look out across the valley and the approach route made by II ANZAC.
Within the village at the Messines Ridge Cemetery you will also find the New Zealand Memorial to their Missing.
The City of Mesen has a number of interesting sites including a museum and the church/crypt.
Looking towards Mesen from the Rosenberg above Ploegsteert
Just to the left of the church the white obelisk of the Memorial is clearly visible
Petite Douve Farm is the large farm centre far right
Within the village at the Messines Ridge Cemetery you will also find the New Zealand Memorial to their Missing.
The City of Mesen has a number of interesting sites including a museum, the church/crypt and the Irish Peace Park.
Messines Ridge Cemetery/NZ Memorial
Irish Peace Park
A short account of the battle
Messines Ridge: 7 June 1917