31 July 2026
TALK: Battle of Passchendaele told through the eyes of the soldiers
Seen through the perspectives of those who endured the horrific conditions, and of those who tragically lost their lives.
On 31 July 1917, the Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, began. This date marks the launch of one of the most infamous offensives of the First World War, a campaign defined by relentless rain, deep mud, and devastating loss of life. It is a moment in history that reminds us both of the courage of those who endured unimaginable conditions and of the many who never returned.
On this day in 2026, we gather at the Menin Gate Café to reflect on that sacrifice and the human stories behind the statistics. Brought to you by our CWGC historian Robin Vanassche we will tell the story through the eyes from those who lived through it.
18.30, 31 July, Menin Gate Cafe