Leisele

Leisele is close to the French border, a considerable distance behind the front. For this reason, it was used as a rest area for troops out of the line. But it was not always as restful as the military authorities (and the troops) had hoped. Seven heavy shells from the German artillery near Klerken fell on the village 'by accident' (they were probably intended for the village of Hondschote, across the border in France). The shells were most likely fired by Lange Max (Long Max), a huge 380-mm cannon that was also used to regularly bombard the French port of Dunkirk.

On the village square there is a cafe called ‘De Vette Os’ (The Fat Ox). During the war, this was the site of a Belgian military abattoir. The cafe is still full of photos from the war years. The wooden pulley used to hoist up the carcasses of the slaughtered animals can still be seen in the courtyard stable.

Other supplies were brought in by rail. Leisele was the last stop on Line 76, which started at Adinkerke, near the coast. Extra meat, wine and all other kinds of supplies were unloaded and stored here, before being carried up to the front.

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden