Spanbroekmolen Crater

The Spanbroekmolen crater, also known as the Pool of Peace, is a mine crater located in the Belgian village of Wijtschate. The crater was formed in 1917 during the First World War at the Battle of Messines. In total, around 19 craters were created by the explosions of mines during this battle, but this crater is the most famous.

The area of this battle is located around the town of Messines, south of Ypres, and was in preparation for the 3rd battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele, named after the village that was the initial target of the attack. The Allies' objective in the Battle of Messines was to straighten the front line at Ypres, so that the attack on Passchendaele would have a greater chance of success.

On June 7, 1917, at 04:10, the British detonated a total of 19 deep mines between Hill 60 and The Birdcage southwest of Wieltje.

Several British military cemeteries are located around the crater, such as the Lone Tree Cemetery and the Spanbroekmolen British Cemetery.

Simon de Bruycker