Drie Grachten

Drie Grachten - meaning 'Three Canals' - was a peninsula in the middle of the flooded zone and, like Luigem a little further away, was the site of an advanced post. Both these posts were occasionally the scene of fierce fighting. In April 1915 the Germans stormed Drie Grachten following a savage artillery bombardment. In October 1917 it fell back into Allied hands. The Luigem peninsula was held by the Germans throughout the war. The map showing the position of the flood waters should make the situation clearer.

Drie Grachten is particular associated with a well-known story of heroism and self-sacrifice, the historical accuracy of which is now open to some doubt.

In the early hours of 12 November 1914 the Germans launched a night attack. They forced a number of captured Zouave soldiers to walk ahead of their assault troops, in the hope of tricking the French defenders of 1st Zouave Regiment. The plan seemed to be working until one of the captured Zouaves cried out: ‘Tirez donc, au nom de dieu, ce sont les Boches!’ (For God's sake, shoot, it's the Krauts!). This unknown Zouave and his comrades were mown down by French machine-gun fire - as were the attacking Germans.

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