Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing
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Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing - Belgium
Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing is located in Hainaut.
Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing monument was established on 1931.
Primary threats to Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing :

The Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing (also known as Hyde Park Corner and referred to colloquially as "Plug Street") is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) memorial for the missing soldiers of World War I who fought in the immediate area of the Ypres Salient on the Western Front.




Historical facts of Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing :

  • The Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing, also known as the Hyde Park Corner Memorial, is a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who went missing during World War I. Located in the village of Ploegsteert in Belgium, this memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by thousands of servicemen who lost their lives on the Western Front. Here are some historical facts about the Ploegsteert Memorial:
  • Commemorating the Missing : The Ploegsteert Memorial was designed to honor the soldiers who have no known grave and whose remains were never found. It specifically commemorates over 11,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom and South Africa who fought in the area but have no known burial site. These servicemen fought in the battles of the Ypres Salient and Armentières, among others, and their names are inscribed on the memorial panels.
  • Design and Construction : The memorial was designed by architect H. Chalton Bradshaw and unveiled on 7 June 1931. It consists of a central archway flanked by two colonnades, with curved walls on either side displaying the names of the missing soldiers. The archway bears the inscription "To the armies of the British Empire who stood here from 1914 to 1918 and to those of their dead who have no known grave."
  • Location : The Ploegsteert Memorial is strategically situated near the site of the former British headquarters at Hyde Park Corner during the war. The area witnessed intense fighting and played a crucial role in various military operations. The memorial's location serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in this region.
  • Remembrance : The Ploegsteert Memorial holds great significance as a place of remembrance and reflection. It offers a space for visitors to pay tribute to the missing soldiers and to contemplate the human cost of war. The memorial provides a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation and honors the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
  • The Christmas Truce : The Ploegsteert area gained notable recognition during the Christmas Truce of 1914. Soldiers from both sides of the conflict temporarily ceased hostilities and came together in a spirit of camaraderie, playing football and exchanging gifts. This remarkable event is often remembered as a symbol of humanity amidst the horrors of war.
  • Nearby Cemeteries : In addition to the Ploegsteert Memorial, the surrounding area is home to several military cemeteries where fallen soldiers from World War I are laid to rest. The Prowse Point Military Cemetery and the Hyde Park Corner (Royal Berks) Cemetery are in close proximity to the memorial. These cemeteries serve as a final resting place for many soldiers who fought in the region.
  • The Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing stands as a poignant tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. It serves as a place of remembrance, providing solace to families and allowing visitors to reflect on the immense sacrifices made during the conflict. As a powerful symbol of commemoration, the memorial ensures that the memory of the missing soldiers will never be forgotten, and their contributions to the war effort are honored for generations to come.