Messines, Battle of

In World War I, British attack during 7-15 June 1917 on German-held Belgian village and ridge in West Flanders, 9.5 km/6 mi south of Ypres. The village was occupied by the Germans in November 1914, enabling them to hold a dominant position overlooking the British lines. A significant factor in the battle was the unprecedented scale of mining operations by the British; some 20 mines were excavated and charged with 600 tons of explosive. Another innovation was the use of supply tanks to carry forward ammunition and fuel for the infantry and the 76 tanks which were deployed in the battle itself.

The battle began with an exceptionally heavy artillery bombardment, lasting over a week, which did considerable damage to the German defences, followed by the detonation of the mines on the morning of the battle itself. By 10 a.m. the entire German front line was in British hands, and the second line had been secured by 8 p.m. Messines remained in British hands until the German Spring Offensive in 1918, but was re-taken in September 1918.