On 7 June 1917 the British Second Army under General Herbert Plumer attacked the Messines-Wytschaete Ridge, south of Ypres, after detonating mines beneath the German front. The ridge was recaptured, ending a German advantage over the British positions.
The mines
Nineteen mines were detonated beneath the German front at the start of the battle. Sources differ on how many more were laid but never fired.1
The ridge gave the Germans high ground overlooking British positions and the rear areas of Ypres.
A prelude
The battle was a prelude to the much larger Third Battle of Ypres. The attack also forced the Germans to move reserves to Flanders from the Arras and Aisne fronts.
Also on this day
1880: Battle of Arica. In the War of the Pacific, Chilean troops under Colonel Pedro Lagos stormed the Peruvian stronghold of Arica on the rocky headland of El Morro.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Messines?
It was fought from 7 to 14 June 1917 at Messines (Mesen) in West Flanders, Belgium, on the Western Front.
Who won the Battle of Messines?
The British won, recapturing the Messines-Wytschaete Ridge.
How many mines were used?
Nineteen were detonated at the start of the battle; sources differ on the total laid.
Notes
A number in the text points to a note; each note names the works that paragraph draws on, listed in full under Sources.
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