Sanctuary Wood

We stand now on the crest of Hill 62, a topographical feature of immense significance in the defense of Ypres. As an analytical historian, I look at this ground and see more than just a beautiful park; I see the 'key' to the…

Approaching the memorial, we walk through a grand avenue of Canadian maple trees. These trees were planted to bring a piece of the 'Highmat' or homeland to this blood-soaked Belgian soil. …

Step toward the edge of the terrace and look toward the horizon. On a clear day, you can see the spires of St. …

We now stand before the memorial itself. It is a massive, unadorned block of granite, chosen for its durability and its 'unshakeable' quality. …

This ridge was the site of a tragic milestone in Canadian military history. On the first day of the German attack in June 1916, Major General Malcolm Mercer, commander of the 3rd Canadian Division, was killed near this spot while…

The story of Hill 62 is not just one of loss, but of a remarkable recovery. After the Germans seized the ridge on June 2nd, the Canadians launched a series of counter-attacks. …

On the stone flags surrounding the memorial, you will find a series of arrows pointing toward distant landmarks. This is an analytical tool for the visitor, connecting this specific spot to the vast network of the Ypres Salient. …

As we conclude our visit to the Hill 62 Canadian Memorial, we are left with a powerful sense of the strategic importance of this ground and the human cost of holding it. The 8,000 Canadians who fell here did so to deny the enemy…