Simon Verdegem

Battlefield archaeologist, WW1 archaeology - works for @BAACVlaanderen - co-founder @skylarcs - head archaeologist @DigHill80

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

Eight years ago he was finally laid to rest at @CWGC New Irish Farm Cemetery. Before the ceremony we took his relatives to some key locations where we know their ‘Uncle Jack’ has been. It was an emotional moment when we reached the spot where he was found.
https://t.co/8ECM5nFdeu

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

25 April 1915, Hull's attack (10th Brigade), one of the counterattacks in the early days of 2nd Ypres. 1st Royal Warwicks advanced over this ground towards Kitchener's Wood (behind farm buildings on the right)

#FWW #History #Archaeology

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

Cpt Walker was killed when he jumped out of a bomb crater. Many witness accounts reported on his death, they varied greatly on how he met his end but they all agreed on how fearless he led his men, with his revolver in his hand, shouting: ‘Come on lads”.

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

I’m looking for someone who has the book Twice in a Lifetime by M.L. Walkinton. If you have a copy, I’d be incredibly grateful for photos/scans of a few pages. Eternal thanks! 🙏📚

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

3 years ago already — during archaeological research near Westhoek, we investigated this former German trench. In 1917, Commonwealth troops took over the sector and left behind this SMLE. Still the best-preserved one I’ve ever had the privilege to excavate.

#FWW #Archaeology

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

Eckert Graben, excavated in Messines in 2012.

One of the most impressive and exceptionally well-preserved trench systems I’ve ever encountered — and a site I was incredibly fortunate to excavate as a young archaeologist.

#FWW #Archaeology #Memories

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

Eckert Graben, excavated in Messines in 2012.

One of the most impressive and exceptionally well-preserved trench systems I’ve ever encountered — and a site I was incredibly fortunate to excavate as a young archaeologist.

#FWW #Archaeology #Memories

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

@Longm8 @sommecourt Anaerobic conditions indeed. The asphalt sealed it very well.

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

3 years ago already — during archaeological research near Westhoek, we investigated this former German trench. In 1917, Commonwealth troops took over the sector and left behind this SMLE. Still the best-preserved one I’ve ever had the privilege to excavate.

#FWW #Archaeology

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

There where more amazing and well preserved features found during that excavation... 3/3

#FWW #WW1 #Archaeology #History #InFlandersFields #Messines #Ypres

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

There where more amazing and well preserved features found during that excavation... 2/3

#FWW #WW1 #Archaeology #History #InFlandersFields #Messines #Ypres

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

There where more amazing and well preserved features found during that excavation... 1/3

#FWW #WW1 #Archaeology #History #InFlandersFields #Messines #Ypres

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

Working on the study of trench evolution in the #FWW, I came across Eckert Graben (Messines, 2012) again. It remains the most impressive and best preserved trench I’ve ever encountered in archaeological context.

#WW1 #archaeology #history

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

@selhurstpaw1 @DigHill80 @ProfPeterDoyle @RaphDeBrant @GerMilHistory @Taff_Gillingham @ProfTonyPollard @SimonJHistorian Thanks Paul

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

Working on the study of trench evolution in the #FWW, I came across Eckert Graben (Messines, 2012) again. It remains the most impressive and best preserved trench I’ve ever encountered in archaeological context.

#WW1 #archaeology #history

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

The @DigHill80 report was completed some time ago, but only now officially submitted — which means I can finally share it!

It’s in Dutch, but I hope you’ll still enjoy the content.

🔗 Read it here: https://t.co/A5QLYAJDv5

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

Now on video! 🎥 The Shindig #Podcast episode I did with Tom and Luke is now available with incredible photos that bring our discussion to life. See the preserved trenches, remarkable finds, and powerful stories.

Watch here: https://t.co/XiVfr4m0tD

#WW1 #Archaeology #History

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

My final project of 2025, with some great results.

https://t.co/VPiQIk8gFx

[Simon Verdegem @SimonVerdegem]

In 2019, the remains of a young German paratrooper (18–22y) from Kampfgruppe Hübner were found in Houthalen-Helchteren (B), but his identity remains unknown. A clue points to a connection with Finsterwalde (1943).

Any #help in identifying him is requested.

#Archaeology #History