Beecham farmstead: the discovery
We are here at Beecham farmstead. By chance, a dugout was discovered here in 1999 when the occupant was literally sinking through the ground. For safety reasons, the structure was removed. It was carefully examined and measured. A large part was rebuilt at the Museum aan de IJzer in Diksmuide.
A German dugout
There are several indications that the dugout is of German manufacture. For instance, the roof is only two metres below the ground on average. Close to the front, dugouts sit deeper to withstand heavy shelling. Before the Third Battle of Ypres, this is a relatively quiet area.
After New Zealanders take the structure on 4 October, it continues to be used by British troops. There is accommodation for 66 men and four officers. After the war, the farmstead is rebuilt just south of the pre-war buildings, and thus unknowingly on top of the corridor system.
