The ridge between Zonnebeke and Passendale is characterised by steep elevation changes. The railway builders have to make a deep notch to cross the crest. The hamlet near this hollow railway is traditionally called Keerselaarhoek. A stop with that name is provided at Passendale street.
History
In the autumn of 1914, the front runs aground at this spot. French and Germans spent the winter there in miserable conditions. After the Second Battle of Ypres, this railway bed comes to lie far behind the German Ypres front. Between 1915 and 1917, they build some shelters in the northern embankment. Narrow gauge railway lines connect to the Flandern I position. A German cemetery was also established and not disbanded until the 1950s.
Lancashire Fusillier
Up to this spot, Australians manage to take ground on 4 October. They are replaced by the 66th Division, which launches an attack there on 9 October. This fails and the front remains immobile. Many British are killed in the process. So does a Lancashire Fusillier. He is buried in a bomb pit among the tracks.
A pocket Bible is placed on his bashed-in skull after which he is covered with a tarpaulin. He is found here in the summer of 2005 when this authentic piece of railway was uncovered. Despite his very well-preserved belongings, we cannot identify him. All we know is that he was between 18 and 24. He is now buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery.
