Water reflects the somber sky at Kruisstraat Krater 2. This isn’t just any pond. It is a waterlogged mine crater a scar from a war that shook the world.
Kruisstraat Krater 2 is one of two remaining craters here. A third nearby crater was filled long ago. From the road you might miss it. But if you know what to look for you can make out this crater.
The three mines here contained nearly 110000 lbs of ammonal. The gallery leading to the third mine was over 2100 feet long. It was the longest of the 25 mines laid beneath the German lines. A German counter-mine damaged it. Water flooded the mine chamber. So a fourth smaller chamber was built to ensure detonation.
Look to the north east. You can see the larger crater on the far side of the field. Both craters are peaceful now. I am told they are fine fishing spots these days.
These are the final craters we will see on this tour. Take a long look across the water. Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine what happened right in front of you nearly 100 years ago.
The German positions jutted into the British lines here. The front lines turned beneath the southern tip of the ridge not far south of here. Then the lines continued down the eastern edge of Ploegsteert Wood.