Battle of Messines

The Battle of Messines took place during World War I from June 7 to June 14, 1917, near the Belgian village of Messines. It was a British-led offensive aimed at capturing the strategic high ground and preparing for a larger attack in the Ypres Salient. The battle began with a massive explosion of 19 mines beneath German positions, causing significant devastation. The British forces, supported by Australian and New Zealand troops, achieved their objectives with relatively low casualties compared to previous battles, marking a notable success for Allied forces and demonstrating effective planning and cooperation.