June 13, 1917

On June 13, 1917, during World War I, British forces launched a significant offensive in the Battle of Messines, which aimed to capture German positions in Belgium. This attack was notable for the extensive use of underground tunnels and mines, with British troops detonating a series of explosives beneath German lines. The assault resulted in a dramatic territorial gain for the Allies and showcased advancements in military strategy and engineering during the war. This battle was a precursor to the larger and more complex campaigns of the Ypres Salient that followed later in the war.