Menin Gate

The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is in the Belgium town of Ypres. It marks the start of the road along which soldiers marched to the front line of the Ypres Salient during World War I. More than 250,000 men died in the fighting around the town and around 100,000 of them have no known grave. The names of 54,000 of the missing can be found on the Menin Gate although the missing from Canada and New Zealand are commemorated on separate memorials. The names of any UK men who went missing after 15th August 1917 have their names inscribed on the Tynecot Memorial. The Menin Gate was built by the British Government and unveiled in 1927.

In addition to being an imposing memorial, the Menin Gate is also the scene of a poignant ceremony which has taken place every night at 8pm since 2nd July 1928. The citizens of Ypres wanted to show their gratitude to the men who gave their lives and so every night, traffic is stopped and buglers from the Last Post Association and the local fire brigade perform the “Last Post”.

Visitors to Ypres are welcome to attend the ceremony but should remember it is a solemn occasion.

Tours for 2010

Escorted tours to the Western front usually include a visit to the Menin Gate to see the Last Post ceremony as part of their itinerary. For more information, prices and availability, call 0208 816 8789 or send an enquiry via the “Contact Us” page.