NZ Memorial Gravenstafel

During the 3rd Battle of Ypres the NZ forces attacked the high point at Gravenstafel on 4th October 1917. This was a major high point over looking the surrounding area and gave view to the the town of Passchedaele a few miles further down the road. The attack was a success and to commeorate this achievement a Memorial was erected. Unfortunately, the British high command took this victory as a sign of weaken German morale and ordered NZ to attack again towards Passchedaele on the 12th October 1917. But the preparations were not sufficient due to the lack of time, the weather and generally appalling condition of the battlefield, now nothing more that mud, water and shell holes for miles. The ensuing battle resulted in the worst day in NZs military history. Over 2700 casualties in one day.