From here, it is easy to understand why Klerken - and the strategic view of the surrounding countryside it offers - was so important. The side that held the high ground did not need to rely on vulnerable balloons and reconnaissance planes to gather their geographical and military information. Having a permanent point of observation like this one was safer and more certain.
Klerken was in German hands throughout the war. It was one of their main supply bases and transport nodes just behind the front. They also built an observation tower to look out over the Belgian positions. Most of the local population was evacuated from the village in October 1914.
Pastor Denys and the nuns in the local convent were among the few who were allowed to stay. The convent was used as a shelter for orphans, the handicapped, the sick and refuges. Pastor Denys kept a diary of his experiences.
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Kerkhofstraat, Klerken
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Kerkstraat 108
9050 Gentbrugge, Belgium
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