The Western Front Today - New Zealand Memorial, 'sGravenstafel
Tasked with the capture of the village of Gravenstafel during the Third Battle of Ypres - Passchendaele - New Zealand forces attacked on 4 October 1917.
In spite of heavy ground the New Zealanders made good progress and secured their objectives by the end of the first day, including the capture of Gravenstafel.
To commemorate the New Zealand victory a monument was erected in the village. Inscribed on the monument in English, French and Flemish is the following text: "In honour of the men of the New Zealand Division. The Battle of Broodseinde, 4th of October 1917. This monument marks the site of Gravenstafel, which on 4th October, 1917, was captured by the New Zealand Division as part of a general advance towards Passchendaele."
An identical memorial is located in Messines.
Film Footage of New Zealand Memorial
References:
Before Endeavours Fade, Rose E.B. Coombs, After the Battle 1994
Major & Mrs Holt's Battlefield Guide - Somme, Leo Cooper 2000
A "listening post" was an advanced post, usually in no-man's land, where soldiers tried to find out information about the enemy.
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