Work completed on replacing memorial plaques on the Menin Gate at Ieper
08 June 2012
Commonwealth War Graves Commission staff have successfully
replaced 33 plaques on the Ypres (Menin Gate)
Memorial.
Each of the plaques bears the names of some of those who fell in
the Ypres Salient in the First World War and have no known
grave.
The original plaques had become eroded. Staff at the
Commission's Northern Europe Area office in Ieper believe the
problem was a micro climate - a wind pattern within the stair well
where the plaques are sited.
The thickness of the new Portland stone plaques is 75mm,
compared with 100mm in the originals. This will allow for an air
gap and for a waterproof membrane between the back of the stones
and the brick wall.
The plaques are held in place with a dry fix system, using
stainless steel fishtail anchors into the brickwork and bronze
dowels between each plaque.
Click here to discover the
completed plaques and images of the work in progress.