Saint John the Baptist

The current three-aisled Gothic Revival church was rebuilt in 1923, replacing the 1770 church destroyed during the First World War. Dikkebus, located near a key supply route, was heavily shelled and almost entirely reduced to ruins. During the war, the church served as a French military field hospital. Its tower, built in 1873, was demolished by French troops on 14 November 1914 to prevent it being used as a target by German artillery.

Parish priest Achiel Van Walleghem, known as the Chaplain of Dikkebus, kept a remarkable wartime diary documenting daily life in the parish. This valuable testimony was republished for the centenary of the Great War in a translation by Willy Spillebeen.

Dikkebus contains four First World War military cemeteries, including the New Military Cemetery and its Extension, both within walking distance of the church.

The rebuilt church reflects the Gothic Revival style typical of reconstruction churches. A Calvary stands against the north wall. Several historic pieces survived the war, including an 18th-century confessional and choir stall, as well as 16th- and 17th-century paintings such as Jesus Falls Under the Cross and The Pilgrims of Emmaus. Most other furnishings date from the 20th century, including the organ built by Jules Anneessens in 1924-1925.

Dikkebus is closely linked to the former Abbey of Voormezele. The monks cleared the surrounding forest and, in 1320, dammed the Kemmelbeek to create Lake Dikkebus (30 ha), which still supplies water to nearby Ypres and remains a popular fishing and recreation area.

KIKIRPA : Photolibrary on line

Westhoek Verbeeldt

Achiel Van Walleghem