Wipers-Before and After, 1915
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Wipers-Before and After, 1915
A page from the Bystander, showing the Hotel de Ville at Ypres before and after the German bombardment in 1915. The Bystander reports that...our soldiers, with a fine and facile regard for pronunciation, have christened[the city] Wipers. Date: 1915
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Media ID 14155275
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bomb Bombardment Bombed Bystander Contrast Damage Destruction Ville Wipers Ypres Pronunciation
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image from the pages of The Bystander, published in 1915, presents a stark contrast between the tranquil beauty of Ypres' Hotel de Ville before and after the devastating German bombardment. The serene scene on the left shows the grandeur of the Hotel de Ville, a symbol of the historic charm and elegance of the Belgian city. In contrast, the right side of the image reveals the devastating aftermath of the bombing, with the Hotel de Ville reduced to rubble and destruction. The Bystander reports that our soldiers, with a fine and facile regard for pronunciation, have christened the city "Wipers." The name, a phonetic adaptation of the city's original name, Ypres, reflects the soldiers' experiences of the relentless bombing campaigns that had become a part of their daily lives. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of war and the irreparable damage it inflicts on communities and their historic landmarks. The Hotel de Ville, once a beacon of Ypres' rich cultural heritage, now lies in ruins, a testament to the devastating impact of the bombing. The contrasting images also highlight the resilience and determination of the people of Ypres and their commitment to rebuilding their city. Despite the destruction, they continued to persevere, rebuilding their homes and their lives, and preserving the history and culture of their beloved city.
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