The iconic Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres (Ieper), Belgium has officially reopened to the public following the successful completion of a comprehensive restoration project that began in April 2023, with Australian travellers on Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours’ 4-day Western Front Explorer among the first to experience the fully restored memorial. The memorial is now fully open again, following the meticulous restoration to preserve its historical significance in the lead up to its centenary in July 2027.
David Gordon Grout from Rankin Springs NSW, Jenny Houlcroft from Warwick QLD, and Jeff Gregory from Townsville QLD (pictured) were travelling on Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours’ 4-day Western Front Explorer this week and had the honour of laying a wreath at the Last Post service at Menin Gate.
Commemorating over 54,000 missing Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during World War I, construction of the Menin Gate began in 1923, and the memorial was unveiled on 24 July 1927. The moving Last Post service is held at the Menin Gate every evening at 8pm and is a must-do experience.
Battlefield Historian Mat McLachlan said: “One hundred years ago, just ten years after the guns fell silent on the Western Front, construction of the Menin Gate was underway. The Menin Gate stands as one of the most powerful and moving memorials to the Great War, and it is wonderful to see it restored so that it continues to stand the test of time for generations to come.
“Visiting the Menin Gate is a moving and memorable experience on any European trip, and particularly poignant now as we commemorate the 110th anniversary of WWI – a very meaningful time to visit and pay your respects.
“The restoration of the Menin Gate represents the enduring commitment to remembrance that continues today,” Mat McLachlan added.
Comprehensive Restoration Preserves History for Future Generations
The extensive restoration work has delivered remarkable results that honour both the memorial’s original craftsmanship and the memory of the fallen. More than 54,000 name inscriptions of the missing have been meticulously conserved, with remarkably, only two of the 1,210 name panels requiring complete replacement.
The stonework, including the iconic lion atop the monument, as well as all bronze features, have been carefully and expertly restored. The light ornaments in the galleries, were meticulously recreated based on the original design revealed in a historical photograph. The vaulted ceiling in the main hall was carefully restored, including the safe removal of an asbestos layer and the meticulous repainting of its intricate details.
Modern conservation techniques have been employed to ensure the memorial’s longevity, including the introduction of a sustainable living roof, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible stewardship.
The restoration was funded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission with support from the Flemish Government and City of Ieper (Ypres).
A Must-Do Experience on any Europe Trip
The timing of the restoration completion is particularly significant as the world commemorates the 110th anniversary of World War I, with 2026 to 2028 marking the 110th anniversaries of the Australian battles on the Western Front.
The memorial’s significance is reflected in its popularity with international visitors. ‘The Last Post ceremony’ is number 1 rated on TripAdvisor in ‘things to do’ in Ieper (Ypres) Belgium, with visiting ‘the Menin Gate Memorial’ rated number 2.
Mat McLachlan said: “Over 295,000 Australians served on the Western Front during World War I, between March 1916 and November 1918. This significant deployment involved major battles such as Fromelles, the Somme, and Passchendaele. Tragically, more than 46,000 Australians lost their lives.
“Today, the former battlefields of the Western Front are incredibly picturesque, with rolling green countryside, quaint historic villages, and architecturally beautiful buildings, monuments and memorials. But marks from the Great War are still clear to be seen, and remembrance is very much alive – particularly in Ypres (Ieper), which is an incredible, welcoming place to visit.
“Ypres is a beautiful medieval walled city with a 13th century Cloth Hall marking its lively main square, where restaurants, cafes, chocolatiers and bars abound. While Ypres was almost completely destroyed during WWI, it was rebuilt in its medieval style, and the walls of the city still circle the main town. You can walk these ramparts, or even explore inside them, and the Menin Gate is one of the gates through the ramparts – situated on the road where soldiers marched to and from the front lines.”
All Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours’ Western Front tours visit the Menin Gate and participate in the moving Last Post service, with travellers on every tour laying a wreath as part of the ceremony on behalf of the group. Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours’ passengers are also regularly invited to recite the Ode of Remembrance at the service, with Wendy Farnham from Canberra ACT receiving this honour during her 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front tour earlier this year.
The Last Post Ceremony: A Living Tradition
Central to the Menin Gate experience is the daily Last Post ceremony, performed by the Last Post Association. This moving tribute has been held every night since 2 July 1928, with the exception of a four-year period during World War II when Ypres was occupied – during this time the ceremony continued to take place in England, demonstrating the unwavering commitment to remembrance.
Throughout the restoration, the daily Last Post ceremony continued to take place – outside the Menin Gate on the ramparts during some of the works, and then back under the gate as soon as the works allowed.
Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours is a proud supporter of the Last Post Association, with all Western Front tours participating in the moving Last Post service at the Menin Gate.
Enhanced Visitor Experience
Just steps from the iconic Menin Gate, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Visitor Centre in Ypres (Ieper) provides the perfect starting point to explore the history of the First World War. Visitors can discover the important work done to honour those who gave their lives, with friendly staff helping to locate names and graves of the fallen. The centre offers opportunities to dive deeper into the story of the Menin Gate Memorial, and features a range of souvenirs, informative leaflets, and biodegradable wreaths.
Words from Western Front pilgrims:
On having the honour of laying a wreath as part of the Last Post service at Menin Gate this week, upon the official reopening of the memorial, David Grout, Jenny Houlcroft and Jeff Gregory said:
David: “My grandfather was a farmer who served in WWI, and today I run the farm that was originally my grandfathers. It was an incredible and moving experience visiting the places where the Australians served on the Western Front, and very special to lay the wreath at Menin Gate.”
Jenny: “Touching this history has been amazing. Being able to see the sacrifice which enabled our freedom today, and to gain a greater understanding of our past has made my holiday so much more valuable and memorable.”
Jeff: “To pay my respects to the men who gave their lives in the belief that they were doing their duty for Australia and the Empire was an honour.”
On reading the Ode of Remembrance at the Last Post service at the Menin Gate, Wendy Farnham said: “This was my third visit to the Western Front, following in the footsteps of my Anzac grandfather James Bruce Lithgow, but my first for Anzac Day. I was incredibly honoured to read the Ode of Remembrance at the Last Post Ceremony, and it is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours offers tours to the Western Front throughout the year, tours include: 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front; 4-day Anzac Day in Ypres; weekly departures of its 4-day Western Front Explorer; Mat McLachlan’s exclusive Western Front Signature Tour; Western Front Private Tours; Ypres Salient Private Tours, and more. Visit www.battlefields.com.au
Flanders is the Flemish (Dutch) speaking northern portion of Belgium, bordering the northernmost part of France. During WWI, Australian battalions served on the frontlines throughout Flanders and this region was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in our nation’s history – the Battle of Passchendaele. Today, Flanders is a rich, vibrant place to visit inviting guests to explore battlefield history, the region’s medieval beginnings, culture, nature, culinary experiences and more. www.visitflanders.com
Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours is a partner of VISITFLANDERS, collaborating with this significant Australian battlefield region to highlight what travellers can see and do today when visiting Flanders.
