Messines Ridge
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Begun on 7 June 1917 following 10 days of bombardment, the key to this battle was the detonation of 19 mines loaded with 450 tons of high explosives dug beneath the German positions on the ridge overlooking the British. The explosion was so massive that the sound was heard in London. Messines Ridge, observers claimed lifted from the Earth. British troops 2 miles away fell down and were left gasping for air as the oxygen was briefly carried away. Often while digging the holes for the explosives to be placed in, the British discovered the Germans digging in the opposite direction in an attemp to thwart the British advance. Much hand to hand fighting occurred.