Keiem

Keiem is a small town situated some 7 km north of Diksmuide in West Flanders, Belgium. Administratively it forms part of Diksmuide Municipality.

Keiem
Church of Saint Nicholas
Coordinates: 51°04′55″N 02°53′03″E
CountryBelgium
Province West Flanders
MunicipalityDiksmuide
Area
  Total12.92 km2 (4.99 sq mi)
Population
 (2007)
  Total1,298
  Density100/km2 (300/sq mi)
 Source: NIS
Postal code
8600

Lying close to the right bank of the River Yser, the town suffered extensive flooding when, on 21 October 1914, the sea locks at the mouth of this river were opened as a defensive measure against the advancing German Army during the "Race to the Sea" phase of World War I.[1] The operation was successful in halting the advance, with the result, however, that Keiem was to occupy the front line of the war for the next four years. By the end of the conflict, apart from three damaged houses which still stood, the town had been completely flattened.

References

  1. Charles-Albert de Behault, René de Duve, évadé multirécidiviste, in Bulletin de l’ANRB, July 2018, pp. 96-111.


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