Temporary Housing at Geluwe, Belgium - after WW1
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Temporary Housing at Geluwe, Belgium - after WW1
Temporary accomodation for the occupants of Geluwe, a town in the West Flanders province of Belgium (just north-west of Menen/Menin) after the devastation of WW1.
circa 1919
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Media ID 14377177
© The Roseries Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Accomodation Belgian Flanders Huts Menin Nissen Occupants Temporary
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the temporary housing units at Geluwe, a small town located in the West Flanders province of Belgium, just north-west of Menen/Menin, in the aftermath of World War I around 1919. The devastation wrought by the Great War left countless communities in ruins, and the inhabitants of Geluwe were no exception. In response to the urgent need for shelter, the British Army deployed Nissen huts to provide temporary accommodation for the displaced population. Nissen huts, named after their inventor, Sir James Nissen, were prefabricated structures made of corrugated iron and timber. They were quick to assemble and provided adequate shelter against the elements. The huts were commonly used during both World Wars for military barracks and temporary civilian housing. In this image, we see rows upon rows of Nissen huts, neatly arranged and connected by wooden walkways. The simple, functional design of the huts stands in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape, which remains scarred by the ravages of war. The smoke rising from the chimneys of the huts suggests that some semblance of normalcy has returned, as families have begun to rebuild their lives. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships and challenges, the people of Geluwe persevered, and their story is a testament to the enduring strength of community and the power of hope in the darkest of times.
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