Ypres

Ypres is an town in Belgium known as "Ieper" in Dutch though known in English by its French name "Ypres". It is pronounced "ee-pruh" but was often pronounced by British soldiers as "Wipers".

Ypres played an important part in the First World War. It was held by the allies but 3/4 of it was surrounded by German lines which were on hills, so fighting was heavy and the town suffered chemical warfare and much destruction, and although the Germans did hold it at one point this did not last long. Since then, Ypres has been rebuilt and become a place of peace, with many war cemeteries around it, memorials, museums and the Last Post Ceremony held daily at the Menin Gate.