In October 1914 the Germans captured two large petroleum tanks situated in the flatlands along the Yser north of Diksmuide. From this vantage point, they monitor the comings and goings of the Belgians, a state of affairs Belgian military authorities wish to alter as soon as possible.

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In early May 1915, the army launches several frontal attacks on the reservoirs, but well-placed German machineguns and targeted artillery bombings keep on repelling them. The Belgians then decide to dig an approach ditch in the Yser dyke, in the direction of the petroleum tanks and the German positions. The Germans did the same, and in late May 1915, a bloody engagement claimed many Belgian lives. Bodies can only be removed a few weeks later... The soldiers have by then nicknamed this trench Boyau de la Mort or Trench of Death.

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After repeated German attacks in October 1915, the Belgians decided to shorten their trench. They pierce the Yser dyke, and both camps are then only separated by a narrow strip of water. This part of the Belgian front now becomes a lot calmer. The Belgians expand their positions into an impregnable stronghold with concrete bunkers, trenches, machine guns, and sniper posts. Simultaneously, the Germans create an efficient network of trenches and sturdy concrete bunkers.

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Each day sees intense shelling, with one shot being answered by another. Trenches are devastated and bunkers destroyed, but everything is rebuilt time and again