Millions of people lost their lives during the Great War (1914-1918). Most victims were young men, sometimes even children, like young Paul Mauk from Germany. He so much wanted to participate in this war, that he cheated about his age. With his fourteen years he was the youngest soldier to die during the Great War.

The war cemeteries - large and small - are scattered all over West Flanders and Northern France. They made a deep impression on me, when, as a young student, passing by on my way to Auvergne and other parts of France. I then knew I had to visit and photograph these cemeteries.

Many years have past since that moment. The idea was never forgotten and became reality between 2009-2012.

The photographs were taken in the area around Diksmuide, Ieper and Arras from where I made long cycling tours to visit the war graves and the landscapes where the battles were fought.


This book is a tribute to the vcitims of the Great War.