What happened at the Battle of Hill 60?
At 3:10 a.m. on 7 June 1917, a mines filled with 443 long tons; 450 t (450 t) of explosives, were detonated under the German lines. The blasts created one of the largest explosions in history, reportedly heard in London and Dublin, demolishing a large part of the hill and killing c. 10,000 German soldiers.
What happened at Hill 60 on the 7th June 1917?
When the mines were detonated at 3:10 a.m. on 7 June 1917, 990,000 pounds (450,000 kg) of explosives went off under the German positions, demolishing a large part of Hill 60 and killing c. 10,000 German soldiers between Ypres and Ploegsteert.
Is Hill 60 real?
‘Beneath Hill 60’ is a true story based on a front-line campaign in Belgium in 1917. Not at least that it is about Australian soldiers in a predominately British campaign. There were many others who fought in both World Wars, though you wouldn’t know it from most big budget war films we are used to seeing.
Why was the Battle of Hill 60 significant?
June 1917 proved to be the Australians’ finest hour. They exploded 19 mines at Hill 60 with devastating effect and an impact that, some said, was felt in London. The Battle of Messines was considered a British success that greatly boosted moral among the Allies.
What is Ypres WW1?
Ypres (/ˈiːprə/ EE-prə, French: [ipʁ]; Ieper [ˈipər] in Flemish) is a Belgian city and municipality in the province of West Flanders. During the First World War, Ypres (or “Wipers” as it was commonly known by the British troops) was the centre of the Battles of Ypres between German and Allied forces.
Who made Beneath Hill 60?
Producer and documentary maker Bill Leimbach and AFI nominated director Jeremy Sims have an eight-million dollar budget to reveal the untold story of the mining engineers who engaged in a secret and terrifying underground battle.
When did the Germans capture Hill 60 in WW1?
Hill 60 had been captured by the German 30th Division on 11 November 1914, during the First Battle of Ypres ( 19 October – 22 November 1914 ). Initial French preparations to raid the hill were continued by the British 28th Division, which took over the line in February 1915 and then by the 5th Division.
How did the Battle of Hill 60 get its name?
The hill formed a low rise on the crest of Ypres ridge, at the southern flank of the Ypres Salient and was named after the contour which marked its boundary. The hill had been captured on 11 November 1914, by the German 30th Division, during fighting against a mixed force of French and British infantry and cavalry, in the First Battle of Ypres.
Why was the movie called Beneath Hill 60?
Leimbach explained that the film was titled Beneath Hill 60 to maximise recognition for the international audience and felt that it was a more suitable title for a war film. Principal photography for Beneath Hill 60 began in late July 2009 and lasted around 40 days.
How did Tiffin and Walter die on Hill 60?
Although Tiffin and Walter succeed, Bacon is killed mere inches from safety. The unit continues on to Hill 60. During an inspection, it is revealed that the Canadian & British Engineers have been tunneling deep below the Messines Ridge for months, planting a million pounds of ammonium nitrate in 21 massive mine chambers.