A warm, deeply researched tribute to the forgotten battle of La Basse-Ville 1917 in Flanders Fields, Belgium where more than 1000 New Zealand soldiers (ANZAC) died.
A reference book.
This book includes the first-ever complete lists* of over 1,000 New Zealand soldiers killed at La Basse-Ville and all decorations awarded. Packed with vital details, glossaries, and resources, it’s an essential guide for family researchers and history enthusiasts.
(* as known to the author as of April 2016)
Research your ancestors
Learn about the “forgotten battle” of La Basse-Ville, Flanders Fields in Belgium.
Understand their context
See the war through the young soldiers’ eyes .
Discover the enemy’s perspective
Learn through the diary of a German officer the other side of the battle.
Meet Dominique Cooreman
A Belgian former judge (ex‑Vice‑President, Brussels Court of First Instance), mother and grandmother. Since 2004 she’s explored English, history and travel, developing a deep bond with New Zealand, its Māori/Pākehā cultures and WWI legacy. Driven by passion and determination, she spent 14 years researching and traveling across Belgium, New Zealand and beyond to bring her debut book on the La Basse‑Ville battle to life — a work that reflects her love of people, stories and meaningful connections.
What readers say
Unlike typical war books, this work offers a rare perspective—revealing not only the soldiers’ stories but also the lives of those left behind, and even the enemy’s view.
★★★★★
The book itself defies categorization. It reflects on the nature of war and its impact in New Zealand and Belgium. It will both overwhelm and entrance you. It is the story of Dominique Cooreman’s love affair with New Zealand(ers) and we are the richer for it.
Christopher Pugley – ONZM – Historian, New Zealand
★★★★★
Through 12 years of meticulous research, travel, and interviews, this book uncovers NZ’s forgotten battle at La Basse-Ville, presenting the first full list of the fallen and richly contextualising the lives of the Maori and pakeha men who served there.
Nicole Birrell – Company Director, Melbourne, Australia
★★★★★
Your book gave me invaluable insight into where and when my great-uncles fell. We were privileged to benefit from your deep knowledge. Many New Zealanders owe you a great debt. Kia Kaha
Prof. Robert Gregory, Rotorua, New Zealand