The liberation of Ypres by Allied forces was a key moment in the campaign to free Belgium from German occupation during World War II. After years of intensive fighting on the Western Front, Ypres witnessed battles that left it scarred but also demonstrated the determination of the local population and Allied soldiers. The city had been under German control since the invasion of Belgium in 1940. As Allied troops advanced into Belgium following the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, the liberation of Ypres became a tactical objective due to its strategic location. On September 6, Allied forces, primarily composed of British and Canadian troops, launched a coordinated attack that successfully pushed back the German defenses, leading to the city’s liberation.With Ypres freed, the Allies aimed to secure a foothold in Belgium to stabilize their front and disrupt German supply routes critical to the war effort. The liberation was celebrated by both local civilians and Allied forces, who recognized the significance of Ypres not just militarily but also historically, as the city had already borne witness to tremendous loss during World War I. The battle-scarred city became a symbol of resilience and hope for the restoration of peace in Europe.