During the Battle of the Yser, part of the First Battle of Ypres in World War I, Hendrik Geeraert opened the sluice gates on the mouth of the river Yser twice to flood the lower lying land, thus halting the German advance.
During the Battle of the Yser in the First World War, the river was deliberately flooded between Nieuwpoort and Diksmuide to provide an obstacle to the advancing German Army and keep westernmost Belgium safe from German occupation.
The medal could also be awarded to foreign nationals, members of allied military forces who took part in the Battle of the Yser.
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