This lantern slide, “Building in Nieuwkerke, Belgium used by Australian Y.M.C.A. (1917),” shows the outside of a brewery in Nieuwkerke, Beligum. Nieuwkerke (French: Neuve-Église) is a village in the Belgian province of West Flanders, a municipality of Heuvelland. It is located only 15km away from Ypres and therefore experienced the full impact of the fighting that occurred throughout West Flanders. The dividing line between the German and Allied troops ran through this area during 1917 and 1918. Due to the town’s close proximity to the frontline, the Allied Field Ambulances and fighting units used the town’s Churchyard, especially in the early days, to treat the wounded. A note on the slide suggests that the building pictured is a brewery. If so, it may have been used for flea baths. During World War I, baths had to be arranged on a massive scale with whole battalions queuing to use the facilities. These might be abandoned breweries or anywhere that large tubs or vats could be found. This slide is part of Springfield College’s collection of lantern slides depicting Australian Y.M.C.A. war work during World War I. ; Slide shows serious discoloration and the glass is cracked; Text on border reads, "306 Australian Y.M.C.A. Historical Record Section; Neuve Eglise, Belguim Brewery used by the 4th (7th?) + 10th Bge. Aust Y.M.C.A."