Battlefield Burials

[cyberia]

The Hürtgenwald gives up another...

The partial skeleton and M1940 helmet were recently uncovered in the Hürtgen Forest of Germany. Every year since the battle in 1945, the remains of several German or American soldiers killed there are still being uncovered.

[Horch]

Originally Posted by cyberia

Another, this of an infantryman with his smashed rifle left in tribute

I would guess it was smashed to keep the enemy from using it.

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by Horch

I would guess it was smashed to keep the enemy from using it.

Never thought of that, Horch. That could very well have been the case. I also see the bolt has been removed. No doubt for the same reason.

[cyberia]

The above photograph is of a German military cemetery north west of Pitomnik, Russia. It is on the site of what was once the most important German airfield inside the Stalingrad-pocket.

Several years ago the graves were desecrated by grave robbers. Bones and and rusted equipment were tossed about, the graves left open after being looted.

The culprits were after zinc identity tags wore by German soldiers, such as this example from the Kreigsmarine...

These ID tags, which could have been used to identify the remains for surviving relatives of the dead, were sold on ebay.

The Russian seller also offered skulls and jaw bones complete with certificates of authenticity that stated they were part of the remains of German troops killed fighting at Stalingrad.

[Horch]

Originally Posted by cyberia

The above photograph is of a German military cemetery north west of Pitomnik, Russia. It is on the site of what was once the most important German airfield inside the Stalingrad-pocket.

Several years ago the graves were desecrated by grave robbers. Bones and and rusted equipment were tossed about, the graves left open after being looted.

The culprits were after zinc identity tags wore by German soldiers, such as this example from the Kreigsmarine...

These ID tags, which could have been used to identify the remains for surviving relatives of the dead, were sold on ebay.

The Russian seller also offered skulls and jaw bones complete with certificates of authenticity that stated they were part of the remains of German troops killed fighting at Stalingrad.

I guess people stoop to all levels cyberia. But it makes me wonder about opening up some Pharaoh or some similar tomb. When is it ok?

[McCoy]

If we should draw a serious line then it wouldn't be ok to dig up any grave includin' Pharaohs...

[cyberia]

Life takes enough from all of us.

The dead should left in peace.

[Brett]

Originally Posted by Jim O

Attachment 2010
Location unknown

Based on WWI style helmets, which I believe were replaced soon
after US entry into the war (before prolonged US combat in ETO),
I'm guessing early Pacific war.

Perhaps Phillipines, Midway, Wake or Pearl?

[Horch]

................

[cyberia]

Belgian nuns offer prayers for the dead at an American cemetery near Henri-Chapelle