Have you ever paused to consider the human cost of war. Here at the Sowjetische Kriegsgräberstätte “Am Gallberg”, we confront a poignant chapter of history. This war memorial in Düsseldorf is dedicated to citizens of the former Soviet Union. These people died between 1941 and 1945. They perished in the prisoner-of-war camp on Bergische Landstrasse.
Let’s step back to October 1940. The camp’s infirmary was set up in disused barracks. These barracks were on the Düsseldorf training ground. The facility was completed on January 30 1941. Initially French prisoners were housed here.
After Germany attacked the Soviet Union on June 22 1941. This was known as “Operation Barbarossa”. Soviet prisoners of war began to arrive at the camp. The conditions were often inhumane. These men were forced to do hard labor in the surrounding area. The listed causes of death for these young men included heart failure. Other causes were dropsy and pneumonia. “General physical decline” was also listed. The deceased were initially buried in Waldfriedhof in Gerresheim.
After the war French remains were returned to their homeland. However the Soviet dead remained here. Sadly the lists with names of those buried have never been found. Only a few burials are documented. Felix Konanemco a 23-year-old soldier. He was buried on November 24 1941. Nikeka Lysatschenko a 38-year-old soldier. He was buried on April 29 1943. Tageus-Uczen Jaroschynski only 17 years old. He was buried on April 21 1945. From April 1943 the numerous dead were buried in mass graves. These graves were near the infirmary.
Consider this 1942 statement. “The fate of the Soviet prisoners of war is a tragedy of the greatest proportions”. On April 17 1945 American troops marched into Düsseldorf from Hilden. The camp and prisoner-of-war hospital were liberated. The Americans arranged for the burial of two who died after liberation. These are the two individual graves with names.
Survivors were moved to Hubbelrather Kaserne now Bergische Kaserne. In May 1945 former inmates erected a memorial stone. This stone marked a mass grave of about 1500 victims. It bore an inscription in Russian and German. This stands at the cemetery entrance.
In 1945 and 1946 the prisoners were sent back to the Soviet Union. There they were often treated as traitors. They were condemned for being captured.
Since December 19 1949 the city of Düsseldorf has cared for the Sowjetische Kriegsgräberstätte “Am Gallberg”. The cemetery took its current form in 1963. Dmitri Shostakovich a Russian composer said. “With all our might we must raise our voice for peace and truth”. “We must concern ourselves directly with life if we wish to influence its course”.
Today this memorial reminds us of the immense suffering. It also urges us to stand up for humanity and peace. As we leave this place let us carry this message. Let it resonate in our hearts and actions.