Do you see the Kriegerdenkmal before us? It stands as a somber reminder of Cologne’s past. Specifically, it commemorates the residents of Cologne who perished in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. This memorial is located in the Melaten-Friedhof cemetery. It serves as a poignant tribute to those fallen in battle.
The Kriegerdenkmal wasn’t always fully appreciated. In fact, it represents a part of history that some would rather forget. During the Franco-Prussian War, many wounded German and captured French soldiers were brought to Cologne’s hospitals. Those who died were buried in Melaten cemetery. In 1872, France erected a memorial for its 515 soldiers who died in Cologne and Deutz. Cologne wanted to do the same for its 247 fallen German soldiers.
The city commissioned a tomb in the northern part of Melaten cemetery. City architect Julius Raschdorff was supposed to design it. But delays ensued. Hermann Weyer, the subsequent city architect, eventually presented the design to the city council in January 1874. After a heated debate, the plan was approved.
Rising from a slight hill, the Kriegerdenkmal stands approximately 10 meters tall. It is a four-winged sandstone structure in the shape of a cross. Granite slabs bear the names of all the deceased. Cologne sculptor Jean Nothen designed it in the Neorenaissance style. Until World War II, a statue of Germania stood above the central plinth. It faced west adorned with an Ottonian crown and shield. This was the work of Cologne sculptor Anton Werres. Some called her Mother Colonia. Werres wrote in 1875 that his Colonia was complete.
The base features the coats of arms of Cologne and Prussia. An inscription reads: “In memory of the sons of Germany who died in Cologne as a result of the war of 1870/71.” The frieze of the cross wings is decorated with triglyphs and metopes. The metopes display the coats of arms of the soldiers’ home states. The names of battle sites in France, including Paris, Metz, and Sedan, are inscribed on the head ends of the cross arms.
The Kriegerdenkmal was solemnly inaugurated on September 2, 1875 during the Sedantag celebrations. The monument cost 18,000 marks. Out of respect for Jewish soldiers, no crosses were used. The damaged Germania statue was removed after World War II. It has since disappeared. In the 1950s, there were discussions about demolishing the memorial. However, the war damage was only superficially repaired in the late 1950s.
The bronze storm pack on the green area to the right of the tomb is not part of the historical monument. It includes a plaque of the 1870/71 war dead from Cologne-Mülheim. This is the remaining part of the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument by Clemens Buscher from 1898. The monument itself was melted down in 1943. After 1945, this part was placed in front of the Cologne memorial.
Until early 2016, saplings grew wild on the barrel roofs and in the cracks of the frieze. The stone facade and damaged barrel roofs urgently needed renovation. This was to prevent rain and ice from further attacking the structure and plants from settling there. In March 2016, the “Monument of the Month” working group presented the object. They are part of the Cologne regional association of the Rhenish Association for the Preservation of Monuments and Landscape Protection. The aim was to draw attention to the neglected state of the memorial.
Today the Kriegerdenkmal serves as a place for reflection. It is a space to remember the impact of war. Let us take a moment to reflect on the lives lost. Let us also consider the importance of peace.