Engraved in stone, the Ulanen-Denkmal stands before us. It tells a silent tale of courage and sacrifice. This monument honors the fallen heroes of the 2nd Guard Uhlan Regiment. It stands as a reminder of the First World War. Let’s delve into the history and stories behind this imposing memorial.
The Ulanen-Denkmal was realized in 1922 and 1923. It was built on the grounds of the former barracks. These barracks once belonged to the Imperial 2nd Guard Uhlan Regiment. The monument commemorates those who died in World War I between 1914 and 1918. The regimental comrades commissioned the Ulanen-Denkmal.
Notice the monument’s structure. It rises from a triple-stepped base. An obelisk-like stele sits atop. The front showcases a relief of a Guard Uhlan on horseback. The figure is rendered naturalistically. He holds a flag in his raised right hand. The rider’s gaze is fixed upon the flag. The staff resembles late medieval lances. Stephanie Endlich noted that since the 16th century, lancers were called ‘Garde Ulanen’.
The Ulanen-Denkmal’s flat base features an inscription. The long side displays half a sun. Rays emanate upwards in a semicircle. On the back, a relief depicts a catafalque. It is adorned with a stylized laurel garland. A laurel wreath with crossed weapons crowns the center. These weapons include a rifle and saber. A helmet sits atop. It is part of the Guard Uhlan uniform. Two hanging flags with lance-shaped shafts are shown crossed in the background. Above this, the dates 1914 and 1918 are prominent. An Iron Cross symbol accompanies them. Below, about 87 names are listed. These are the fallen sorted by military rank. They include officers, non-commissioned officers, and Uhlans.
Originally, the Ulanen-Denkmal likely had a simple iron enclosure. After the war, a low, white-painted wooden fence was added. Around 1982, this fence was replaced. A ‘Jägerzaun,’ or hunter’s fence, took its place. The area between the fence and the monument was planted with thorny bushes. This landscaping reflected the city gardening style of the early 1980s.
The pink color is striking. The alt-rosafarben tone was likely applied in 1982. It coincided with the installation of Michael Schoenholtz’s artwork. Before then, the sandstone was probably unpainted.
The front of the Ulanen-Denkmal bears an inscription. It reads: “DEN IM WELTKRIEGE 1914-1918 GEFALLENEN HELDEN DES / 2. GARDE ULANEN REGIMENTS ZUM EHRENDEN GEDÄCHTNIS / DEM STOLZEN TAPFEREN REGIMENT ZUM ANGEDENKEN”. This translates to “To the heroes of the 2nd Guard Uhlan Regiment who fell in the World War 1914-1918 in honorable memory to the proud brave regiment in remembrance”.
The rear inscription states: “1914 (Iron Cross) 1918 / STARBEN DEN HELDENTOD”. This means “1914 (Iron Cross) 1918 / Died the hero’s death”. It also notes: “etwa 87 Namen der Gefallenen / SOWIE VIELE EHEMALIGE REGIMENTS-KAMERADEN BEI ANDEREN TRUPPENTEILEN” or “about 87 names of the fallen / AS WELL AS MANY FORMER REGIMENTAL COMRADES IN OTHER TROOPS”.
Though the iron enclosure is missing, the Ulanen-Denkmal still stands. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the 2nd Guard Uhlan Regiment. As you reflect on the Ulanen-Denkmal, remember the names etched in stone. They represent lives given in service. Their stories, though silent, echo through time.