Budapest Danube reveals Wehrmacht remains

Budapest Danube reveals Wehrmacht remains

Unusually low water levels in the Danube in Budapest exposed a Second World War site near Batthyány Square, close to the Hungarian Parliament. Recoveries included the remains of two German Wehrmacht soldiers, a military motorcycle believed to be a DKW NZ 350-1, and other wartime objects such as anti-tank mines and a petrol can.

The German War Graves Commission said the muddy riverbed, mixed with gas oil, helped preserve the bodies and their identity discs for about 80 years. The motorcycle was lifted by Hungary’s military history institute, while the soldiers were recovered by the German War Graves Commission. The finds were described as being unusually well preserved for their age.

Key Events

  • The Danube dropped to unusually low levels in Budapest, revealing long-hidden Second World War remains.
  • Recovery teams found the bodies of two German Wehrmacht soldiers near Batthyány Square on the Buda side.
  • A German military motorcycle, believed to be a DKW NZ 350-1, was uncovered from the riverbed.
  • Other wartime objects, including anti-tank mines, a petrol can and a military decoration, were also recovered.
  • The mud at the site preserved the soldiers’ identity discs in unusually good condition after about 80 years.
  • The German War Graves Commission and Hungary’s military history institutions handled the recovery and retrieval work.