Danube river’s low water levels reveal remains of WWII soldiers and motorcycle
WWII Soldiers and Motorcycle Discovered as Danube River s Low Water Exposes War Remains
Ninoda.com – The Danube river s low water levels have revealed remarkable World War Two remains in Budapest, including two German soldiers' bodies and a motorcycle. Record-breaking drought conditions have exposed the riverbed, allowing archaeologists and historians to uncover artifacts that have lain hidden for over eight decades.
According to the German War Graves Commission, the discovery was made on August 2 when a passerby noticed part of a motorcycle emerging from rocks along the downtown Budapest riverbank. The find includes identification tags, a largely intact Wehrmacht motorcycle, a wedding ring, and a Kuban shield—a combat badge worn by German soldiers.
Preservation and Historical Significance
The items found during this Danube river s low water event are remarkably well-preserved thanks to a unique combination of harbour sludge and oil on the river bed. The motorcycle is believed to be a DKW NZ 350-1 model, specifically manufactured for wartime use beginning in 1944.
Of the two identification tags recovered, one belonged to a Wehrmacht soldier while the other belonged to a member of the Waffen-SS, which was later declared a criminal organization at the Nuremberg Trials. During the Second World War, German soldiers' tags were split into two halves upon death—one remained with the soldier while the other was sent to army authorities.
"Now begins a puzzle, in which we will try to determine the identity of the two dead," said Arne Schrader of the German War Graves Commission.
The commission, a German non-profit organization that searches, recovers, and buries war dead on behalf of the German government, noted that the families of these soldiers had "waited in vain" for official notification of their deaths. Bone analysis will be crucial in confirming the soldiers' identities, as the commission must verify that the identification tags and Kuban shield belong to the two individuals found.
Community Response and Future Burial Plans
The discovery has generated significant attention in World War Two-related social media groups, with many expressing hope that families can finally learn the fates of their ancestors. One Facebook group member shared: "As bad as the low water level is, I am glad that bereaved families can once again be informed about the whereabouts of their relatives, and that the fallen soldiers can be given a dignified burial."
The soldiers are scheduled to be buried at the German war cemetery in Budaörs, located just outside the Hungarian capital. Budapest was the site of intense fighting between the Soviet Red Army and the German Wehrmacht during the final stages of the Second World War.
This discovery follows other recent findings in the region, including a broken-up hull near Prahovo in Serbia. The drought has also impacted other European waterways, with the Rhine falling to record low levels and Hungary's only nuclear plant temporarily shutting down.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the motorcycle and soldiers discovered?
The remains were discovered on August 2 when a passerby reported seeing part of the motorcycle protruding from rocks on the Budapest riverbank.
What type of motorcycle was found?
The motorcycle is believed to be a DKW NZ 350-1 model, which was produced specifically for wartime use starting in 1944.
Why were the items so well-preserved?
The combination of harbour sludge and oil on the river bed helped preserve the identification tags, motorcycle, and other artifacts for over 80 years.
Where will the soldiers be buried?
The two soldiers are to be buried at the German war cemetery in Budaörs, just outside Budapest, Hungary.