Memorial Cross Russian Prisoners of War

Memorial cross in memory of Russian prisoners of war who were shot here after their flight.

During the First World War, Russian prisoners of war were put to work by Germany, among other places, in the Belgian mines. They were also forced to work on the railway to Aachen.

During the First World War, the border between the Neutral Netherlands and the German-occupied Belgium was hermetically closed with a fence that was under a lethal voltage of 2000 Volts. Russian POWs who escaped first managed to cross the wire, but were then shot dead by border guards.

Text:
"In memory of the Russian prisoners of war who died between 1916 and 1918"

In the wood is J.B. 1987. The initials of J. Bleijlevens, who had the cross renewed in 1987.

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Source

• Text: Fedor de Vries
• Photos: Kees Meuzelaar (1), Joost Verheijden (2)
• LEEUWEN, M. VAN & STAARMAN, A., Tastbare Herinneringen 1914-1918, Western Front Association Nederland, 2008.