Denkmal für den unbekannten Wehrmachtsdeserteur, War memorial at Petersberg Citadel, Germany
The memorial consists of eight metal steles, with seven arranged in a rigid formation while one stands apart to represent a deserter breaking ranks.
During World War II, the Wehrmacht military court at Petersberg Citadel sentenced numerous soldiers to death for desertion, with executions carried out on the grounds.
The memorial, unveiled in 1995, addresses the complex legacy of Wehrmacht deserters through its design by artist Thomas Nicolai using repurposed heating boilers.
Visitors can access the memorial free of charge in the fortress moat between the Leonhard and Philipp bastions of Petersberg Citadel in Erfurt.
A bronze plaque at the base bears text dedicated to unknown Wehrmacht deserters and all individuals who refused to participate in the Nazi regime.
Location: Erfurt
Inception: 1995
Creator: Thomas Nicolai
GPS coordinates: 50.97830,11.02059
Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:44
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