SiegeGunner Posted 13 September , 2014 Share Posted 13 September , 2014 Cue a roll of drums ... Egbert tipped me off about this commemorative verse a few days ago, and Jack Sheldon and I have translated it and, to some extent at least, succeeeded in retaining the rhyme. But first a few observations to set it in context. The text on the commemorative plaque is actually the first two verses of a longer poem by Wolfgang Ostwald, entitled 'Dem Andenken der gefallenen Kameraden' (In Memory of Fallen Comrades). Verse 2 has been placed ahead of Verse 1, for some reason, and a key line of Verse 2 (= Verse 1 here) has been omitted. For completeness, we have gone back to a post-war version of Ostwald's poem, so our translation includes the line that is missing from the plaque. Jack is currently guiding a tour, so I did the final edit and any problems with the translation are therefore my responsibility. Cue another roll of drums ... You who withstood the living hell Of the shrapnel and the shell Thirst and hunger, frost and fever Storm and rain are gone forever Now let Mother Earth enfold you In her bosom soft and warm You who gave your blood and future For those of us who still live on Fallen brothers now sleep fast No more pain and no more terror Can disturb your sweet repose Rest in peace, you’re home at last. Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 13 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 13 September , 2014 (edited) Fantastic masterpiece. Translation is one thing, but to translate it and keep the verse form is truly amazing. Well done Jack&Mick Edited 14.9.14: I think Mick's and Jack's effort should be appreciated by the viewers here; the time and work they have invested in the proper translation and putting the verses in rhymes! They also need some motivation for such future translations. Edited 14 September , 2014 by egbert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 Well, next fortress is Felseneck, a multi level complex bored into the mountain with plenty of shelters for a battalion size complement. It consists of several entrances/exits across the levels. Absolutely inconspicuous from the outside Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 To the right of this entrance and attached lies the platoon leader bunker, called Jungbrunnen (=fountain of youth) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 THEN picture, most probably after the war credit to Louis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 Ex-constructors sign above the main entrance to the galleries with text when still visible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 Adjacent entrance to the platoon leader shelter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 with name plate, constructed by 13. Kompanie L.I.R. 99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 Blast reflection architecture behind main entrance. Note the original wood panels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 One of the interesting features is the connecting tunnel to the next higher located fortress Beskide which is some 40-50 meters uphill. This view uphill , also note the steep ascent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 View uphill, wood panelling with nails still visible Lost my flashlight, but there is light at the end of the tunnel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 The same connecting tunnel, but view from uphill, now looking downhill NOW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 14 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 14 September , 2014 THEN First the stairs were constructed and later the concrete roof which was made bombproof with further concrete and other rock debris material .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spconnolly007 Posted 14 September , 2014 Share Posted 14 September , 2014 More great images Egbert. It would appear that the panelling was constructed outside and then brought inside for fitting. From your photos, the nail heads seem to be top side, making it impossible for them to have been fitted in situ. Does that make sense? Almost the same process used when constructing mining tunnels but without any structural purpose. It would appear then that the panels were purely aesthetic, or possibly to keep the cold from the walls (or both)? Regards, Sean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andalucia Posted 14 September , 2014 Share Posted 14 September , 2014 Brilliant thread. I keep saying it, but it really is BRILLIANT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 15 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 15 September , 2014 Sean and Ant, thanks a lot. Sean your observation is correct, interesting detail! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 16 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 16 September , 2014 Same rock, same fortress, different level, different entrance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 16 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 16 September , 2014 Note the mesh-wire (on the right side ) the entrance was once covered Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 16 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 16 September , 2014 THEN Note the guy sitting on the "balcony" above one of the entrances' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 16 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 16 September , 2014 Another angle of view THEN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 18 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 18 September , 2014 Same rock and fortress but 3rd level entrance to underground tunnels and galleries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 18 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 18 September , 2014 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 18 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 18 September , 2014 Just around a corner another connection within the fortress. This one is called Eselsbrücke (=donkey bridge) and is a covered passage way to connecting Herbstgraben (=trench). The "bridge" only covers the downward leading tunnel into the fortress galleries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 18 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 18 September , 2014 The view through the covered bridge (with entry to galleries at the left side). On the opposite side of the bridge you see the further ascent stairs to top position of the fortress and further on to the next in line fortress Beskide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 18 September , 2014 Author Share Posted 18 September , 2014 A glimpse into the bombproof tunnel that leads to the galleries I could not resist to enter..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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