The German Mine Ordnance Disposal Service (KMBD) recently recovered a Soviet artillery piece from the Neisse River, located near Forst in the region of Lusatia. The discovery was made by construction crews working on a water channel situated approximately 20 kilometers from Cottbus, close to the Polish border. According to ordnance disposal expert Enrico Schnick, the recovered item is a 76 mm field gun, model M1943.
While the weapon sustained significant damage, its condition was described as remarkably well-preserved, a state attributed to prolonged submersion in the river’s mud and sand. Schnick noted that such a find was unusual for the local area. The discovery brings attention to the intense military history of the region.
The town of Forst, situated in the Spree-Neisse district, suffered near-total destruction during the severe fighting that characterized the end of the Second World War. Specifically, the area saw brutal combat between the German Wehrmacht and the Red Army in April 1945. The presence of this Soviet-era artillery piece serves as a tangible reminder of the conflict that shaped the geopolitical landscape.
The meticulous recovery effort underscores the ongoing archaeological and historical significance of these wartime relics. Today, the municipality of Forst maintains a population of around 17,000 residents, living in an area marked by the remnants of major global conflict. The find contributes valuable insight into the material culture and military actions associated with the latter stages of the war.
Topics: #world #war #weapon
