1877-1878 monuments in Galati

[Radub]

In Galati, in the schoolyard of School No. 2, there is a monument that we always referred to as "movila"/"the mound". It is still there (although in relatively poor shape) and I took some photos of it yesterday.

Here is an overall photo:


The monument is a white-painted obelisk, but the paint is cracked in places and it is evident that underneath the paint it is marble. There is evidence of repair, but it looks like it was not done too well. There is a cyrilic text carved into the obelisk - this is highlighted in black.

Here is a photo of the text:


The text, in Russian, was highlighted poorly in some places (a C was highlighted as an O) but it is still readable. The translation, is: "BROTHERLY GRAVE of the warriors of the 14th Army Corps interred here during the campaign of 1877 - 1878"

A name is carved at the bottom of the obelisk, possibly that of the stonemason who carved it.


I am not sure whether anyone is buried under the monument, but I remember that during the 80s some human remains were discovered during construction work carried out about 20 metres East of the monument, so it is possible that the monument was placed at the edge or center of a cemetery.

This is not far from the former location of the barracks of Regimentul 11 Siret.
Here is a map that explains it better:


the xplanation of the markings is:
1 - The "Obelisk"
2 - Former location of the barracks
3 - Monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers of Regimentul 11 Siret.

The barracks were quite large and I remember when some of it was demolished in the 80s. A large part of the main building, quite imposing and beautiful, was still standing in the early 90s when it was demolished as well - recently a new glass and steel building was built on the location. The only reminder of the barracks is the momument to the fallen soldiers of the Regiment.



I hope this is of some use to someone.

Radu

[GaryD]

Very interesting, Radu. Thank you.

By the way, "bratskaya mogila" is usually translated as "common grave."

[Radub]

Thanks for the clarification GaryD, my school Russian is a bit ropey these days.
Radu