The Danube’s current low water levels have revealed wartime relics and human remains in Budapest, offering a rare window into events of the Second World War. Among the discoveries are a motorbike from 1940s and the remains of two soldiers found on the riverbed. The unusual dry conditions have left areas of the riverbed exposed, enabling archaeologists and researchers to locate these long-buried objects.
Preserved by mud and gas oil
According to the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge, or German War Graves Commission, the soldiers’ remains and other artifacts were remarkably preserved due to the composition of the river mud. The sediment contains gas oil, which has slowed the natural decay process. This combination has kept both human remains and military equipment in excellent condition over nearly eight decades.
Recovery teams noted that the soldiers’ identity discs were in pristine condition, with both halves of the ID still together. This indicates that the Wehrmacht information office in Berlin was never formally informed of their deaths. The discs remain vital for identifying the soldiers and potentially linking them to their families or military records.
Motorbike and military gear recovered
The motorbike recovered from the Danube was identified by the Institute and Museum of Military History as a DKW NZ 350-1, a model known for durability and reliability. Along with the bike, a military decoration and a petrol can were also retrieved, providing further insight into the soldier who owned and used the vehicle during the war.
Additional wartime items were also found, including German-made Tellermine 35 anti-tank mines. These were designed to stop tanks and are among the many objects now surfacing in the exposed riverbed. If water levels remain low, more shipwrecks and artifacts could emerge, potentially including the remains of additional soldiers. In such cases, Hungarian authorities would initially handle the finds, but the Volksbund would be contacted if evidence suggests the presence of German war dead.
Burial plans and ongoing work
Following a full examination, the two soldiers will be reburied at the Budaörs war cemetery, located on the outskirts of Budapest. The exhumation process was carried out by a team of German and Hungarian specialists, with the goal of respectfully recovering and repatriating the remains of those who died in the conflict. This collaboration highlights the shared effort to honor and remember all those affected by the war.