War Memorial Kleve

The monument in the inner courtyard of the Schwanenburg in Kleve (Kleve), Germany, is a memorial to the soldiers who died during the First World War (1914–1918). The Schwanenburg, a medieval castle towering high above the city of Kleve, has a long and rich history, and the inner courtyard is a symbolically fitting location for a memorial.

Description of the monument
The monument was erected to honor the men from the region who lost their lives during the First World War. Such monuments were erected in many German cities and towns after the war as a tribute to the victims and as a warning of the horrors of war.

Although there is limited detailed information publicly available about this particular monument in the inner courtyard of the Schwanenburg, similar monuments often feature:

Names of the fallen soldiers

A symbolic sculpture, such as an eagle, soldier or cross

Inscriptions with dates (1914–1918) and texts such as "Den Gefallenen" (To the Fallen)

Sometimes religious or patriotic symbolism

Meaning
The monument is a place of reflection and remembrance. It not only recalls the local history of Kleve and its people in times of war, but also emphasises the wider German and European past. In many cases, these monuments are still used during commemorations such as Volkstrauertag (German Day of National Mourning), when all war victims are remembered.

Context of the Schwanenburg
The Schwanenburg itself is an important historical building that has existed since the Middle Ages. The castle is closely associated with the Dukes of Kleve and is a symbol of the rich history of the region. Placing a memorial within the walls of this castle underlines the local community's connection with its past.

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Source

• Text: Lennard Bolijn + RJArmy.nl
• Photos: Henny van Loenen (1, 3), Willem Visser (2, 4, 5), RJArmy.nl (6, 7)