Soviet Liberation Monument, Kirknes, Finnmark, Norway
Erected in honour of the Red army which liberated Kirkenes in 1944.
During the occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany, Kirkenes became a base of the German Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe’s Jagdgeschwader 5. Kirkenes was one of the most bombed areas during the war (reportedly, second after Malta), with 320 air attacks and more than one thousand alarms. Only 13 houses were left in October 1944. The town was liberated by the Red Army on October 25, 1944.
Memorial is in high ground. Just street side. Soldier is facing to the north to Arctic Ocean.
Text in memorial (norwegian)”Til sovjetsamveldets tapre soldater til minne om frigjoringen av Kirkenes 1944″
English translation [ In memory of the brave Soviet soldiers that liberated Kirkenes in 1944]
Epic Norway Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
Own or work here?