The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Adam Brown

Valour of German Culture 1914
Location: Pitt Street, Leith
OS Ref: NT 262 762

Pitt Street in Leith is a bit off the beaten track but it has this unusual monument to events of August 1914.

I don't know anything about this bas-relief. You can see it's been damaged on the right hand side and the paint is flaking off. It's in need of TLC but because of its subject matter I don't know if that will happen.

You can make out three Huns (look like cavalrymen to me) being brutes to assorted Belgian innocents.

The words at the top say 'The Valour of German Culture 1914'

As you can see from the surroundings there is no obvious reason for this being here.

I'd be delighted to know more about this.

Adam

DerekR · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 11:51 am Post subject:

Is that another relief between the back of the van and car in the last photo?
_________________

Time but th' impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.

Adam Brown · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 11:54 am Post subject:

Derek

No, I'm pretty sure it's just a sign on the wall and the angle of the photo makes it look like something else. A Baltic wind was whistling straight down Pitt street when I was there so I didn't hang about but I didn't see anything else there at the time.

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 3:17 pm Post subject:

From Jamie on the Leith History Forum

"This is known as the Kultur Panel and bears the inscription "The Valour of German Culture". The building was erected in 1915 and the sculpture was the work of William Baxter who produced copies of the sculpture in England and Wales around the same time. It contains 18 figures, formed in terra cotta from a clay model and is meant to portray the cruelty of the German soldiers towards the Belgian people during WWI. The plight of the helpless mothers and their children can be clearly seem as can the German soldier bearing his Iron Cross.

The panel was intended to raise antagonism against the Germans during the war and assist in the recruitment of men into the forces."

Regards

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 12:34 am Post subject:

And Andrew Grant has very kindly sent me a clipping from the Leith Observer of 3rd July 1915

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 12:38 am Post subject:

While we're at it I have to share this illustration from the Greatwardifferent website. The war was just not only because the Huns attacked women and children, they also kicked dogs!

I believe dog carts were common in Belgium at this time.

The illustrator was Fortunina Matania‏ and you can see more here:

http://www.greatwardifferent.com/Great_War/Matania_3/Matania_28.htm

Adam