Danube drought reveals bodies and machines of two German soldiers from World War II

The receding waters of the Danube River in Budapest, a consequence of severe drought, have led to the grim discovery of the remains of two German soldiers from World War II. The find, made on August 2, offers a potential, albeit somber, resolution for families who have been missing loved ones for over 80 years.

A passerby initially spotted a portion of a motorcycle protruding from the riverbank in central Budapest. Subsequent investigations uncovered anti-tank mines, prompting a temporary closure of the area and the intervention of a bomb disposal unit. The unique conditions within the harbor mud and accumulated oil at the riverbed appear to have preserved certain items remarkably well. The motorcycle is believed to be a DKW NZ 350-1, a model commonly used by the military in 1944.

Crucially, two metal identity tags were found. According to historical records, German military identity tags during WWII were designed to be broken in half upon a soldier's death. One half remained with the remains, while the other was submitted to military authorities for casualty records and family notification. Investigators believe the families of these two soldiers may have "waited in vain" for official confirmation of their deaths.

However, definitive identification of the remains is still pending. Researchers must confirm that the recovered identity tags and a Kuban shield belonged to the deceased soldiers. Bone analysis is expected to play a significant role in this process. The service has initiated an investigation and is urging individuals searching for missing relatives from WWII to consult their online database. The two soldiers are slated for burial at a German military cemetery on the outskirts of Budapest. Budapest was the site of intense fighting between Soviet and German forces in the final months of WWII. The low water levels have also revealed other historical artifacts along the Danube, including shipwrecks in Serbia and the foundations of an ancient bridge in Bulgaria.

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The families of the two soldiers 'waited in vain' to be officially informed of their deaths.