Picture of Russian forces war grave in Harehills cemetery, Leeds
Walking around Harehills cemetery I noticed an unusual war grave, of a Russian buried here in Leeds.
The details on the headstone are brief to say the least. Roman Steklov, Soviet Forces, buried 31st March 1945. I would love to be able to find out more about Roman Steklov and how he found his way to a grave here in Leeds. Part of it I can guess at, during World War 2 Leeds was home to two major war hospitals. Perhaps Roman was hospitalised here in Leeds, but as to whether he was soldier, sailor or airman your guess is as good as mine.
One thing I can say is that the grave of Roman Steklov and a small group of similar but British Commonwealth War Graves Commission graves are well tended, with the grass neatly trimmed. I regret to say that there are many other war graves here in Harehills cemetery where the grass is unkempt and they do look rather neglected.
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it is one of the simpler veterans markers I have seen.
ReplyDeleteHow unusual. I too would love to learn more about Roman Steklov. It sounds as if his story would be a very interesting one.
ReplyDeleteBeneath Thy Feet
Great composition of a simple but very elegant headstone.
ReplyDeleteThere is a story waiting to be told, I'd love to learn more too. How heartening to know these graves are well-tended, I feel especially sad seeing war graves neglected, as if the person had to suffer two casualties of war (the war itself, then neglect).
ReplyDeleteInteresting find Paul. Paste the following into your browser to link to The War Graves Photographic Project
ReplyDeletehttp://www.twgpp.org/information.php?id=1741119
to find out a little more