KOŠICE-ŤAHANOVCE, SLOVAKIA—The remains of six Polish soldiers killed in eastern Slovakia during the Battle of Budimír on December 11, 1848, have been unearthed by researchers from the East Slovak Museum, according to a report in The Slovak Spectator. The battle was fought between trained Austrian soldiers and inexperienced revolutionary forces. “Military practice dictated that soldiers were buried where they fell to prevent epidemics,” said team member Uršula Ambrušová. Historic records stated that 20 fallen Polish soldiers were buried next to a stone pillar after the two-hour battle, leading Ambrušová and her colleagues to the site. She explained that the condition of the bones indicates that the men were about 19 or 20 years old at the time of death. Museum director Dominik Béreš added that the bodies had been carefully interred, likely by their comrades. “Even though they themselves faced death, challenging conditions, and freezing cold, they treated the fallen with the utmost respect,” he said. Brass buttons, one iron button, and coins that had been sewn into a coat were also found in the grave. Ján Hudacký, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland, said that the Polish embassy is interested in supporting the continued investigation of the site. To read about a mass burial at Slovakia’s site of Vráble, go to “Neolithic Mass Grave Mystery.”
