First memorial of Kursk submarine

In Kazan All-Russian Research Institute of Volga Forest Transport, details of future Kursk submariners monument are being cast. The monument is being created according to the order of Russian Defence Ministry, and it should unveiled August 12, at the tragic anniversary of the Kursk wreck. The monument is planned to be established in Moscow before Armed Forces Museum.

The authors of the monument are sculptor Lev Kerbel and deputy chief-architect of Moscow, Igor Voznesensky. The monument should be 4.5 m high. The main idea of the monument is that human being is higher than elements, this is why the submarine lies by feet of a sad mariner.

It was not by chance, that Lev Kerbel became the author of the monument. It is not for the first time, that he immortalizes in bronze and stone fortitude of military and mariners.

In 1942, the sculptor went to the front as volunteer. He served as a military artist for the Northern Fleet, participated in operations at torpedo boats Razumny and Gremyaschy, he went by torpedo boats together with paratroopers who released the city of Petsamo. He was awarded with Red Star Order and the sign For Accompanying Transport with Food and Ammunition.

Kerbel lived with submariners and pilots of the Polar Region. Kerbel often created his works in a marching studio: in half-dark earth-houses near to the front line. The beloved work of the sculptor is a series of the North Sea mariners portraits, which initiated his creative life.

In 1945, Kerbel worked together with his colleague Tsigal in Berlin, creating the monument of Soviet soldiers, which was established near to Tiergarten. After the war, the sculptor created over 50 monuments and memorials in many cities of the Soviet Union and abroad.

The work at casting the Kursk submariners monument has been lasting for two months, while main fragments have been created already, now they are being polished. July 25-28, the monument will be transported to Moscow, to a commission. The work was already approved of by the Russian Navy commander, admiral Vladimir Kuroedov.

The monument could have been established earlier, though the state had no money for financing this work.

Yelena Kiseleva PRAVDA.Ru

Translated by Vera Solovieva

Read the original in Russian: https://www.pravda.ru/culture/2002/07/23/44579.html