What is this monument?

[Larrister]

Hello all,

I found this photo in an album I have just bought. It was on a page amongst pics of the Rila Monastery in Bulgaria. Can someone please tell me something about it. There seems to be a German helmet with scull and crossbones pierced by three swords on the iron fence. Also what looks like large artillery shells either side of the stone with writing on it and an emblem above it that looks like a War Merit Cross with swords. Is this monument German in origin?

BR
Larrister

[Tim DC]

Hi Larrister, just a thought: Bulgarian helmets look very much like German helmets, so I guess that would be a Bulgarian monument with Bulgarian helmet.

But the medal looks like a German one indeed.

[M.G. Novello]

The Maltese Cross with swords is probably (IMHO) a Royal Bulgarian Soldier Cross of the Order of Bravery. Take a look here

http://www.panzerace.net/main/career.asp

Scroll down. It is the last medal with a light blue ribbon.

All the best, Gentlemen!

[Larrister]

Thankyou both for your replies. Larrister