Karl Schmidt Memorial

Karl Schmidt Memorial on Elliot's Beach in Chennai. (After restoration)

The Karl Schmidt Memorial is an architectural landmark commemorating an European sailor who drowned in 1930 trying to save the life of a girl. It is located at Elliot's Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The monument is in a derelict state.[1]

History

According to historians, Schmidt, who had gone to the beach, saw an English girl getting into the water who soon started struggling against the tide. In a successful attempt to save her life, he lost his own.[2] The English girl, who Schmidt saved from the sea, attended a party the following evening as though nothing had happened. The then governor, who was apparently angry with her, built the memorial to mark Schmidt's gallant act.[3]

The memorial

The plaque at KAJ Schmidt Memorial

According to experts, the structure, which was built using bricks, lacks a stone foundation. The uneven base and the sea water have caused damage to the memorial over the years.[3]

The memorial is the only heritage structure on Elliot's Beach. The memorial stone in the memorial reads, "To commemorate the gallantry of K A J Schmidt who was drowned near this spot on December 30, 1930 while helping to save the lives of others."[2]

In March 2013, the Corporation of Chennai announced that it would restore the memorial.[3] In connection with the planned restoration of the memorial, the Chennai Corporation announced on 4 February 2014 that it plans to utilize Fiber Wrapping Technology to reinforce the structure.[4]

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ Achuthan, Kannal (8 May 2008). "A sailor’s memorial on beach sinks into oblivion". The Hindu (Chennai: The Hindu). Retrieved 17 Mar 2013.
  2. 1 2 Hemalatha, Karthikeyan (29 December 2012). "Schmidt Memorial a tippler's haunt". The Times of India (Chennai: The Times Group). Retrieved 17 Mar 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 Hemalatha, Karthikeyan (12 March 2013). "Glory to Schmidt memorial: Civic body plans restoration". The Times of India (Chennai: The Times Group). Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  4. ↑ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/schmidt-memorial-to-be-wrapped-strengthened/article5650138.ece?homepage=true
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Coordinates: 12°59′58″N 80°16′20″E / 12.999443°N 80.272159°E / 12.999443; 80.272159

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