Karl Schmidt Memorial

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

The Karl Schmidt Memorial is an architectural landmark commemorating a 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]

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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