Olaf Rye's Monument
Place
Rye's Square (Ryes Plads)
Date of placement
20th of August 1876
Artist
Andreas Paulsen – a student of H. W. Bissen
Description and Background
The memorial consists of a bronze bust placed on a granite base. It was erected in memory of general Olaf Rye who was killed during the battle at Fredericia on the 6th of July 1849. The front is ornamented by a sword and laurels in bronze. Olaf Rye is dressed in a loose drapery and a sword belt across from his right shoulder.
Olaf Rye was very popular among his soldiers and after his death a saying (euphemism) was made about killed soldiers that they had gone to Rye's brigade.
Inscription
Olaf Rye
By Genral Rye's dead body
Captain C. A. Fjelstrup in his memories writes about the discovery of Olaf Rye's body.
”(..) suddenly I walk into a rye field and discovers a General's body. Right away I run to Colonel Arenfeldt and reports the finding. He didn't recognize him at once but unbottened the coat and saw his golden watch with his name and exclaimed,” Oh my God. It is General Rye. He must not lie unguarded – be quiet Fjelstrup but stay until I send reinforcement.” I´m not ashamed to say that the tears ran from both of us!
When I stood guard I said to myself, “Now he doesn't become Commander of the Danish flag this time, this old man of honour – what a pity!”