WW2 Era Letter Written by German Soldier During Operation Barbarossa. He writes of the ferocity of the Russians and other combat related events. Details in comments
WW2 Era Letter Written by German Soldier During Operation Barbarossa. He writes of the ferocity of the Russians and other combat related events. Details in comments
This letter was written by an Emil Laub. He was serving with the Pioneer Battalion 45 who at the time was subordinate to Panzergruppe 2 of the Army group “Guderian”. The letter reads:
“ East 12.8.41
Dear Grete!
It is now 3:00 in the morning and if nothing comes up, I can finish writing this letter. I’ve been back for a few hours about 3 kilometers behind the front line, where I’ve been involved in heavy fighting with my comrades for the last few days.
Here it goes partly back and forth every hour. My biggest fear is always that my concentration will drop for a moment, because a second of carelessness can mean death.
The Russian fights like a tiger, and it must be honestly said that he is superior with his artillery and infantry. He has already managed to break into our main battle line on the wings several times. So far, however, we have always been able to fend off the attacks well, because we have our Stukas behind us.
Except for a deep tiredness, I’m fine and that’s the main thing. How you are doing, dear Grete, I will find out in the next letter. I’m really looking forward to it. Now I have to close unfortunately, because I have to use every second to sleep. Many greetings and hugs. Victory and Hail.
Your Emil “
Emil and his unit would continue the fighting and would push deeper into Russian territory. They would eventually be subordinated to the 6th Army and would find themselves encircled during the Battle of Stalingrad. I have another letter written by Emil during this time, likely one of his last. I will post it at a later time.
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This letter was written by an Emil Laub. He was serving with the Pioneer Battalion 45 who at the time was subordinate to Panzergruppe 2 of the Army group “Guderian”. The letter reads:
“ East 12.8.41
Dear Grete!
It is now 3:00 in the morning and if nothing comes up, I can finish writing this letter. I’ve been back for a few hours about 3 kilometers behind the front line, where I’ve been involved in heavy fighting with my comrades for the last few days.
Here it goes partly back and forth every hour. My biggest fear is always that my concentration will drop for a moment, because a second of carelessness can mean death.
The Russian fights like a tiger, and it must be honestly said that he is superior with his artillery and infantry. He has already managed to break into our main battle line on the wings several times. So far, however, we have always been able to fend off the attacks well, because we have our Stukas behind us.
Except for a deep tiredness, I’m fine and that’s the main thing. How you are doing, dear Grete, I will find out in the next letter. I’m really looking forward to it. Now I have to close unfortunately, because I have to use every second to sleep. Many greetings and hugs. Victory and Hail.
Your Emil “
Emil and his unit would continue the fighting and would push deeper into Russian territory. They would eventually be subordinated to the 6th Army and would find themselves encircled during the Battle of Stalingrad. I have another letter written by Emil during this time, likely one of his last. I will post it at a later time.