1940

January 24: We are changing position. We are being replaced and move back to a resting position. The previous night I have an accident: my knee is damaged. In Wettlingen we stay until February 2nd, I am in the military hospital.

February 2: We start to change position to Mittelhattert (Westerwald). On the 3rd we arrive. Private billet near Lichtenthäler. On the 6th I am being released as recovered. It was nice but also hard days for us in Hattert. Day by day difficult education, in the evenings we have a nice time in the billet.

March 12: We leave Hattert; we had a good time there. We go back across the Rhine and on the 13th we are arriving in Mettendorf near the border to Luxembourg. First we get placed in a barrack, then the battery is being put into a mission. I am lying back in the billet after a few days, my knee is damaged again. Hardly recovered I get the message, that I am being send to Baolen near Vienna for a training. I look forward to that.

April 9: troops had occupied Denmark and Norway. Now we will have to start soon.

April 20: On  the Führer’s birthday, departure to Vienna. With the comrades Zickenrott and Mai I start my journey. On the 21st we are in Baden. The training starts, we have lots of spare time and have a good time. I get to know Hilde, a nice person. I could get engaged to her straight away! The training comes to an end.

May 10:   We are leaving Baden and just this very day the advance westwards starts. I wonder if our battery will still be there when we arrive?

After an adventurous trip through Germany we arrive on May 13th in Trier. Our first point is the front soldier meeting point and they keep us there. Our battery is advancing through Belgium and because all train tracks are destroyed we cannot follow them. But we want to anyway. After they kept us there 2 days we are leaving – we are optimistic that we will find our battery. At the station we seize a truck which goes through Luxembourg. Luxembourg is still entirely undamaged and we are happy to see this beautiful small country. 10 km from Arlon (town in Belgium), which is our first destination, our truck stops. So we foot it now. Not a small task considering the impedimenta of 70-80 pounds. At the local command post in Arlon we find out that the battery was there but soon continued towards Neuf-Chatau. When leaving the village I collapse and we stay with nice Belgians.

 May 16:  In the morning we continue towards Neuf-Chatau. First we foot it again, then a lumber truck gives us a ride and then we continue again on the foot. We have lunch with a company from the Ostmark and they are enjoying it talking to us about Vienna. Then we keep on going. First a messenger car, then a catering van, and then we are walking again. Then we are very lucky, a first lieutenant gives us a ride with the transport convoy to Neuf-Chatau. But before that we have to drink a coffee with him, a very nice person. In Neuf-Chatau we cannot find anybody of the 12th Regiment General Göring (RGG), they probably already moved on, but where? We don’t put much thought into it, take a tank and drive towards Bertrix. We feel like home in the tank and are showing off quite a bit. We get through everywhere, even were the streets are blocked by the endless convoys; our tank has the priority flag. Just before Bertrix and also in the town we meet parts of the 11th RGG, which are in the middle of changing their position. They are looking very surprised as they are seeing us with our white emblems on the tank. Behind Bertrix we finally meet a messenger car from our regiment and quickly change vehicles. At 2 am in the night we finally reached our battery and reported to Obtl. Lüdke. He was positively surprised to see us again.

May 17: In the morning we start again, the battery is advancing further. At 6:15 pm we cross the border into France near Charleville. Now we can see that combat has taken over everywhere. Shot up houses, dead horses and war material is lying around everywhere. Near Monterme we cross the Mass on a pontoon bridge. The town is just starting to burn, the battle must have happened not too long ago. In the evening we get into position. We set-up the tents, dig out trenches and get our weapons ready. We are positioned near the village Fontaine.

May 18: After an uncomfortable night – air raid alarm and lots of standing guard – we decide to send a patrol into the village to find out whether it is cleared from enemy troops. Officer Hampel, Scheufele and me are leaving heavily armed. Without any danger we reach the village and make some amazing discoveries. An entire regiment must have been here and has left in a hurry. Everywhere are automobiles and hundreds of horses are either tied or run freely. Some have collapsed due to starvation already and we shot them immediately; the others we untie. Then we search every house and confirm that the village is cleared from the enemy. Now it is about looking for what we can still use and we find as many things as never before: 2 big machine guns, 1 small machine gun, pistols and rifles; chocolate, cigarettes, alcohol, food in tins, sausage and many other great things fall in our hands. A car with a trailer is being prepared, loaded up and then we return to our camp. We are being welcomed with much appreciation and the machine guns are being set-up and then we continue. Every man is looking for stuff now and everybody is very satisfied.

May 19: Also this day we remain in our position Fontaine. Soon everyone of us has an automobile and a horse, food and drinks more than enough, in short: we are living like kings. Combat action is low, except hour to hour the smell of the dead horses gets stronger.

May 20: New position! It only takes us 20 minutes to get ready. Our ride is via La-Kapelle, Guyse – all through the night. Where the streets so far only filled with German convoys, the picture has changed now. Endless convoys of French POW, on their way into their captivity camps are passing by us, also people of color are in the French POW convoy. And then images of the worst misery: refugees which now – after our soldiers had advanced much faster than they were able to flee – are returning. Old and young, poor and rich move down the endless street broken and beaten by the turn of events with their small belongings on the back. Shy are their looks and fearful. They are begging for bread; there even the hardest soldier cannot resist.

May 21: New position near Hauteville. Together with a canon battery our mission here is to protect an airfield. Straight off in the first night severe combat action. The French are completely surprised to meet us here. After low flying air raids are unsuccessful they have bloody heads. Several airplanes are being shot down. We stay here until May 27 and have successful battles and in the last night protect the StuKa airfield even without the canon battery, and with success.

May 27: Around 5 pm we change position. Via Cambrai, Arras and Boulogne we are driving towards Calais. We are driving the entire night and also the entire following day with quite some speed and pass one advancing convoy after the other. Again endless streams of refugees and POW and the images of misery have gotten worse. In addition it is unimaginably hot in northern France. We are not thirsty; there is plenty wine and champagne on the trucks. But instead our skin is shredded, since days unshaved and unwashed, with our clothing dirty and torn we are sitting hour by hour in the back of the truck in an eternal dust cloud. We look like anything but soldiers, but that does not matter because everybody is in an “advancement mood”. May 28: We are reaching Calais and the English channel. Calais still needs to be taken, we are going in position south of the city, which is now burning on all corners. Our mission: protect the coast from potential English attacks. Only few infantry und us keep the coast occupied in the first days; but the Tommy did not make use of his opportunity. He supposedly captured one position once and attacked several times with airplanes, but that was everything. During the day und when the view is clear we can see Dover and with the field glasses we can see busy activity in the port.

June 1: At 6 am start to change position. We are just packing up when two Spitfires attack us. A few shots with our machine guns and they are turning away. This time we are going to Gent in Belgium, via Arras, Cambrai, Valentiens Mons; again also during the night. Then we get lost in the dark and stay in our position. In the morning we continue and on June 2nd we reach Gent via Brussels. Here we have a rare experience. The Belgian solders are being released and by foot they are marching home. At the front their commander is on a horse. Everybody, also the commander, sings the song Violetta from La Traviata as they are marching by us. It is a strange image in the beautiful red sky of the sunset, cheery and atmospheric. The war is over for them. Around midnight we are going into position on the outskirts of the city. The position is very bad; we will have to change position on the next day.

June 16: We are positioned in Gent for a good two weeks now and we had great days here. During the day we went in the city – the population is very nice – and in the evening a lot of fighting with the Tommy. We are quite successful and get some recognition for that.

June 17: Changing position to Boulogne. We are reaching our new position on the 18th after driving several hundreds of kilometers. In the city are just a few navy units. They are highly appreciative that we arrived. The Tommy attacks the port and the city night by night and often also during the day. We are about to change this. We take a great position at the outskirts of the city in a way that we have an excellence overview of the entire port, the city and also the area outside of the city. Straight from the first day we have intense enemy contact with the Tommy. We never thought we would be able to keep this position that long – but we did it. Surely – it was a tough time for us and demanded a lot of nerves; but it was also a good time. At dusk our work started. It was impossible to sleep during the night and so we all gathered in our community tent. Only the air-raid look-out was outside and he had to perform exceptionally. He was the first to hear the Tommy approaching and per his notification the entire coast started to be alarmed. Then we ran outside to our machinery and machine guns and it was only a few nights that we were not successful. Often we were alarmed up to 20 times per night but we never got tired. Then we were standing outside in the rain of the anti-aircraft gun bullet shells, the bombs were howling and exploded in and around our position, yes – and often the Tommy attacked our position flying low with bombs and board guns. Then we returned fire as much as we could. It was best when one came down; and that was often the case in Boulogne. Surely, sometimes the Tommy was predominant, but that was not the case very often. Then he threw rows of bombs into the city and the port and often it was burning on every corner. At dawn it got quiet and we got finally sleep. But often even then it was not possible to sleep; either it was the Tommy or the German squadrons going to England that did not let us rest. Then we were lying outside in front of our tents and gazed at our birds flying over and saw how the bombs over there were detonating. Another time it was a convoy of ships that was sunk and often we looked at the air fights that happened over the channel. After lunch we walked into town, unless we had to stand guard. There we went to the front theatre or the movie theatre or hang out in the bars. During nice weather we were swimming in the sea or were sunbathing. In the evenings the previous day started repeating. Night by night, week by week and month by month; an entire ¾ year. But if there was one night that the Tommy did not come, we were also not happy. We saw and experienced a lot in this time and it will remain unforgotten forever. We saw German submarines in operation (on June 27 one hit a sea mine), we saw squadrons flying over, we saw the squadron planes coming back all shot up or crashing into the channel.

Fall 1940: In autumn we saw the preparations to attack the island and the Tommy then attacked like never before. Often we were shot at by British naval ships and often we watched our long distance artillery.

Winter 1940: We experienced the strong channel storms and had to endure the winter here. Christmas we spend at the channel as well and for New Year’s Eve I am on vacation in Berlin and get to know Erika. After 14 days I am returning to the channel and the old life continues.

April - June 1942

.April 5 and 6: I was at home and celebrated Easter. But it was not so nice being there alone. I miss M. a lot. On the 6th at least I was able to see her again. It was really nice, even if it was only for a few minutes. Health wise she is still not back to normal; but I believe a strong-minded person like her will eventually overcome the disease. How different I had imagined her birthday to be. At home everything is unchanged. Mother is always so happy to see me and she tries to spoil me with anything she can get her hands on. Marli is right when she says that such a mother is rare to find. I also had a good time with Gerhard; he has not even changed in Africa and is still the same as before.

April 8: Now we are still here and I can only say that this waiting is no fun. If we could only start soon. Surely the coming weeks on the military training ground are not what a soldier is looking for; at least day by day they will bring us closer to our mission.

April 10: Now it eventually happened very fast; since 2 hours we are rolling westwards. In the morning we loaded our stuff in the barracks, at 2 pm was discharge by the commander, then we loaded the vehicles onto the train and at 5:30 pm we departed. Even the sky was crying when we left Berlin. Marli and mother will be waiting for me; it was very nice that I was able to see and talk to her. Who knows for how long I will have to wait until I can see her again; most likely not this year. April 11: After a night, in which Knabe and I rested on the lavatories door, we arrived now around 11 am in Hamm Westpfahlen. We even went through Brake. The weather is reasonable. Around 1 pm we crossed the Rhine near Duisburg, then we had our lunch break. Down here spring is already progressed further than in Berlin. Around 6 pm we cross the border into Holland. At the first stop the Dutch welcome us in the usual way. Chocolate and wine is being offered. A bar of chocolate is 2 Reichsmark und a bottle is 4 Reichsmark. Everybody buys. Only later we find out that the chocolate is not chocolate and the wine is not wine. We were well tricked. Currently we are near the Belgian border and we drink sparkling wine. This time really good stuff; the bottle was 3 Reichsmark. It is around 8 pm and we are about to take down the lavatory doors again. April 12: It is around lunchtime and we are still travelling through Belgium. We are already 43 hours on the move and I think tonight we still will not be at our destination. We were still not told where we are going. Last night we slept fairly well; only my back starts hurting on this door. I wonder what they are doing back home now and how Marli is doing? If they already realized that I am not there any longer? I will write them as soon as possible. Since the afternoon we are in France. Coming via Maubeuge, Le Chateau and St. Quentin, we are now ca. 100 km from Paris and we still keep going. The weather is great, just like in summer. Still some distance from Paris, we start seeing the first trees in bloom. Everything seems much further in nature than back home.

April 13: This morning we arrived around 2:30 am in Vernon. At 5 am we unloaded and then another 30 km with our vehicles and now we are in “Les Andiles”. Our accommodation is the local “Military school”, a shabby barrack. Reason for our stay is to keep the Tommy from landing here and completing our training. We would not mind if the Tommy would try to land, we would have our fun. The area here is wonderful, one could think to be in Thuringia. Everything is already in full bloom and the weather is great every single day. We did not meet with the local population because we are not allowed to leave the barracks. I am not really interested anyway; I already know these people well enough and I rather use my evenings to write to Marli and mother. That is more important.

Les Andiles, April 17: Everything is as planned, day by day we have training, so that we are busy and are not interested in anything else. The only thing I deal with in my spare time is Marli and mother; every other thought is for the service. We are in constant state of alarm; everything is ready packed and we just waiting for the Tommy. Hopefully he will show up eventually. Today we had a test alarm; in 35 min. the company was ready to march out. That was pretty good because we need to be fast as we are the first ones to move out. I also have to fight to maintain my position here but I think I will keep it. Besides that everything is as always.

Les Andiles, April 21: Yesterday we went into the town for the first time; nothing seems to be happening there. Not even shoes I was able to get for Marli. Today I finally got a letter from Marli and I am really happy about it. My boss is being promoted to a captain.

Les Andelys, April 26: Here one day is like to other but always long service hours. But it must be because for a mission we still need a lot. Actually, these new recruits that we got this week, are really bad material. I am very pessimistic about taking them into a mission. For the first time in my life I am not feeling full day by day. I am always hungry, even during the night when I sleep. Is it because of the service, the air or really because of the nutrition? But one has to get used to this condition. Most notably one sees now how spoiled one is at home. Mother and Marli really had spoiled me; one should not think about it. I constantly get letters from Marli. It is so great to have this person in my life; may God make everything turn out well. I would not know what I should do without her. Tonight I was on patrol with Lt. v. Knobloch. It is really interesting what one can see. I hate these people here; and any German soldier, who messes around with these people should be stricken dead. Unfortunately there are still many. Don’t they have anybody back home who they love? And can they not be faithful to themselves? I don’t understand that. – Tomorrow we are here already 14 days; hopefully our mission will start soon.

Les Andelys, April 28: Now in the evening the company is in the cinema. I stayed here because I did not feel like watching a film and rather wanted to wait for mail from Marli. But nothing came; of course she cannot write to me all the time. At lunchtime today was inspection by general field marshal Sperrle. First as always a lot of excitement and then it was half as what was expected. Captain Lübke left us today; he changes to the tank company. Lieutenant Gerhard is now leading the motorcycle marksmen “shop”; he is a very likable person. The topkick told me that the evaluations from our post in Döberitz are now here. I supposedly obtained the best in the regiment. At least something. The newest rumor is that we will be getting moved from here. That is fine with me, just the open question where to? Les Andelys,

May 6: We are here the last day today. Tomorrow morning we will move a few hundred km further near Brest. It really was time that get away from here. After the regiment’s commander enforced an alcohol ban for the 2nd battalion, lieutenant Gerhard enforced for us sergeants a curfew. And that is fully justified if you see how some comrades are behaving, you can only feel ashamed for them.

Pontivy, May 10: After 27 hours driving we arrived here in the evening of May 8th. Have not seen much of the town, accommodation is in a barrack, not so nice. The entire battalion is now here. The scenery around Pontivy is not bad; the climatic conditions are favorable. Even palm trees are growing here. I am curious now what they have planned with us here.

Pontivy, May 13: I was today in Vannes in the military hospital and had the opportunity to get an impression of the people and the area. Pontivy and Vannes are both nice town in Brittany. The people are relatively clean and polite. But there is nothing to buy; had tried to get something for Marli and mother but it is unpromising. I just want to know what we are supposed to do with our points? Service-wise it is the same here as in Andelys; maybe even a bit more crazy. We are not allowed to leave the barrack, also lieutenant von Knoblauch had his share. And the mood? The food is good; but I now have a personal resource but that costs quite some money. One starts to wish for a mission. Corporal Börner is now the platoon leader. Today I finally had a letter again from Marli; after 13 long days, - I don’t understand her. Doesn’t she know that all this waiting and not knowing makes me totally sick? But her letter fixed everything again.

Pontivy, May 17: Last night we had an alarm and a drill straight after. Finally I had some fun again. We should be practicing much more with the motorcycles; I am pessimistic about our mission. Also the last replaced recruits are not suitable for us. Yesterday I received the most beautiful letter from Marli and I am so happy again. She and mother are the best people to me. Thank god she is home again. One also talks again about the mission in the East; it really needs to start for us, hopefully. Besides that everything is normal. Lieutenant von Knobloch was transferred to the 5. Marksmen company. From tomorrow I command the 6th section.

Pontivy, May 18: This morning was a battalion alarm with a march straight after. Everything worked well. In the afternoon we had target practice, also with good results. In the evening we went to the front vaudeville show in the town. It was wonderful, immaculate performance of a German theatre with 7 persons. I was missing something like this for a long time. Georg Popp is also back again.

Pontivy, May 25: Pentecost! – One does not really know because today on the 2nd holiday we also had alarm during the night with an exercise straight after. It just cannot be any different and we have gotten used to it. The weather is also pretty bad; since one week we have rain non-stop. One does not think that it is Pentecost. Marli has her vacation now; I think even 6 weeks. Too bad I cannot be with her now; it would be so nice. Yesterday I even lost 30 Reichsmark; that has never happened to me before. If that is not a sign for something? We are hoping for the best.

Pontivy, May 28: Just now, and it is 8:30 pm, we get informed that we go to shooting practice for a week and now we are packing our stuff. I am curious where we are going and most likely we will also bivouac. If only the weather would improve, as it is now we will drown in our tents. Last night I was on patrol with lieutenant Madera and sergeant Meyer. It was probably the best patrol that has ever been made in Pontivy. Madera is by the way a great sport. Hopefully we keep him as platoon leader.

Pontivy, June 5: Now we are finally back; I did not believe that I would be looking forward that much to come back here. We departed on May 29th to the training area Vannes. The accommodations there were miserable, the weather to fall over dead for and service all the time; day by day exercises in the worst terrain. Nearly no free time at all and air raid warning in the nights. The food was okay. Today was the big closing exercise. Colonel Conrad and field marshal Sperrle were also present. First attack by the 5th and 6th marksman company, tanks and Ju88 airplanes. Then breakthrough and at the end we alone with tanks and cannons attacking and chasing. Everything works smooth; we got off the motorcycles very well, the attack and the shooting went well and the chasing as well. The field marshal was satisfied with our performance and said that he had never seen such a good performance. Colonel Conrad’s verdict was as always. Afterwards we departed for Pontivy and want to have a few good days here.

Pontivy, June 7: With the good days it is already over. Tomorrow Colonel Conrad will come for an inspection and will probably push us really hard. But that will not shock us. I can only get shocked by the circumstance that I have not received any letter from Marli since 12 days. Something must have happened there; if I could only see clearer, it makes me sick.

Pontivy, June 12: Now I finally have mail from Marli and I'm very glad and happy. Everything will be fine; the beginning of our lives together is underway and I can be proud of her. The practice on the eighth was a disaster and I will not be able to forget Colonel Conrath this day. Lt. Stocker was the victim. Tomorrow is a regimental officer exercise; also, for that event I am curious how it goes. Sunday we probably change position again - to Locmine. Otherwise everything is the same.

Locmine, June 21: Now we have been in this small town for a whole week and have settled in nicely. The neighborhood is not great, but there is still a lot to eat in the city. Above all, cutlet; I often eat 2-3 servings. Whatever goes in, a lot; my body surely will appreciate rich nutrition later on. There is also something to buy here and I have already been able to send Marli something. I hope I can get something for mother too. The service is as always - exercises and exercises again. Even together with our pioneers. Stupid are only the long marches. For some days, the armored reconnaissance platoon belongs to us; hopefully they will stay with us. Lt. Madera has now been transferred to the Watch Company; too bad, he was a great guy. I only want to know, when the mission is coming. The uncertain wait is difficult to endure and the mood suffers much.

Locmine, June 21: This week is looking good. On Monday morning alarm. With my group on reconnaissance mission together with an armored car. On the way, Schindel flies off the bend with his motorcycle and down a slope. Simons is totally broken, the motorcycle reasonably. The case will probably come before the military court. On Tuesday exercise with the armored reconnaissance platoon in front of the Colonel. Everything is fine this time; and we can be reasonably satisfied.

Locmine, June 26: If you go out here in the evening for half an hour - to eat - then you can also experience mad things; so mad that you sometimes have to be ashamed even as a bystander. Certainly, there are damn beautiful girls here, but nevertheless one must not forget oneself. Above all, do not forget that you are German. It is sad to see the comrades running after the women here; do they not think about their girl at home?

Or if you do not have a girl at home - do they not think that they insult every German girl, every German woman, if they get involved with Locmine, these people here? I do not know - is that being so hard to be faithful? And can you not at least stay faithful to yourself? Or does it also depend on the person to whom one should be faithful? It is a mystery to me how German people can forget that and I am glad that I have Marli. Thank God, they are not all that way; Heinz Dietrich, with whom I serve again after many years, thinks exactly the same way.

November 1942

Locmine, November 1: Now I'm sitting here alone in the room. Mecki was transferred to the 2nd Company and Popp is on vacation. The lucky guy; what would I give to be back with Marli now; I have to think about her all the time. Here we are working eagerly on the formation of the Tank Division. We have very intensive training; have to be ready by Christmas - it seems to be true about going to the South; I think it's right. Yesterday farewell party of the old now divided motorcycle marksmen, Major Preuss said goodbye.

Locmine, November 5: At last I have received mail from Marli; the first letter after my vacation and I had been waiting for it. But now everything is fine; my worries (I had some in this regard) were completely superfluous and I am now the happiest person. Certainly, it will be some time before everything will come true; but I can and will wait too Marli - you know that. And if I can understand you too, you ask? I can; otherwise you would not be my little one, and yet so big Marli. God grant that everything goes well.

Locmine, November 6: Today, Mother's first mail, too, and I have to say I'm overwhelmed. I did not expect so much approval and love and I can only see again how unspeakably good mother is. Also, in this regard, I can now look happier into the future. Can anything get in the way? As Mother writes to me, she too loves Marli very much and hopes that she becomes my wife; and Marli was always so scared.

Locmine, November 7: We have just been "examined" for tropical fitness. Everybody from us is suitable, and now it could start soon.

Mirambeau, November 11: Now we have been sitting here for over 24 hours and are waiting for the marching order for the onward journey. We have already covered about 500 km and it would be a shame if we did not go any further. Everything happened very fast. Sunday the 8th of November, we had an alarm at noon. At 6 pm departure from our old Locmine to the south. At 1 at night in Sautorn. On the 9th of November we continued around 6 pm, again throughout the night and we were freezing miserably. On the 10th of November at 9 am in Mirambeau, and here we are waiting for the onward journey. Either we go back now or into the unoccupied area. Hopefully we will not get disappointed again, as at Dieppe. I also wrote a few lines to Marli and Mother. Maybe they'll get it and then they will not be so worried if I cannot send them any further messages.

Mirambeau, November 15: We are still here; we just did not go any further, and as we now see, that has its reason. Judging by the preparations and rumors, we are facing a great change of position in the next few days; probably already tomorrow or the day after tomorrow and again it means southwards. Otherwise everything is fine; just no mail yet - and Marli has certainly written me again.

Mirambeau, November 17: The deployment of the armored division continues at high priority; it should be ready for mission by the end of December. Half of us came to Berlin today and set up the second company there. If Napoli was not in sight you could go crazy about so much bad luck. I would have liked to return home once before going to Africa, to see Marli and my mother; but I will probably have to do without it for a long time now. In the next few days it should finally start. The training of the new arrivals can now only be very short; the main thing is they get the bare essentials for the mission.

Mirambeau, November 20: Today we received mail for the first time since we are travelling. It was about time; we have been waiting desperately for it. Now that I have the letter from Marli and mother in my hands everything is in order. Popp has also arrived again and has brought me two large packages from Marli and mother. Even Marli’s mother has sent me something, they spoil me all. Georg is very enthusiastic about Marli; of course, it could not be any different. I had to tell him everything now and he also says that I would be very happy with Marli.

Mirambeau, November 22: Now we got newbies and the company is now filled up. It's consistently good human material and it's fun to work with these boys. Only they are all very young; 17 years in part, very small and delicate, some still half children. But it will be okay for the mission, I think; after all, the mind is the deciding factor. I have been appointed Deputy Group Leader by Lieutenant Stocker. That means of course platoon leader, not group leader. Never thought that I would become his right hand; where we have always been so bitter opponents. Who knows, maybe we will become friends one day; that is, if he continues to change to his advantage. The rumors about our departure are now very different; I believe it to be for the time being to the 26th of November and hope for this date. If it starts, then as soon as possible.

Mirambeau, November 25: Yesterday subdivision evening with baptism of all new NCOs (Kreuzfeld); but also, with all new officers who had joined the company, etc. It was very nice, except for a few gentlemen and the borrowed cavalry spirit.

Mirambeau, November 26: Tonight, Captain Kiefer has finally addressed sharply this clique behavior within the Corporal Corps as misunderstood "cavalry spirit." He was 100% right and spoke out of my whole heart. I myself have struggled enough against it.

Mirambeau, November 29: It must start soon and we expect the coming week. We should have been loaded three times already; but always it was postponed again. It is already very cold here; the South lures twice as much. Otherwise everything as always; only missing new mail very much. Five weeks ago, I was still with Marli; who knows when again?

Mirambeau, December 3: Today, a stunning thing happened to me; it seems like a miracle to me that I am still alive and well that I was able to jump off friend Hein’s shovel [to cheat death]. During the off-road service, an airplane got stuck in the wires of the pylons, tore them off and pulled them behind. The wire came rushing towards me, I wanted to take cover and it had already happened. A giant fist hit my chest and I flew around at a hundred miles. I was hanging in the wire and was dragged behind. First, I was flung through the air, then swirled around on the floor - and then thank goodness broke the damn wire. Miraculously, I just had a few bruises and a small gash. The moment that I flew away and the thoughts of it I will not forget so quickly. The airplane crashed during takeoff. Now I have received the first mail since days; a big Christmas package from Marli. Almost the others would have gotten it. But I will open it only on Christmas Eve.

Mirambeau, December 5: And now we start, finally. Tonight before 3 am came the order to leave and at 2:30 pm we started to load. I hope we are going via Munich and hopefully I can meet there with Marli; then Africa can come as it pleases. 5 pm we are at full steam loading up; Railway station is Jonzac. Although the ramps are bad, we load quite well (with a lot of humor and roar). At 10:30 pm we steam off; thank God!

Mirambeau, December 6: One should hardly believe it and one has already experienced all sorts of things in the army; but this time it's the top. When we had just finished loading last night, around 7 pm, the order came from the top - unload again. We were quite struck morally; and at midnight again in Mirambeau. It would have been too nice. The train that was traveling with the convoy also had to go back. Now it is said in 14 days.

Mirambeau, December 10: It is no longer nice here and soon impossible to endure. Service and training to a greater extent; it's up to your neck. Mail is also coming again, only I have not received any.

Mirambeau, December 15: Well, I finally got mail from Marli and just so much - 3 letters and three huge packages. It is touching how she cares for me and surrounds me with all her love; you become a completely different person - a cheery and happy person. It just hurts that I cannot give her such a pleasure; but it's too bad here, you just can’t get anything. And she always sends me so much, really financially stretches herself for me; you can become completely helpless. I'm so curious to see what she sent; but the packages are opened only on Christmas Eve because of the Christmas joy. Also, from mother I received a big package and from Gerda also one; it's so nice how everyone thinks of me. Otherwise everything is still as before; unfortunately. If we had left back then, I would probably already be together with Marli. One should not think about it; not even of the comrades who are now in Berlin - or of the advance command in Naples. What days could you spend there, and here??

Mirambeau, December 20: Now Christmas is just around the corner and I have a lot of work. With Spribille, Mattes and Grobbe I organize the Christmas party and I think it will be very nice. Also, some of my own stuff written by me will be included in the party. So, in the serious part of the evening will be the "letter of a soldier to his girl"; I think the boss is very happy with it, because we were able to skip the war letters of fallen students. And yet I only thought of Marli when I wrote the letter. Otherwise, as always, everything is the same here. Mirambeau,

December 27: Now Christmas is over again and it was not as difficult as I thought. The Christmas party with the company was very nice and many comrades told me that they have never experienced such a nice party. The commander and the boss were also very satisfied, and they said the three of us who organized it would have a free wish. I just wanted to go home for a day – to see Marli - but they could not fulfill that. A pity, - it would have been too nice. Then I was finally able to open the packages from Marli and Mother, and I was speechless again. They gave everything for me again; especially Marli. It makes me so cheery, happy and strong; this knowledge of her love, if only she could very soon become my little wife. The Christmas party with the platoon was also very nice. Lieutenant Stocker and the First Sergeant were fascinated with the delicious food; not me. Our training (to artists and gangsters) has now paid off. Anyway, this reconnaissance activity at night ...? It's about time we disappeared from this area. Popp is now back on vacation; the two kids deserve it too. If only I was that far. Otherwise everything is still the same; change of position shortly. Hopefully!

Mirambeau, December 29: Since the 27th a quarantine has been imposed on us due to some cases of diphtheria and we cannot get out now. Half of the platoon is always sick. Yesterday Knabe also got back from Berlin and brought me a huge package from Marli; again. I really do not know what to say. And the letter that came with it ...? I am very, very happy; - everything is too nice.

April 1943

Ferme Robinson, April 1: Last night we moved into the front positions and replaced the comrades from the army. It was a great relief, pitch dark - and we even tapped in minefields for a while. I now lie with my group in an advanced base, a farm; our mission is to hold this base until the last man. The location of the farm is very unfavorable; from all sides, the enemy can approach almost unseen and, moreover, we are only seven men strong. A base and seven men. The connection to our company is as good as non-existent. The platoon command post is 900 - 1000 m behind me in a large wadi, Popp’s group is there too; and Kreutzfeld’s group 800 m to my left in a small wadi. Under these circumstances the enemy can get through everywhere and for us it is therefore necessary to keep our eyes open. Proper sleep is of course not to be even considered; at night we are all lying in the holes or run patrols and during the day the field is being observed. In between, but only during the day, a little nap can be taken.

Base Robinson, April 2: The last night was okay, in general it was calm. Some fire attacks by artillery, as well as during the day and mutual reconnaissance activity. At 2 in the morning a fierce fire fight between Grote’s reconnaissance patrol and an enemy camp. The sergeant of the army, who went along as an instructor, died. Now during the day again artillery - disturbance fire. Weather still very bad and stormy; food good except drinks. In the last 48 hours, only one canteen full for seven men; a bit too little to drink. The mood in the base otherwise good.

Base Robinson, April 3: Tonight, Tommy was at our base for the first time. In the time between 2 and 3:30 am he tried to come in with a patrol. We kept calm and wanted him to get up close. After he had approached from all sides, he pulled back again. Now assume that he will move in in the coming night with a stronger, powerful reconnaissance platoon. During the day everything calm except light artillery fire. Weather is getting better, food is good. Only too little to drink and hardly any sleep.

Base Wall., April 4: In the company we have now got the name "Base Wallburg". Now it has to be held in any case. Last night we got quite some artillery fire, but everything went well. The rest of the company - 3rd and 4th platoon - have finally arrived too and I got, after the boss looked at the base tonight, a S.M.G. as reinforcement. Thank God, now I feel better again, because now we are in a better position to repel an attack. We are now 2:10 strong. Corporal Sprießler joined us and a B position is also supposed to come here. With my 6 men I really could not do much and was shaking sometimes in my boots. Now it's time to upgrade our positions and sleep is not possible at all any longer. Superior enemy aviation activity and artillery fire during the day. Kreutzfeld also got his blessing today; you cannot even put your head out. Otherwise very good weather and outrageously many fleas. The beasts cost you even the last bit of sleep. Mood nevertheless still good!

Base Wall, April 5: Everything is the same here. The night was quiet, only it is always freezing cold. If you lie there ten hours in your hole, you are stiff in the morning like a board. To the left of us were hand grenade fights; it was the patrol that we saw descending, - Corporal Stegemeier was wounded. During the day a lot of artillery shelling and English fighter jets. Sun and flies become unbearable.

Base Wall, April 6: The last night and today were relatively quiet. Today it is my Marli’s birthday and again I cannot be with her for this day. When will it be possible to see her again!? “All the best Marli, always stay healthy and stay fond of me; like I do of you. One time I'll be back!”

Base Wall, April 7: Except for strong artillery fire by day and weak by night everything calm. During the night change of position of the S.M.G. - I now have in addition to my two also two French in use. A 2 cm is also still to come here; the base is getting stronger. Yesterday evening, Sergeant Truxa Meier also came forward with his B position. Now we are already strong 3:13. When I think back of the first days with my 6 men, I still feel very queasy. Since this morning 5 am strong attacks by Tommy in the right section. After two hours of barrage they came with tanks. How far they have come is not yet known.

Base Wall, April 8: At night, very calm, stormy weather, at dawn enemy reconnaissance troops of about 30 men break through. Stocker, I, Wörndle, Simonsen and Zimmermann are to intercept him. It does not succeed. At 4 am, the food haulers are bringing mail to the front for the first time. Marli and mother have also written; it's like a celebration day. Base Wall, April 10: The last two days and nights were quiet; nothing was important except for the usual artillery fire raids. Last night we walked as a standing patrol. Sergeant Rötz died during a reconnaissance patrol. The medical officer from Sparanise too; he was with us in one of the 88 airplanes coming over. Otherwise everything is fine; weather good - only food could be a bit more.

Base Sanatorium, April 11: Our new name now as disguise. Today everything is quiet, like a Sunday in peace. Last night patrol with 1:3. Clearing terrain right of the farm, looking for Wadi. Otherwise everything the same.

Base Sanatorium, April 12: Yesterday evening and today at dawn attacks on the Dzebel Mansour; Tommy was up on the peak, but was thrown down again. Retreat of our troops in the south. The enemy has moved up only 60 km away; we do not have much space left and I hardly believe that we will come out here again.

Base Sanatorium, April 12 continued: You have to accept it, even if it's hard. I do not think of myself - it is our duty and we want to fulfill it to the last; but what will happen to Marli - that is the only gloomy thought; otherwise it can come as it pleases. By the 20th of the month, Tommy wants us out of here; I do not think he will make it and I think it will still take a little while. He should not have it that easy; we hold the camp and only one thing can force us from our position.

Sanatorium, April 14: The night before last night I was at 08 of the opponent, so we had him last night and this morning breathing down our neck. The first time he came at 9:50 pm and I discovered him with my standing patrol. We, Wörndle and I, walked in parallel next to him towards sanatorium, and we shot at them 250 yards in front of our base. They were 15 men and they ran like rabbits. The second time I went out at 2 am, they came with two reconnaissance patrols; and as we stalked one, suddenly the other sat in our backs. But we were able to make it through. We were lucky and at 5 am we were back home. Tonight, we go out again, only that today it is very dark and stormy. In any case, this sneaking up and scouting is more fun than lying here in the base and to lurk on the opponent. Otherwise, everything is the same here and the mood is good. Klaus Lehmann is also dead as I just heard. In general, the 2nd Company has been affected significantly more.

Sanatorium, April 15: The reconnaissance patrol last night was unsuccessful; nobody came from the other side or we ran past each other. Therefore, we have been covered with artillery fire for 1 ¾ hours tonight like never before. The whole house was shot to pieces, Sergeant Gutjahr wounded and Private Kittler was buried under rubble; it was nearly like being in hell. Guess that they eventually will come tonight. Base Sanatorium, April 16: Last night and also the day until now very quiet again, - eerie quiet. Tonight, again on reconnaissance patrol; Lieutenant Stocker also wants to join.

Sanatorium., April 19: In the last several days and nights it was fairly quiet, except for a tank attack at Buri, which took place where the English raiding patrol snatched, nothing noteworthy was recorded. Yesterday evening I was again on reconnaissance patrol with Zuber and Scheffler, and it was again a very special situation. We were just 1000 meters beyond Sanatorium and stalked 244, when we were suddenly shot from behind with M.P.s. Probably an enemy reconnaissance patrol. We moved on, slowly approached 04 and believed it would be cleared by the enemy, - when we got 30 m from us hand grenades thrown at us and fire from two M.G.s. Then I broke into a sweat and we had to crawl backwards quite a bit. We had lost Scheffler and when we wanted to get him from the front, we got fired at again. When we realized that they wanted to pinch us off, we retreated and a quarter of an hour later Scheffler also arrived. God, how happy I was then.

Sanatorium, April 20: Tonight, we wanted to smoke out 244 and 04 with a raiding patrol; but unfortunately, the birds were all flown out. I went again with Zuber, Simonsen and Fischer on reconnaissance patrol and came back home at 4:20 am. No enemy contact, but our bones trembled, that I'm still completely smashed now. We had not eaten anything for 24 hours.

Base Sanatorium has now been abandoned, everything has moved back to the HKL [main front line] and I'm only here with 3 men. We must be on alert day and night; sleeping is soon unthinkable and I'm curious when they want to catch us here. They will come soon; should they, we are prepared for it. From Marli and mother, I also have mail again and it always makes me a completely different person. One is attached too much to all this and, although one hardly can think of it, does not detach. I have become really happy again after receiving the mail. Otherwise everything the same.

Sanatorium, April 22: Since this morning 5 a.m. strong drum fire on the right and left of us. At 7:30 a.m. am, attack with tanks and infantry. In our area without artillery fire but with armored reconnaissance vehicles and infantry. It's been going on all day and I have not closed my eyes for 48 hours. How is this supposed to continue? And perhaps tonight also on reconnaissance patrol; - the whole area is full of enemy gunmen. Tomorrow morning, they will probably, they are in the right condition , attack. 3 armored reconnaissance vehicles shot down; Lieutenant Westphal wounded.

Sanatorium, April 24: In the last two days, again further advancement of the opponent and short firefights. Went on reconnaissance patrol again tonight and brought back good results. Enemy has advanced further and is probably ready to attack. The patrol was very difficult because it was outrageously windless and bright. We crawled nearly the entire time. Back at 4:25 a.m. A transport with 54 ships supposedly has arrived; it would be too good. Otherwise everything the same, but starving all the time. Mood good.

Africa, April 26: Easter: But what a holiday!? Yesterday we retreated. The companies moved out at dawn and I and two groups remained in the front, - to cover their back. The Tommy must have noticed, because he attacked like never before. Until 4 pm we were able to hold Sanatorium, then we already have them to the left and right of us and so we had to disappear after we had destroyed everything. It was horrible, rather 10 attacks than one retreat. Often, they almost had us; but then we managed to get through. The company had in the meantime to ward off a heavy attack; Corporal Hein Grote died, many wounded. In the night we retreated even further and are now located behind Pont du Fahs as impact reserve. The Tommy pushes outrageously and I hardly believe that we can hold this place here. It does not look too rosy for us.

Pont du Fahs, April 27: At 3:15 pm we were ordered to make the 1st counter-attack. We arrived, but then it was no longer necessary. Now we are back in our cactus grove and at 7 pm company muster. Last night we slept for the first time for 27 days. It was wonderful and did us outrageously good. I was also able to eat properly again. Otherwise, we from the 4th Group need to ask our comrades for stuff, all our belongings and equipment we had to leave during the retreat on the Easter holiday; my papers and the pictures of Marli are now with Tommy. But I can’t change it. Lieutenant Stocker left us today too; it was very difficult for him. Now Otto Weste leads the II platoon. Otherwise the situation is still unclear and we have to see what will happen. At least heavy weapons are here now; it will take a while yet.

Pont du Fahs, April 28: Last night we had an alarm and moved into the endangered section. We immediately dug in as Tommy heavily put artillery fire over us - and one can only say: Thank God. In the morning he attacked with a battalion of foreign legionnaires, but the attack was totally smashed. Now, in the afternoon, we have been pulled out again and are now to be deployed to the north, at Bizerta at another weak point of the front; you cannot relax here anytime. Mountain position near Bizerte, April 30: After 120 km ride on our bikes (we are so thankful that we still have them) we are now landed here in the high mountains. Barely dismounted, the climb started, - with full ammunition, weapons, etc. It was horrible, everyone gave his last energy reserves and when we were up, everybody was completely exhausted. Overnight, we stayed so wet sweaty as we were just lying, without blankets - without everything. In the morning we were stiff from the cold and the rain like a board. Now we moved into position; but when it gets serious, we cannot hold it. Opposite us are very belligerent Englishmen, Americans, blacks, snipers and a lot of artillery. The losses on our side are increasing. I dread the coming night.