My dear, just imagine for a moment that the war is over.

A Selection of Excerpts
Second Year
April 1943

Letter No. 60.

2 April 1943

... For a change, it isn’t raining today, but it’s still not nice weather. ...

Unfortunately, we aren’t receiving any mail at all, as the routes (roads) have become almost impassable. The last time we received mail was on 27 March. Well, hopefully things will improve again, because the mail is the thing that interests us most of all. ...

Letter No. 68.

13 April 1943

... My beloved darling, I am so very happy that you understand me so well and know what I mean by everything I write to you. ...

Letter No. 69.

14 April 1943

... But my dearest darling, why should things become more dangerous for me now? After all, one’s number can come up either way. Well, don’t you worry about that; I’ll manage to bring myself home in one piece. I’ve made a pact with the Russian not to shoot at me, you see. ...

Letter No. 71.

16 April 1943

... Today marks a full year since we were on the journey to the Volkhov. Oh, how much has happened in the meantime. ...

Letter No. 74.

April 19, 1943
My dearest H...!

I am back home now after a wonderful walk through the positions. We had glorious weather again today. Towards evening, I had to go and inspect the positions. It was a beautiful walk. The moon came out so beautifully and the stars shone so clearly. It was quite bright and pleasantly warm.

Oh, my dearest darling, how lovely it would be to take such a nice walk with you back home right now. But I walked with you in my thoughts the whole way, and that was surely the best part of this evening round.

There was a wonderful stillness outside. Not a sound anywhere; not a single shot was fired. Only now and then would a sentry call out to me, bringing me back to harsh reality. ...

Letter No. 75.

April 20, 1943
My beloved H...!

Today was the Führer's birthday. We had absolutely wonderful weather and spent the day in blissful tranquility. We had roll call in the morning, followed by a small but nice celebration. There was certainly good reason for it, as there were also a few promotions.

In the afternoon, we did absolutely nothing, and it was very pleasant. I had gone for a lovely walk at midday. Oh, it was glorious to wander through the countryside in such beautiful weather and quiet. ...

Letter No. 76.

April 21, 1943

... I set out from here at 8 o'clock this morning. The weather was glorious all day long. I walked cross-country the whole way—through meadows and woods, and partly along a river. It is somewhat larger than the Neckar near Stuttgart.

It was certainly a very lovely walk, though it was a bit of a long way. I had to walk about 40 km in total. I got back this evening at 9:30. Naturally, I’m a bit tired now. Well, I’m going to lie down right away, and by tomorrow it will all be over. ...

Letter No. 78.

April 25, 1943
My beloved H...!

Today, on Easter Sunday, I was overjoyed to receive your dear letter dated April 16th, for which I thank you with all my heart.

Oh, my dear sweetheart, I am so glad and happy that you were still at home during the last air raid and that nothing happened to you. I feel much more at ease now. Thank God everything is still all right at home, too, and nothing happened to my parents. I would really prefer it if you didn't have to go to Stuttgart at all anymore, because you are much safer at home. Tommy doesn't get there so quickly. ...

I went for a walk this morning at 6 o'clock in glorious sunshine. There was a wonderful stillness and marvelous Easter weather. I was back home in time for lunch. I brought back a lovely bunch of anemones. It is now sitting in front of me, next to your dear picture.

This afternoon, we had a shooting competition for non-commissioned officers. We fired rifles, pistols, and submachine guns. I even won two prizes. One was a bottle of liqueur and the other was 50 cigarettes. In the evening, we were invited to a small farewell party for our First Lieutenant; he is going on leave tomorrow.

Oh, my dear sweetheart, things are finally moving forward a bit regarding leave. Two of our men are leaving on May 1st. Now I am a little closer to my own leave, and I think I might be able to be with you around the beginning of July. ...

Letter No. 80.

April 29, 1943
My dearest darling!
Today, on my birthday, I have received so many lovely, wonderful, and joyful things that I can certainly be content.

First, my heartfelt thanks for your lovely letter of April 20th as well as for your four lovely parcels. Oh, my dearest darling, that was truly my best birthday gift, and I was so happy about it. My sweet darling, please also give my best regards and heartfelt thanks to your parents for the cigarettes and for the greetings. ...