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

A Selection of Excerpts
Third Year
September 1944

Letter No. 316.

Latvia, September 1, 1944
My dearly beloved, kind-hearted wife!

Today, the sixth year of the war has begun, and let us hope that this is the last one and that it will bring us final victory. Yes, my darling, who would have ever thought that it would last such a terribly long time and that the struggle would take on such horrific forms.

But I firmly believe that the fortunes of war are smiling upon us and that we will soon have come through it safely and victoriously. I know everyone is waiting for a turning point and it feels like it is taking too long for everyone. But the time will come, and then a beautiful, wonderful, and happy time will dawn for us.

Oh, my dearest precious treasure, just imagine the war is over. Rationing coupons are gradually disappearing. Lights are shining everywhere again; no more planes to hide from, no more blackouts. Reconstruction is underway everywhere, and then—most importantly—I can always be with you!

Oh, my dearly beloved, precious treasure, that will be truly wonderful. When we finally have our own apartment or a little house—nicely furnished, with a small garden! That will surely be heaven on earth. Don't you think, my dear, sweet, good, beautiful, lovely, delightful, enchanting little treasure, that we will be completely happy then?!

The good Lord will most certainly stand by us and help make it happen. We just must never forget to shape our lives accordingly. If we always look up to Him with faithful trust, He will always stand by us and hold His kind hand protectively over us. Oh, my darling, I am already looking forward to this time so much, and I can hardly wait for the moment to finally arrive.

If only we could be together at least a little more often—even if it were just for one week every three months. That way, the waiting wouldn't feel so hard. But we mustn't rail against our fate, for it will make the time together later all the more beautiful. Then the sun of happiness and peace will never set for us again.

My dearest little treasure, there isn't really much to report from here. I’m doing quite well, and the only thing I’m truly missing is my sweet little wife, whom I love above all else. But I can't exactly have you here with me; that would be far too dangerous for someone so precious. You can take my word for it: there is only one of you in this entire world—there is absolutely no equal substitute.

I can imagine you’re laughing right now, thinking, "Oh, what a flatterer." But you’re mistaken! I’m done with flattery; I mean this in all seriousness. And if you don't believe it or say it isn't true—well, that doesn't matter to me; to me, you remain my dearest, best, most beautiful, and most precious possession. You’ll just have to accept that, my sweet, darling treasure. But don't you dare admit it, or I might start getting a big head about it.

Oh, and I wanted to tell you what things are like here. Generally speaking, it’s quite quiet. "Ivan" really burned his fingers here, and he’s finding it slow and difficult to recover from that. Otherwise, the weather is gloomy; there’s a lot of rain again now. But so far, it hasn't bothered me. During the day, I sit inside the house, and at night, I’m in the bunker. Every now and then I walk through the positions to see how my men are doing.

And how is young Frau Gruber doing? I wish you nothing but the very best and hope that at least some of my wishes come true. How are things with the mail—are you receiving it regularly? Have you actually received all the letters since my leave, or are any missing? That is certainly possible. Did you receive the small parcel I sent off on July 2nd?

And now, my dearest, precious darling, receive a thousand loving greetings from the bottom of my heart for today, and the tenderest of kisses
from your faithful husband

Letter No. 317.

Latvia, September 2, 1944
My dearest H...!

Today I received 6 newspapers from you, for which I thank you with all my heart. Oh, my dearest H..., what you must have gone through there. Those must have been some serious attacks between July 24th and 29th. Oh, I am so glad that nothing happened to you. I hope it stays that way. I haven't had any news from you regarding that period yet, but I am hoping for the best. My dearest darling, please write and tell me what things look like in Stuttgart. Otherwise, I’ll be too shocked when I eventually come back.

How are you doing, my dear, sweet darling? Are you still healthy and in good spirits? I hope you can eat everything again now and that it tastes good to you. How is our little sprout doing? I just hope it isn't giving you too much trouble. Oh, my beloved darling, if only I could be with you for a few days right now, so I could see for myself how you are doing. If only I could find a way to come to you for a few days.

But unfortunately, for the time being, there is only one way, and that is through the Red Cross. We’d rather not make use of that, though; instead, let’s wait patiently until the normal route is open again. I hope it doesn't take too much longer, though—otherwise, I won't be able to bear the longing for you any longer.

How are things otherwise? Do you have a free afternoon during the week, and what do you do on Sundays?
(THE REST OF THE LETTER IS MISSING)

(Certified Copy)

In the field, 15 September 1944
Dear Mrs. Gruber,

On behalf of the company, I must convey the sad news that your dear husband, our good comrade Lothar Gruber, met a hero's death for his fatherland, his homeland, and our Greater Germany on 6 September 1944 near Bahri/Latvia (near Mitau).

The company has lost one of its best and most proven fighters. A void remains, yet he will always march and fight alongside the company—as a role model, as a call for retribution, and as a pledge to achieve victory.

As I clasp your hand in spirit with deep sympathy and condolences, I know that I can do little to alleviate your grief. For us soldiers, the moment of sacrificial death arrives swiftly, sparing us—and your husband—unnecessary suffering; yet for those left behind, especially a life partner, the void remains for a lifetime, making the pain felt again and again. And yet, you must not let the grief overwhelm you. You have sacrificed the greatest thing for the fatherland that a human being can offer. I regret to inform you that, due to an enemy attack, it was not possible to recover your husband's body, and we were forced to leave him to the enemy.

With sincere sympathy, I send my greetings
Heil Hitler
Yours, [signed] Karl Fehl, Lt.