War Diary of Soldier Lothar Gruber

The months of April to July

April 1
Everything quiet today. At midday, instruction on the Model 38-40 submachine gun.

April 2
Everything quiet today as well. In the evening, instruction on the Model 34 machine gun.

April 3
Everything quiet. At midday, I am at the battalion. In the evening, instruction on Russia’s power-political structure. Fairly lively artillery fire—on both sides—near the units on our left and right flanks.

April 4
It is very quiet again today. Heavy artillery is smashing a Russian bunker. Otherwise, there is nothing new.

April 5
It is very quiet everywhere today. Only very slight infantry activity. In the evening, there was instruction: "Fire Combat." The prospects for leave still look very bleak.

April 6
It is quite quiet today. A reconnaissance and assault squad from the 5th Company is scheduled to set out in the coming days. The probationary company is also slated to go out with us on an assault mission. I am spending the entire midday period at battalion headquarters.

April 7
Only minor infantry and reconnaissance activity. Our assault squad is scheduled to set out in the morning. Heavy enemy infantry formations and approximately 100 enemy tanks are reported in the vicinity of Kholm. Minimal friendly artillery activity. I am at battalion headquarters at midday.

April 8
This morning, one man from our 6th Company deserted while on a reconnaissance patrol. The planned shock-troop operation was called off; instead, there was active reconnaissance patrolling on our side. Brisk artillery activity on our part throughout the day. Otherwise, things are fairly quiet.

April 9
Brisk reconnaissance and infantry activity on our side. Otherwise, things are fairly quiet. The Russians are also showing themselves with a few reconnaissance patrols.

April 10
Brisk reconnaissance and infantry activity on our side again today. The Russians are fairly quiet. Minimal artillery activity on our part, but very brisk air activity. I am at the battalion headquarters this afternoon.

April 11
It was very quiet everywhere today. Spent midday at the battalion. Somewhat more active infantry activity in the evening.

April 12
Everything was quite quiet today as well. Spent midday at the battalion. A brief briefing in the evening. The previously called-off raid and reconnaissance patrol is set for tomorrow night. Somewhat more active infantry activity in the evening.

April 13
Everything is quiet during the day. Increased reconnaissance patrol activity on our side. Our reconnaissance and assault squad sets out at 17:00 hours. Hopefully, everything goes well. It is quite quiet everywhere. To provide cover for the operation, our machine guns are keeping up harassing fire on the Russian bunkers.

April 14
Unfortunately, the assault squad returned without success, as the Russians were on alert and the approach was detected due to the frost. Very active friendly artillery activity. Only minor infantry activity on both sides.

April 15
It was quite quiet today. Towards evening, there was lively infantry and artillery activity on both sides. I am spending midday with the battalion.

April 16
Everything is very quiet today as well. I am spending the entire midday with the battalion. We are firing 3 shots from 150 meters—prone, unsupported—scoring 24 points. Now, leave is finally starting to look like a possibility. Perhaps I’ll be going in about six weeks.

April 17
Everything very quiet today. I spent the afternoon with the battalion at target practice. I scored 29 points with three shots fired prone with a rest.

April 18
Everything is quiet today.

April 19
Everything is quiet. Only our own reconnaissance patrol activity. I was with the battalion at midday. In the evening, there was instruction on marksmanship in general.

April 20
Everything was very quiet today. In the morning, I was with the battalion to train our radio operator replacements. We also held a roll call to mark the Führer's birthday. There was heightened vigilance during the night; the Russians were rumored to be planning something, but it remained quiet all night long.

April 21
This morning, I was with the battalion to train our replacements. We practiced radio operations and ciphering, and studied the equipment. Around midday, I walked via Wetno Dunajewo to Petrowo, where I visited Lt. Höning. Everything was fairly quiet, save for lively activity from our own artillery. Towards evening, there was increased infantry activity.

April 22
Considerable scouting activity on our side today. I am with the battalion training replacements. Otherwise, everything is quiet. In the evening, heavy artillery strikes by our forces.

April 23
Everything is quiet today. Towards evening, somewhat livelier infantry activity. In the morning, I am with the battalion training our replacements.

April 24
Everything is very quiet today. In the morning, I am with the battalion. There was a good supply of canteen goods today.

April 25
Easter. We celebrated Easter today amidst wonderful weather and complete tranquility. At midday, I won two prizes in the NCO shooting competition. Otherwise, nothing new. In the afternoon, a deserter arrived at our position.

April 26
Today saw very lively activity from our own artillery and infantry. The Russians also fired heavy mortars today, but without any success. Otherwise, everything is quiet.

April 27
Everything is quiet today. Only minor infantry and reconnaissance patrol activity. Otherwise, nothing new.

April 28
Everything is quite quiet. I am with the battalion. In the evening, a meeting with the adjutant. At midday, I was with Lt. Preus, our new orderly officer. He is a truly splendid man. I hope he stays with us for a long time.

April 29
As of today, I am of age. I spent my birthday today in fine weather and wonderful quiet. I was with the battalion for almost the entire day. At midday, we had target practice. Otherwise, nothing new.

April 30
Everything was very quiet today. Spent the morning with the battalion—marksmanship training. Nothing else new. Scout patrol activity in the evening.

May 1
It was quiet all day long. I was with the battalion from midday until late in the evening. Heightened alertness in the evening. A Russian order was captured: "On May 1st, every Russian [is to take out] one German!" Well, they were out of luck there. Scout patrol activity.

May 2
It is very quiet today. Only brief, sporadic infantry and artillery activity late in the evening. At midday, we hold a shooting competition with the staff at the NCOs' mess. In the evening, I visit Barki. Afterwards, we enjoy a bottle of Steinhäger together. An NCOs' social evening is scheduled to take place in a fortnight.

May 3
Everything is quiet today. Only minor infantry and reconnaissance patrol activity on our side.

May 4
Everything is quiet today, too. I am at the battalion at midday. The 5th Company is due to be relieved.

May 5
Everything quiet all day long. I am at the battalion at midday.

May 6
Today is a truly glorious day. I lay in the sun for half the day. The 7th Company has taken up position and relieved the 5th Company. Everything is quiet. Active friendly air operations.

May 7
From 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., I am at the battalion command post handling radio communications. A strong friendly assault and reconnaissance patrol from the 8th Company is active; several bunkers are being blown up. Otherwise, everything is quiet.

May 8
The Russians were supposed to relieve us last night or are due to relieve us tonight. Before and after the meal, heavy mortar fire from the enemy. Very brisk artillery activity on our side. Otherwise, all quiet. At midday, I am at the battalion HQ.

May 9
A very quiet Sunday throughout. Towards evening, very brisk and heavy artillery activity on our side, involving heavy calibers. Russian troop assembly broken up.

May 10
Quiet all day and very fine weather. At midday, I am at the battalion HQ. We do some sports. In the evening, brisk infantry, artillery, and reconnaissance patrol activity.

May 11
All quiet. Only minor infantry activity towards evening.

May 12
All quiet; nothing significant to report.

May 13
Intensified Russian attacks from 6:30 a.m. until towards evening. Very heavy friendly artillery and infantry activity. The Russians attempt to take our right-flank strongpoint. They are repulsed with heavy losses. Active friendly patrolling throughout the night.

May 14
Things are quieter again today. Active scouting patrols on our side. Lively infantry and artillery activity. The Russians are remaining fairly quiet.

May 15
The Russians are quite active again today. Active scouting patrols on our side. Infantry and artillery activity on both sides.

May 16
Lively infantry, artillery, and scouting patrol activity. Alarm in the evening.

17. Mai
Everything fairly quiet. Only minor infantry and reconnaissance patrol activity. Regimental Commander Colonel Löverik receives the Oak Leaves.

May 18
Everything is very quiet today.

May 19
Somewhat livelier infantry and reconnaissance patrol activity today. Otherwise, very quiet.

May 20
Everything fairly quiet. Only brisk artillery activity on our side.

May 21
Brisk artillery activity on our side. I was with the transport train today.

May 22
Isolated Russian attempts to approach were repelled. Active reconnaissance patrols on our side. Intense artillery and aerial activity on the part of our forces in the sector of the unit to our left.

May 23
Everything is very quiet today. I am spending the entire day at battalion headquarters.

May 24
Very little infantry activity. Very heavy artillery activity on our side. At midday, I go to the "cinema" to see the film *Truxa*. In the evening, we play some football at battalion headquarters. I spend the time until 12:30 a.m. troubleshooting faults.

May 25
Minimal infantry and reconnaissance patrol activity on our side. Very lively artillery activity on our side. Inspection of the 5th Company went very poorly. It will be repeated in 10–14 days. In the evening, I visited Lt. Gleffe regarding a transfer to the ordnance specialist service.

May 26
Everything is quite quiet today. We received another 2 *Volksempfänger* [people's radio receivers] for the 7th Company. I hooked both of them up. They work quite well.

May 27
Everything was very quiet today. Increased reconnaissance patrol activity on our side. I spent the entire afternoon at the battalion. I am supposed to attend a field NCO school again. I am curious to see if it actually happens this time.

May 28
Everything was very quiet today. I spent the entire afternoon at the battalion. My training course begins on July 12. Perhaps I can go on leave before then. Tomorrow we are having an NCO evening.

May 29
I am at the battalion all day. In the evening, there is a comrades' gathering. It is very pleasant, and the mood is very lively. We stayed together until 5:30 in the morning.

May 30
Everything is very quiet today. There is nothing new.

May 31
All is quiet at the front. I am going to the baggage train, where a big surprise awaits me. I am going on leave on June 4, and afterwards, I am heading to school.

June 1
Come what may today, I won't be here anymore. At 8 a.m., we report out to the adjutant. By midday, I am at the baggage train. We move on tomorrow morning.

June 2
Journey from Pustinky via Doppelname (lit. double name; nickname for: Troitza Schawitza) and Loknya to Dno.

June 3
Dno

June 4
Departure from Dno.

June 5 to August 6
Entries regarding the vacation and the training course in Dęba (a few hours' drive from Kraków).