WWII German Feldpost Postmark Letter 1943 Russia Front to Annexed Alsace Eschau

Item Specifics

Country

Russia

Condition

Unused

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

Grade: Ungraded
In this Feldpost letter dated July 7, 1943, from Russia, Soldat Rudolf Petermann writes to his mother in Alsace. He thanks her for a recent letter and package, comments on family photos, and expresses deep concern for his father's health and his brothers. Rudolf reflects on the hardships of the Eastern Front, his longing to return home safely, and shares observations about life and relationships. Amidst these personal reflections, he also includes practical requests for a watch, tobacco, and postage stamps. Overall, the letter paints a poignant picture of a soldier's connection to home, his worries, and his attempts to maintain normalcy amidst the realities of war. Address Verification: Sender: Soldat Rudolf Petermann, Feldpost number 37816/E. Verification: "Soldat" means soldier. Feldpost numbers were used by the German military to route mail to soldiers without revealing their specific unit locations. The number 37816 would correspond to a specific unit. Online Feldpost number directories confirm that numbers in this range were active during WWII. The letter content confirms he is in "Russland" (Russia). Recipient: Familie Renatus Petermann, Eschau (Elsass - Alsace), Karl-Roos-Str. 250. Verification: Eschau, Elsass (Alsace): Eschau is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department in Grand Est in north-eastern France, historically part of Alsace. During WWII (1940-1944), Alsace was de facto annexed by Nazi Germany. Google Maps confirms Eschau, France. Karl-Roos-Strasse: Dr. Karl Roos was an Alsatian autonomist executed by the French in February 1940. After the German annexation of Alsace, streets were often renamed to honor figures sympathetic to the German cause or German historical figures. It is highly plausible that a street in Eschau would have been named Karl-Roos-Strasse during the German occupation. Such street names were typically reverted after liberation. The address also notes "zw Strassburg" (zwischen Strassburg, meaning near Strasbourg), which is geographically correct for Eschau. Letter Translation: R.P. Russia, July 7, 1943. Dear Mother, I received your dear letter with great joy, and the little package too – many thanks for it! So, the overcoat was just a habit; it's true, I don't really need it anymore. Now, also many thanks for your photo. You look very beautiful on it, and it’s a good likeness, though your hairstyle makes you look a bit older. Nevertheless, I thank you for both mementos. I was certainly surprised; Vati (Dad) looks great, and his tie sits perfectly – that was mostly the issue with the other pictures. I hardly believe it, but sometimes one doesn't even get around to writing at all. Yes, I'm very happy that everyone went with the procession. Hopefully, dear Mother, I will come back healthy from Russia. There are the eternal worries: for life, for my brothers, then again for work, and then other things and little trifles. It's all not as easy as one thinks and imagines. Yes, being alone in the garden is also too much for Vati on top of his work; I hope he can stay healthy at home. Yes, certainly, dear Mother, I have a lot ahead of me when I come back home again. Firstly, if I had become something else, things would also be different; therefore, I can be proud of my parents. I've also told jokes and so on, but it’s hit or miss, or things are lacking. No consideration for all these people, because it doesn't suit Ubalten [possibly "the old ones" or a specific group] any differently; they even deserve punishment for it. What can one say when people don't understand them, what they think, calling other people stupid? He just belongs there; otherwise, he was tormented while others must perish in the dirt in Russia – and such people still dare to speak. Yes, that is money for the brothers; only, all would have to leave, and they too will manage to get out. Only then will their eyes also open. But dear Mother, regarding the packages I receive, sometimes it only takes 14 days, then other times longer; it's just uncertain where they end up. In any case, about what the watchmaker said: the watch is from Paris, and it always ran well for him [or her], but then it failed him and consequently had to be repairable. If you have an opportunity to buy a watch, please do, and I will send the money. I have arranged it regarding the ladies' watch. One can be foolish or stupid here, and then I'm not professionally settled. Also, I will fear nothing, because one has achieved many a thing for this position. Yes, friends are also enemies at the same time; being a friend means much more, otherwise, it doesn't really exist today – I've become clear about that. I also never want to strut around. Yes, there's a lack of clothes and laundry. And yes, then we also want to use your cart/car sometime! Ha, ha, ha, a pram/stroller, you mean? I still have enough time for something like that, but I haven't seen one for a long time. I would like to see this saddlebag that Burger has. So, and then to also laugh about it, but his attitude, and the fact that the old ones are still so keen on it – that’s just too much for us. Yes, now to amuse oneself with girls; one knows and understands many, but certainly, nothing comes of it. That's how it is when the old one still wants to have it so loose; she regrets it too. I can only tell you the same thing about Antz: he should be forbidden to marry, and the girls… well, I don’t want to say what. A couple on leave are so far along, and he who laughs last, laughs best. It all depends on the parents and what the upbringing then achieves. If they are raised like that… So, dear Mother, you see the subject matter isn't bad. Now, you still have time for his wife. Yes, it’s as if I mean a watch and the material was more valuable, to put more into it, but it will perhaps be a small thing. But just don't do that and sell your watch somewhere for something like that. Otherwise, you can look in the evening if you can get a used one from the newspaper or from a shop. Otherwise, my Aunt Grötel is doing well. Then something else: as soon as there is enough tobacco again, I will ask Father to send it again. But you can send me just a small sheet in a letter; that provides too little, what was once too much for trivial things [original phrasing a bit unclear], because often nothing from these packages made it through, just languished in the box. The illustrated magazines you sent, I have read them all already. You can send me the newspaper folded in the middle. Otherwise, I hope that everything is going well at home, that all of you are left in peace, and also remain in the best of health. So now for today, very heartfelt thoughts [original "Spinn" is unusual, "Sinn" (thoughts/sense) is a likely interpretation] and kisses to all, and kisses to you and Herzl [likely a person or pet name]. Greetings and kisses from your son, Rudy P.S. (written sideways): Please send me a few postage stamps, but the top ones from the sheet.

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