Letter 217

Se

In the Field Dec 16th 1943

My Dear Parents and Grand Dad !

Today I had some letters from you again the air mail letters from Nov 21% and Dec 2™ and a parcel from Oct 1* and a thousand thanks . I see that you are all well and so am I. Well last fall I enjoyed my job driving the tractor in the field and helping with the harvest. I am sure the Russians will not leave us alone here we are very exposed to attacks, here at the moth of the Dnjper River Bridgehead. Yes we are strong here but we are sitting inside a horseshoe position . If the Russians manage to close the sack from Kirowoig and the Cherson side, he can take us all with ease. Unless, of course, we are permitted to retreat from the Bridgehead. Well it is not acute yet wherever the Russian attacks, he will break through eventually, . We don’t want to paint the devil on the wall, but from that what the Russians have archived in 1943, we have to be prepared for anything. If the Leadership is committed to winning this war, then something has to be done very fast. In the matter of the promised revenge in the air, the front Soldier has no illusions about all the talk. Until the last Battalion is at the fighting front, many a good man will lose his life . But just thinking about it is no help for us, but I am happy to know that at home all is well,, the garage has a new door, 15 Gallons of Milk per day produced, and still plenty of hay to feed. Let me know the result of the trashing, when its all done. Lets hope you get

gasoline for the tractor in spring. Now then Good Night from

Heinrich.

From: Pvt 1st Class Heinrich Bredemeier, FP # 10331 Art Regt 117

To: Family Bredemeier ,21 Rehren A.O. # 12 nr Rinteln Weser