Letter 224

In the Field Jan 21* 1944

Dear All back home.

Today is my turn to write after receiving 8 letters and 2 parcels and will look at the content. Lately we had some good food out here, and now I got 2 large parcels and 2 cans that I have not started on. I am still as fat as I was last spring, I put weight on in December with all the parcels I had. I got the best job that one can get in Russia, I hope I have it for a long time. I am far far away from places where bullets fly. . I know if] get

furlough, it will be a sad occaision because someone else gets my job. When I come back from furlough, my place will be in the “ Shit” again. I wont think to far ahead anyway, maybe I am lucky again now you like to know where we are? I market it red on the map and the village is a red point west of the Dnjper River. My other Comrades are still on the eastern side of the River and are in a heavy Battle. I am glad to read that you are well, and please do not worry so much about me, just think of your jobs you got to do at home, I am so glad to read the precise letters but it takes 8 days before I can answer them and then I burn them. Do not worry about the parcels, the important ones all got here. I got the Shirt, Under wear, Socks, Gloves, Lice Powder and cookies, all was ok. Today we managed to make a cake, it was a Birthday cake the baker made it. We had Pudding and 4 Chickens , Radio Music for aday from a Pilot who gave us his, there is an airfield next to us, But of course, we can not live like that every day, but we are behind the front. My watch is still going tic-tac still the same as in 1888 when Grandad was in the Army. It is safe in the capsule. How was the result of the last harvest then? Was it good? And the Garage is done too? Let-me know how much that enterprise has cost you. Lets hope Father that they will not call you up too. Even if you are a lazy Corporal in the Army, I know you would curse the life here. The tractor is going again but change the oil in time. Lets hope the war will end soon , yes , I did see the news about our revenge Weapons lets wait and see whether miracles still happen