Letter 43

O.U. June 24th 1941.

Dear All!

It is Lunch time and afew words while I have the time. Late last night the guns went into firing position about 700 meters from the enemy lines but the rest of the supply and Ammo is 6 Kilometers in the rear When we brought the guns up to the line, the Russians were firing illumination rockets . You can not imagine what is going on here, we do not know when the attack will begin, but certainly in the next day or so. Maybe even hours, but we are not in a good position really, and can be taken into flanking fire from enemy Artillery from 2 sides. We all hope for the best. Our Führer will know what to expect . Just got 30 pieces of short war rations so it is either war against Russia or back to camp. I don’t like this life much, every night we sleep on the ground and this is not very healthy We write laying down not very comfortable, , our horses are on a nearby farm, that includes a Schnapps distillery. Dear Parents, do your farm work with full strength this summer, we are here ina deadly fight soon. Once the Russians retreat, we might even get lost in this huge country . So for tonight we get a fat Chicken soup with potatoes and I will close and I will write again.

Greetings Heinrich

Note:

The Attack on Russia started on June 22nd at 3 AM.

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

To: H.Bredemeier, Rehren AV 12, Near Rinteln, Weser