Letter 436

Küstrin Dec 19th 1944

Dear Parents and Lisa and all Relatives !

Now we are having Christmas once again, but it does not feel or look like one. There is no snow, but it is very cold here. Today another 150 men were transferred to form a new Unit , I was lucky, because none from my old Unit are needed at the Moment. There are 12 of us from the Company that will be trained in a heavy Machine Gun Platoon. That will take until January and the Sgt said it will take a while and then go into a Volks Grenadier Division as an elite force. Maybe as training instructors too. I was glad that I can stay on in Küstrin for now. We are a good buncg\h and the other guys are all good Comrades. I am well, and look forward to your Christmas Cake. I have not cut it yet but the Cigarettes are all gone. How will Christmas be at home this year, will you have a tree? If any of you want to visit me, let me know, I can get a permit from the Commander. All you need is a permit from the local Police. So you could come and see me on any Sunday. But I need to know when because of a room. I am a Pvt 1st Class and looked upon as an old warrior, so what do you think about the situation on the western front? It was a pleasant surprise, and believe me, the Americans will lose a lot of sleep over it. We will tear their assholes open and a lot will change to our advantage in January. Well, it was about time too. So my dear All, I am wishing you a merry Christmas my work will start now. Our Christmas Party will be a good one, I am in stage too

Greetings to all your Hans.

From: Pvt 1st Class Hans Oswald, Küstrin Pionier Reserve

Battalion 68

To: Family Max Oswald Dresden A-36 Tornaer Ring 21