Part of The KB41 Collection Hans Tank - Herbert Letter Series
This is a small update letter written by Herbert 3 days after the last was written. A small update that Hebert writes, despite being low on writing supplies Hebert writes on a single side of A4 lined paper within Russland (Russia). A brief update to Herbert's family whilst in service on the Eastern Front. Unfortunately like many Feldpost letters from the series, the envelope is lost to time, the letter remains detailing Herbert's latest activities whilst in service on the eastern front.
The Feldpost letter in German reads as:
Russland, 29.9.43
Ihr Lieben!
Will nun endlich das Päckchen abschicken.
Es liegt bei: 2 Taschentücher, 2 Zahnpaste,
2 Filme.
Einer ist noch von Frau Arp. Ich habe ihn
gekennzeichnet, er lag noch in meinem Gepäck.
Wie ist es eigentlich, hatte ich noch einen Film
in Rendsburg verknipst? Wenn ja, schickt die
Bilder nicht hierher. Ich habe viel zu viel mit-
geschleppt, wenn sie mir lästig werden schicke
ich noch einen Packen zurück.
Gestern abend erhielt ich den ganzen Stapel vom
17. d. Mts. Vielen Dank auch für die Zigaretten
und das Puddingpulver. Ich werde mal sehen, daß
ich Milch bekomme. Der Preis ist hier ziemlich
hoch. Es wird bis zu 3,- RM pro l. verlangt. Zum
Tauschen habe ich auch nichts mehr.
Heute war Besichtigung. Nun wird der Dienst wohl
etwas ruhiger werden. Sonst geht es mir gut.
Hoffe dasselbe von Euch
Es grüßt
Euer Herbert
The Feldpost letter in English reads as:
Russia, 29.9.43
Dear ones!
I finally want to send the parcel.
It contains: 2 handkerchiefs, 2 toothpastes,
2 films. One is still from Mrs Arp. I marked it.
It was still in my luggage. Did I have any film left in Rendsburg?
If so, don't send the photos to me.
I've brought too much with me. I'll send back another
pack if it´s too much to keep with me.
Yesterday evening I received the whole stack from the 17th.
Thank you also for the cigarettes and the custard powder. I will see
that I can get some milk. The price here is quite high. They charge
up to RM 3 per litre. And I don't have anything left to trade.
Today was an inspection. Now the service will probably
a little quieter. Otherwise I'm doing well.
Hope the same from you
Greetings
Your Herbert
This Feldpost letter starts with Herbert writing of how he wants to finally send a parcel home to his family. The parcel is said to contain 2 handkerchiefs, 2 toothpastes and 2 films. This being items that could benefit Herbert's family back home. The latter of which is suggested to be film that would be developed back home or used for other cameras that the family would own. The film was said to be from a "Mrs Arp" to which was marked by Herbert. To which Herbert explained how it was still in his luggage that he has with him in service. This being sent back home for safe keeping. Herbert reminding his family of any film he may have left in Rendsburg, to not return to him at the front and for his family to keep them. Rendsburg, is a town on the River Eider and the Kiel canal. This region being in close proximity to where Herbert's family lives. Herbert writing for his family to keep the photos. This comes as a result of Herbert expressing he has too many goods. These items being sent home so that they do not go to waste and possibly his family back home may benefit from them.
Herbert recalling how he received everything that was sent to him from the 17th of September. This showing the delay in post arriving to him in Russland. To which Herbert thanks specifically for the Custard Powder and Cigarettes, the latter of which we know Herbert asks regularly for. Herbert Hopeful he can get some milk, despite the high price he writes with a charge of 3 RM per litre (RM = Reichsmark). Sadly Herbert recalling he has nothing left to trade so hopes he can acquire some (Likely to mix with the custard powder)
Herbert closes the letter be explaining how there was a inspection of his kompanie and with this Herbert suggests the service will be probably quieter. This being bad news for Herbert's morale due to lack of activities as expressed in previous letters leads to boredom and Herbert expressing a need for some form of activity to pass the time. Other than this Herbert recalls that he is keeping well and that he hopes the same with his family at home. Lastly before closing, Euer Herbert, Your Herbert.