Kurt Kröger, diary from the Eastern Front 1942-1944

Introduction

Diary from January 1, 1944 of Unteroffizier Kurt Kröger, member of 1. Kompanie Grenadier- Regiment 422 of the Rheinl.-Westf. 126. Infanterie-Division of Heeresgruppe Nord in Russia.

The text is also available in German and Dutch .

Two pages of the diary.

Definitielijst

Division: Military unit, usually consisting of one upto four regiments and usually making up a corps. In theory a division consists of 10,000 to 20,000 men.
Heeresgruppe: The largest German ground formation and was directly subordinate to the OKH. Mainly consisting of a number of “Armeen” with few directly subordinate other units. A Heeresgruppe operated in a large area and could number several 100,000 men.
Regiment: Part of a division. A division divided into a number of regiments. In the army traditionally the name of the major organised unit of one type of weapon.

1942-1943

31.10	This morning, my father brought me my summons for military service which came by registered mail. Now it will really begin. I hope it will be in the air force.
4.11	Father and Theo Schneider see me to the Essen-Altenessen station. I have to be there at 12:00. On the platform we are divided into groups depending on destination. I go to the Inf.Ers.Btl. 464 (Infantry Reserve Battalion) 464 in Eschweiler. So, the dream of the Luftwaffe is over. That is a disillusion. In the evening we arrive in Eschweiler. In the barracks square we are allocated to individual companies. I am in 1.Kompanie-Inf.-Ausb.-Btl. 464 (1 Company Infantry Training Battalion). My commander is Uffz. (Unteroffizier) Hirschmeier.
5.11	The day is spent receiving equipment and weapons. One sure has to adapt to military manners.
7.11	Today is the big day. We are being sworn in. First, the priest addresses us with some serious words. Then a battalion of recruits stands at attention in the yard and swears on the 'Reichskriegsflagge' (State war flag): 'I swear by God this holy Oath that I will be unconditionally obedient to the Führer of the German Empire and Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht Adolf Hitler and I am willing to sacrifice my life for this Oath'. Every one of us must have been impressed by this hour.
8.11	After we have been out yesterday with our commander, today he marches us out again. People look at us as if we were the first humans.
15.11	In the meantime we have learned very much. We have had hard days. But there still is much to learn. For example we can't salute properly yet, therefore we can't go out alone. That is better because Lotti is here today and it would have been very nice.
6.12	I have been a soldier for a month now. Father and mother are here to congratulate me with my birthday.
7.12	Every Thursday is marching day here. Today we march 20 miles. You gradually get used to being a foot soldier. After all, the training methods of our non-commissioned officers have not been in vain. I imagine becoming a real good infantry man later on.
19-20.12	What joy when the Spieß (Company Sergeant Major, CSM) Hauptfeldwebel Alheim gave us our leave pass for Sunday. My joy was greater when I came home. Time flies unfortunately but it is nice anyway
23.12	For the first time, I will not be home for Christmas. Today, our company celebrates Christmas in a hall in town. We are all deeply impressed by it. Our company commander, Oberleutnant Scheiders, delivered a short, nice Christmas speech and subsequently promoted merited soldiers.
24.12	Today we celebrate Christmas among ourselves in our room. The party was interrupted though by the air raid alarm.
28.12	I injured my foot during the past few days. Therefore I'll have to stay in bed for a few days.

1943

13.1	Our training has made good progress meanwhile. We must show the officers corps of our battalion what we have learned. Of course we all did very well and therefore we are off duty in the afternoon.
17.1	The end of our time as recruits approaches. Today is inspection. Combat inspection by our Kommandeur, Major Scholz.
20.1	Today is drill and classroom inspection. We take the greatest care not to stand out. It went well. Our chef grants us leave for the afternoon.
23-24.1	I am on Sunday leave again for a few hours.
4.2	Today there is final inspection. It is obvious we'll have to pull ourselves together once more so our teachers will be satisfied. Once more, it goes well. In the evening our chef bids us goodbye. He goes to the front. He tells us, he would be happy finding such a troop out there as we were. That is quite an honor. Subsequently, we receive our leave passes.
5.2	I go on leave for 14 days.
14.2	Today, I get a letter by registered mail. I have to go back to the unit on Wednesday.
17.2	Back in the company. It was a false alarm. We would have been transferred but it has been postponed. They could at least have left us at home until Saturday (20.2).
23.2	After having received new uniforms yesterday, today we are transferred to Gren.Ers.Btl. 167 (Grenadier Reserve Battalion) in Herford. From Cologne, where we made a stop, I quickly call home once more so they know about it.
25.2	At Herford railway station we have to change trains and off we go to Russia.
1.3	Since the morning, we drive on Russian soil. We pass Pleskau. While in western Germany, the spring weather is nice, over here it is bitterly cold and there is ice and snow.
2.3	Arrival in Staraja Russa. By way of welcome, we are immediately subjected to Soviet artillery fire. That isn't a nice greeting. We march to an army hostel on Marktplatz. From there, we will continue tomorrow to the 126. Rheinl.-Westf- Inf.-Div. which is deployed in the Demjansk pocket and which we will relieve.
3.3	Transferred from Staraja Russa to Wolot and Gumnitsche (Gumnischtsche). New order: We go back to Wolot (some 20 km) where we have to await further orders. It is pitch dark when we arrive. We are to be billeted in private quarters in Gumnitsche. When I enter the first Russian 'Panjehütte', allocated to us as accommodation for the next few days, I nearly fall over from the stench. But I'll get used to that as well.
7.4	The 5. Jäger-Division takes over our quarters. We climb into trucks and are driven further back to Karpowa. There we'll move into private quarters again. The company has been spread over two villages.
9.4	I leave the kitchen, where I have worked until now as assistant cook and become courier and clerk in the office. Every day, I have to take the daily reports to the battalion office and fetch the mail from Marino.
18.4	From today on I serve in the company again. I have to take part because the general will soon come for inspection and we will be transferred.
27.4	Meanwhile inspection is over and it went very well. We are all set for transfer to the front. Today is the church service of the battalion.
3.5	The day of the transfer to the front has come. In the early morning we board the trucks and are driven to Tuleblja. Ankunft in Tuleblja and from there the same day by tramway to our truss of 1./422. We spend the night at the truss.
4.5	In the morning we are split up. I am posted to 1. Kp. G.R. 422 (...Grenadier Regiment) Commander is Oberlt. Miedel und Spieß is St.-Feldwebel Spoetge.
7.5	Up until now we have been hanging around the truss and today we go forward to the company which is in Pennabogen to cut down trees. In the evening I go forward to the company which will move into position this night. I am posted to the platoon of R.O.B. Gefreiter Gunter Jürgens. We are in a Russian bunker with two platoons. I stand guard during the night. Then forward to the company which is in Pennabogen.
8.5	With the Rössler platoon, we move to the left section of the company in Pennabogen. Our bunker, Russian as well, is small and low. The days pass with much work.
16.5	Today I have to fetch ammo for the platoon. It takes a while before I have found the position of the company. On the way back to the platoon we come under sniper fire. Oberfeldwebel Beisigt is severely injured and Uffz. Lückenderhahn. and a medic are killed while recovering him.
27.5	This evening our company gets a rest. We have done much work. Because it is a swamp area and all positions and bunkers are above ground, everything has to be screened off. There is additional and continuous enemy fire from grenade throwers to disturb our work. Anyway, it is good we get some rest.
28.5	We have moved into good bunkers near the regimental battle station on the river Porussja. Here we can take good care of our bodies again.
4.6	Roll calls, terrain work alternate with work on trenches. I have contracted swamp sores on both feet and therefore I am in the sick bay. It is located in Nagat-Kino (Nagatkino) near the wooden bridge across the Porussja. There is a heroes graveyard as well. The weather is beautiful and so I can go and swim often. Medic Walter Neumann is there as well.
25.6	Today I am discharged from the ward and go back to the company in Pennabogen. It was about time as Iwan got nasty and fired on the ward with heavy stuff. Those were happy days. The weather was marvelous and I could often swim in the Porussja. One day, even a swimming race was organized. During such a rest, one could grow thick and fat. The goofs in the office have forwarded part of my mail with the notice 'wait for new address'. At home, they know where I am though. I bid goodbye to the leader of the ward, Medic Kuhlmann and I am on my way. Up front I am posted to 7 Platoon (Uffz. Hess). Hess, recently promoted to Uffz, is a disgusting man. He thinks he can show off to us soldiers with little front experience. But I have a thick skin as well. Cleaning and work alternate. The positions are, without exception, above ground just like the bunkers. There is swamp all around. We first make a screen. They are made of birch branches with fir branches woven into them and measure 6 by 6 feet. In the rear, engineers put them together and at night, we take them forward. They are heavy and difficult to transport across the trunk dams. On top of that, there is the continuing Russian fire. But we make it, albeit with losses and much sweating. In front of this fir screen, a wooden screen as high as a man and made of logs is erected, always two logs next to each other. In front of this wooden screen an earth dam of equal height is built. Because it is swampy all around us, the earth has to be fetched from far away. The bunkers are secured likewise on the side facing the enemy. In between work, we still have to stand guard, clean our weapons and ourselves. Sleep?!? We now get our meals during the day. That is rather challenging on our part though because in order to get our meals we have to cross open terrain. Iwan knows however, we have supremacy here. But up until now he hasn't disturbed us.
5.7	Today we get a rest again. But not far away, only up to 2. H.K.L. Relief takes place by day and obviously Iwan didn't like it. We must seek cover more often. Hess is ranting terribly as something has been left behind on the position and he holds us responsible. I figured him out long ago and let him rant. When we suffer the first losses, he is of course afraid to go forward again and dispatches me. I feel uneasy as well but I go anyway because after all I am the youngest. The 2 H.K.L. we have moved into has been greatly expanded and has the advance, it is hardly subjected to fire. Our bunker isn't too far away from the Battalion battle station so we have the advantage, not having to walk so far to get out meals. It is very swampy here as well and all traffic uses the trunk roads. For instance I hesitate to think about being injured here because it will probably be very uncomfortable being transported to the dressing station by horse drawn carriage along these bumpy roads. But until now, I have been lucky when I ignore a slight injury on my right hand from shrapnel. If we had thought, rest is rest, we soon learn otherwise. Because here, the slogan reads 'sweat saves blood'. The 2 H.K.L. is being expanded flawlessly. I often go out with Toni Fäustl to do carpentry. We almost had to undergo a test of endurance. One morning, there is a lot of noise out there. Alarm. There is cracking and splintering in the trees. And the air is filled with the noise of shells. The fire peters out soon though, without having caused any damage. In the adjacent area, Iwan has attempted to penetrate into our positions with an assault force. In vain of course. The forward post did suffer losses unfortunately.
11.7	Apart from the necessary bunker guard, in the early morning the company marches in closed formation to a religious service in the field. It is wonderful Sunday morning as we march to the rear in small groups across the trunk dams. Only now and then, a deafening hit by a shell or a shot of a nearby gunner interrupts the twitter and whistle of the small inhabitants of the forest. After about an hour, we reach our 'church': an open space that is basking in the light of the morning sun. The companies line up in squares. In the center the altar, covered with the Reichskriegsflagge. The band of the regiment joins us on the left while all around us, the comrades stand anti-aircraft guard with their MGs. As the two preachers appear – one of them wears the EK 1 from WW 1, they are reported by the oldest officer. They alternately deliver the sermon. Everything which seems to be necessary to say is said in military manner: short and clear. Any fancy phrase would be out of place here. It is a service none of us will ever forget. While close by shells shake the earth with deafening explosions, about a hundred soldiers sing and the band of the regiment plays the old Lutheranian song: 'A strong fortress is our God'. I never experienced the dinner that followed in any church so solemnly and without pathos as the one here in the face of the enemy. The next few days are rich in variety in the sense that a company party is organized in the recreation hall of the regiment in the forest of Lissi-Gorki. A very pleasant change in lovely weather. There is beer and the band of the regiment plays. The mood is exuberant. When Rheinian songs are played though, the mood turns somewhat sad – for the most part we come from the Rhineland or Westphalia. Soldiers know homesickness too but with alcohol, a lot can be forgiven. In the night we march across the 'Himmel-arsch und Wolkenbruch' bridge near Nagatkino, past the local heroes cemetery to our quarters in the 2. HKL. On one of the following days, I get a lump in my back. It hurts very much. I can hardly move, let alone sleep in my bed of birch branches. I go to the doctor who first gives me a couple of Dextro-Energen tablets (he's afraid I'll pass out), then cuts open the lump and declares me unfit for duty. The six Uhu's of the regimental band play for us in the forward position although the gunfire from XXXX is disturbing.
23.7	The 126. I.D. is withdrawn from the Ilmensee (Plenna) combat area for a well-earned rest of a few weeks. Today, after having been relieved by the 8.-Schleswig-Jäger, we leave the position. As my lump has not healed yet, I don't have to walk but can ride in the car of the truss to our new quarters in Starina. En route we meet the Jäger and I am astonished about their equipment of MGs, PAK and quadruple AA guns. In Starina we are housed in Finnish tents. It is a giant step forward compared to the bunker at the front line. When towards the afternoon, the bulk of the company marches in (dusty roads, passing trucks and tongues hanging out) the band of the regiment plays at the entrance of the village to welcome the company. The next days, the weather is very nice and we make very good use of it by swimming in the river Ssnesha which flows very close to our tents. Our horses enjoy themselves too when they are led into the stables. We are practically free from duty and we enjoy the days. One day we watch how our cable balloon over the front (our sector Penna) is downed by Ratas. The observer bails out with his parachute. At night, we stand guard just like at the front because after all, we live close to it. It is more pleasant here though then at the front itself, even when in the 'guard room' – an old Russian room where I sleep during off duty hours - there are cockroaches creeping over your hands and face. In this period, rumors circulate to the effect that we are to be transferred to Lake Ladoga. And that sounds bad as according to Wehrmacht reports, all hell has broken loose over there. In the end, we also learn from Oblt. (Heinz) Otlewski, our Chef after Miedel and Höfgen (Hülzenheini) the official message that we will be transferred to Mga 'shortly'. The mood is not so joyful anymore. A party together with the 83. Jäger is almost a goodbye to Starina and for many comrades the last party of their lives. It is also shocking when Toni (Anton) Fäustl von Franzl from Vienna has the cards laid out for some fortune-telling. The Company is transferred to Starina; the Div. is drawn back from the HKL.
1.8	In the early morning we march to Tuleblja. It is stifling hot. By way of Welkoje-Sselo and Alexino we reach the railway station. We start loading up immediately. All vehicles have to be tied down securely. Meanwhile the rumor goes around that instead of going to Lake Ladoga, we will be going west - the wish of all front soldiers. This rumor sticks until we disembark the next day. We leave in the afternoon. We travel the whole night. A brand new train takes us through the woods. I stood guard in the wagon all night.
2.8	In the morning we arrive in Karsino. We unload the cars. We see the first Tiger tank that is loaded due damage to its tracks. The armor shows numerous hits without causing damage to the crew however. The crew tells nasty things about Mga. We march 9.3 miles and put up tents.
3.8	We marched 12.5 miles to the front. Now we have to think of camouflage. Russian pilots fly over us. The forests are infinitely beautiful though. There are hardly paved roads, instead there are trunk dams (which later on will be doused with gasoline and set ablaze. A masterly achievement of our engineers. For trucks, many passing points have been created. Traffic on the roads is very ghostly at night; especially when you get closer to the front. The forest are full of ammunition and material. On top of it all: strictest blackout because of the 'Nebelkrähen' (Polikarpow Po-2 light night reconnaissance aircraft. Ed.).
4-5.8	At 05:00 in the night we put up tents in the forests near Mga. In order to make waiting for our employment not too long and to divert our thoughts, we practice artillery support in the woods. The Russians fire at us now and then. As for the rest we lead a cozy life in our tents, even rain can't bother us too much. With every day that we stay here, the war gets a little shorter because the noise we hear from the front isn't encouraging.
6.8	Hauptmann (Bernhard) Diederich delivers a speech for his Btl. So, combat isn't very far off any more.
7.8	Departure. Durch Mga in the direction of Ssinjawino, 7.5 miles across from Schüsselburg, east of Leningrad. The route takes us through forests, past convoys with ammunition and horse carts on wooden rails. Here our former company commander, Leutnant (Rudolf Rubsam), whom we called Bubi and who has been transferred to another company a few days before, greets us once more. He sat high on his horse and he was really pleased to see us. Cracks and jokes fly around. He was one of the first who was killed at Mga. In the night, we relieved the comrades of the 28. Jäger-Division on position Hill 43,3. It was quiet.
8.8	Quiet until the afternoon. Meanwhile we could get familiar with our new section. Otherwise disturbing fire and target practice on our bunkers which were partly hit. My battle station was that kind of former bunker too.
9.8	In the afternoon, the Russian attacks the 'Finger' (salient) where 2. platoon is stationed. He is thrown back in a counterattack led by Fw. Gerhard Jordan. From my position I can give him flanking fire. Furthermore strong disturbing fire and aerial attacks. Low flying pilots bomb trenches with phosphor grenades.
10.8	Continuous drum fire and enemy attacks on the salient. (Injury according to the certificate of ownership of the Medal of the Injured in black, dated 17.8.1943 and signed by the battalion commander, Hauptmann Bernard Diederichsen).
11.8	Drum fire and enemy attack on the 'Fingerstellung'. Counterattack by Lt. Willi (Leader 1. Platoon) with Konitzni and Bubi who threw Iwan back. A message that we will be relieved in the afternoon. Oblt. Otlewski has moved into our bunker as the company command post is knocked out by a direct hit. Ogefr. Sushe, our weapons man, is temporarily buried. Our bunker is also subjected to individual fire. Shells strike all around us but no hits. Toni Fäustl receives the EK II. When the Chef needs a man to take a message to Fw. Jordan, he volunteers immediately and on the return trip he is killed close to our bunker by artillery fire. In the night we are relieved and march to the regimental battle station to get some rest. Here the truss delivers the leave pass of Toni Fäustl and another brings the message I would have been killed! Konitzni gets his EK I from Oberst Wulf. I bring a prisoner back.
13.8	We have slept and rested well, in the evening we relieve troops at the front again as there has been heavy fighting during the day.
14.8	As Iwan still occupies the 'Fingerstellung', we go there to attack. Fighting goes back and forth all day. The Russian have laid small anti-personnel mines in the approach. Kurt Stöcker from Haspe steps on such a mine and the explosions tears both his legs off. He died a terrible death as Reinhard Thuss tells me later. As the entire 'Finger' consisted entirely of sand, my gun jammed right after the start of the counterattack. While searching a new gun or hand grenades (dozens of guns were lying around), I get separated from the company and launched the attack on my own in the company next to us. At dusk, the fortification was solidly in our hands and I set off to look for my company which I did find eventually. I must say here that in the meantime, I had been reported missing. We were released the same night.
15.8	In the evening we march to the kitchen area. It is a nice feeling to leave the front behind. How small has our group become though.
16.8	In the evening we return to the regiment. We will stay there in reserve.
18.8	A heavy enemy attack in the early morning. We are alerted and immediately sent on our way. The Russian is already in the kitchen and our bunkers. (combat outpost of I. and II Btl.). We launch a counterattack and throw the Russians out in heavy fighting. The village is soon liberated. A flanking movement takes us across the terrain to the outpost of the regiment where we continue the attack with our StuG's. As we are under heavy fire – attracted by the tanks – we are drawn back soon and move into the bunker village. We already thought the war was over for us as there was talk of the relief of the entire Division. In the afternoon, we were indeed sent out to relieve the bicycle company once more. For about a mile, we had to work our way forward through bombed trenches with MGs and ammunition containers. It was hard work. Shortly before we reached our destination – we were lying in a ditch – the Russian fired at us from the front completely unexpected. The Gruppenführer, Uffz. (Wilhelm) Küven was killed on the spot. I saved myself with an insane jump from the ditch over the slope to the bunker. We were deployed on the left of the salient. Twice, a direct hit destroyed my foxhole which I had left each time for obvious reasons. In the evening we were relieved and we marched directly to the truss.
19.8	At the truss in Erika-Grund we catch our breath without ever forgetting what is behind us We went to Mga with 80 men, now there are 14 left and none of us unscathed. More than half of the casualties was killed. When the Btl. falls in - in a secured meadow – to be greeted by Div. Kommandeur Genlt. Hoppe (our 'wild Harri') the Btl. is at company strength.
20.8	Today we drive to Kirsino. I say drive. The few of us will find a place somewhere. Moreover, I am in command of the rear and have to collect material from our last resting place of 4 to 7.8 1943. Then we leave for Kirsino in beautiful weather. Beautiful surroundings.
21.8	Transport again. I meet comrades from Eschweiler from 424 and 426 who have endured the whole thing as well.
22.8	Offloading in Krasnogwardeisk (Gattschina), the residence of Catharine the Great. From here we march into a Finnish village where we will find quarters for 24 hours. The sensation of the day is that we can buy milk from the very friendly Finns. 2 Mark for 2 pints. Money isn't an issue however.
23.8	We are driven in trucks to the new position, the Leningrad suburb of Urizk. We drive to the combat post of the regiment after we have seen Kronstadt and Leningrad. The positions would be quiet. On arrival, we are greeted with a barrage of bombs during which we hardly see or hear anything. But no casualties. After everything has quieted down, we move into our position.

Group photo of 1. Kompanie Grenadier- Regiment 422 of the glorious Rheinl.-Westf. 126. Infanterie-Division. Kröger is the fourth from right in the second row from the top. Source: Collection Rik van Velzen

The names of all people on the photo above. Source: Collection Rik van Velzen

Definitielijst

Division: Military unit, usually consisting of one upto four regiments and usually making up a corps. In theory a division consists of 10,000 to 20,000 men.
Führer: German word for leader. During his reign of power Adolf Hitler was Führer of Nazi Germany.
Infantry: Foot soldiers of a given army.
Jäger: Also called fighter plane. Fighter planes can be used for air defence (armed with guns and/or carrying guided missiles) or for tactical purposes (armed with nuclear or conventional bombs or rockets). The aircraft used for tactical purposes are also called fighter- bombers because they are bombers with the speed and manoeuvrability of a fighter. Tactical fighters, equipped with photographic equipment are also used as reconnaissance plane.
Luftwaffe: German air force.
mine: An object filled with explosives, equipped with detonator which is activated by either remote control or by colliding with the targeted object. Mines are intended to destroy of damage vehicles, aircrafts or vessels, or to injure, kill or otherwise putting staff out of action. It is also possible to deny enemy access of a specific area by laying mines.
raid: Fast military raid in enemy territory
Regiment: Part of a division. A division divided into a number of regiments. In the army traditionally the name of the major organised unit of one type of weapon.
Rhineland: German-speaking demilitarized area on the right bank of the Rhine which was occupied by Adolf Hitler in 1936 after World War 1.
sniper: Military sniper who can eliminate individual targets at long distances (up to about 800 meters).
Wehrmacht: German armed military forces, divided in ground forces, air force and navy.

1944

The most difficult year

1.1

Together with K.H. Gooksch on guard duty in the battalion command post in a two man concrete bunker. The company is deployed in a tank trap near part of 9. Comp. It has been snowing heavily and for the first time, it is really cold. An ice cold wind blows in from Leningrad and the sea. We must turn up the heater in our bunker. During the night, our comrades up front have launched New Year's fireworks with tracer bullets and flares. Iwan has showered us with Klopsen (grenades). But not badly.

7.1

Today, our company relieves 2 Comp in the Suppenstellung on Seeuferstraße. K.H. Gooksch and I return to our company. I am posted to the group of Uffz. (Unteroffizier, NCO) Heinz Engels as machinegunner. 2 Comp is put in reserve in the division command post in Strelnja. It is quiet in the Suppenstellung. Our bunker is situated beneath the tracks of the Leningrad tramway. There is a lot of work. The trenches are always full of snow. It is bitterly cold outside.

Heavy fighting/Injuries

9.1	A direct hit on B position. The guard is dead.
12.1	We are relieved by a unit of Landesschützen. Until now, we were the company lying furthest to the right in Russia (apart from the Finnish army!). We arrive in the position of II. Btl. in a slump in the terrain as reserve regiment and move into the Stollenbunker. The bunkers are full of lice. Heaven knows who has lived here. We could sit out the war here.
13.1	Today it is rather hectic. During the night, the Russians have broken through with 100 men between I and II Btl. but have been thrown back. Once again, we have to clear trenches at 3 Comp.
14.1	Alarm! Iwan wants to attack, it remains quiet though.
15.1	Drum fire along the entire line. We relieve II. Btl. II. Btl. will be posted to G.R 424 for a counterattack. Iwan has launched his massive attack and has broken through near 170 I.D. Iwan also attacks from the Oranienbaum pocket.
18.1	Iwan has gained much ground with his massive attack. He is already near Krasnoje Selo. Soon, the ring around our Div. is closed. You can see that at night by the tracer bullets. It is really quiet in front of our position. He seems to have drawn back his troops. In the afternoon we get the order to abandon the position after the code word 'Schwarzer Mann'. Our platoon remains behind in last defense.
19.1	Towards 09:00 we leave the most forward trenches, the last German troops in Leningrad and we march to the position of the regiment. Explosions everywhere. Soviet pilots are over us. But ours are there as well. We march almost all day. We often pass through burning villages. In the evening we stop suddenly. The road is blocked. We are surrounded. 1 Comp is ordered to launch a counterattack. Jelischewo village is captured. The division can move on. (road between Ropscha and Gottschina).
20.1	We are granted a few hours of sleep in a village. But then we have to get up again and move into position. On our left, the Russians attack along the road. Many of their tanks are being knocked out by our AT guns. They managed to penetrate into the village of Kainelaisi. In the darkness, they are thrown back by a counterattack of our comp. 150 dead are left behind. We also capture some material. We draw back a few miles.
21.1	In Iwanowka we take up position in front of a tank ditch. The enemy attacks. The road is blown too early. Heinz Engels is severely bruised by heavy chunks of earth. I was better off as he lay on top of me and I on my machinegun. Iwan managed to push us back. However, we did not succeed in recapturing the tank ditch. During the day, it remained calm.
22.1	In the morning, Iwan attacked. The superiority was too great. We ran out of ammunition. We had to go. It seems a miracle I reached the position of the regiment alive., Many comrades have fallen, including Rudi Sommerfeld, Paul Klink, Willi Dereu and others. Oberleutnant Otlowski was severely injured. We drew further back from the Finnenkirche. In the afternoon we took up position. Backwards again during the night.
23.1	By truck and then on foot further to Rebbelewo. Finally the food trucks came by. During lunch I was injured by shrapnel in my back. With Obergefreiter Johann Basse, who had a splinter in his lower leg, I went to the dressing station. From there we went to Wolossowo (25.1)
27.1	Arrival in Riga by hospital train.
29.1	Admitted to army hospital 2/608 in Pulvertum. I spent 3 nice weeks in Riga.
21.2	Discharged from hospital in Riga. To front control station in Pleskau.
22.2	In Pleskau. Pleskau completely destroyed by aerial attacks. All members of the 126 I.D. assemble at the station.
26.2	We leave for the HKL (Hauptkampflinie, main defense line). The division is not yet there. We move into bunkers and clear ditches. I met Heinz Wupperfeld and my machine gunner 2 Willi Naust.
28.2	The division has moved into position.
29.2	I report back to the company and am posted as machine gunner 1 in Uffz. Heinz Engels' group again. Platoon leader is Fw. (Feldwebel) Jordan and company commander L. Dittloff.
1.3	Today it is quiet
2.3	Iwan makes himself noticed. The forward guards are already in contact with him.
3.3	The forward posts are engaged in combat. 2. Company lies there. They have attacked and scored some successes but also suffered losses. In the evening we are deployed there as reinforcement. On the way there, Heinz Engels, Heinz Wupperfeld and Walter Neumann are injured.
4.3	The enemy attacks. I score three hits with the PAK from the MG nest. Nothing else happens. Only Gert Heistrüvers is lightly injured. We have to fall back on the HKL. We are surrounded. Seven burnt out tanks stand before the barbed wire. The attack has been repelled.
5.3	Today it is calm. We have to work though. We have to dig the trenches by blowing the frozen earth.
6.3	Enemy attack repelled. A tank struck a mine right before the barbed wire. Today I received the EK 2. I am proud.
10.3	Iwan has not attacked anymore. But he has bombed us with heavy stuff. We are finally relieved. 7 miles to the right we take up position. We are driven there in trucks. It is freezing cold.
11.3	Iwan attacks after a drum fire. That is not a nice welcome. But it is repelled. Lt. Peters takes command of the company. In the evening we move into bunker 'Renate; . Some quiet days follow. We make a few reconnaissance patrols. Willi Büschkes commands the platoon and then Domi Leifels. Fredi Kiy is in the platoon as well.

Quiet position

23.3	Today we are relieved. The Btl. gets a rest near Pleskau (Lissi-Gorki).
24.3	We have endured some roll calls. We were also in the cinema. In the evening we went back to Pleskau.
25.3	In the evening we reinforced position G.R. 426
26.3	G.R. 426 makes a violent reconnaissance. In the afternoon we march to our resting place. In the evening we have a marvelous company party. Ede Ohlmann is back in the company.
27.3	To delousing
28.3	Roll call of the Btl. Der Kommandeur, Oblt. Braake talked about the Btl. of the division withstanding tanks. In the evening back to the position in trucks. G.R. 426 relieved. The position is quiet. Every second day we move into the combat outpost. I was in the group of Uffz. Lüdtke. Platoon commander was Fhj Uffz Hermann Webels from Kray. I did a few patrols with him
4.4	In the evening it is suddenly: Get ready, we'll be relieved. It is obvious what that means The other companies have left for Ostrow a few days earlier. There, Iwan has launched a major attack. We will be deployed there as well. We are taken there by truck.
5.4	Arrival in the area of Ostrow. For the time being, the company remains in reserve. It is quite hectic here. Pilots of both sides are very active. In the evening, our platoon is charged with securing the flanks and Flak and StuGs It still is very quiet. Bombing is continuous though.
6.4	Early morning we retreat into the houses. Our group builds a temporary bunker in a shed. Only two guards remain outside. The alarm sounds in the afternoon. Stukas attack. One of them is downed by enemy Flak and lands in flames nearly a hundred yards away from me. An Oblt. who has bailed out crawled up to uns. The gunner, an Oberfeldwebel has burned to death. Our position was subjected to fire from all sorts of weapons. Nonetheless, we suffered not even a single loss. Towards darkness we are being bombed heavily. During the night we were finally relieved.
7.4	We move into a village. Our group is building a provisional bunker in a shed. The village is under fire. Iwan finally scores a hit in our shed. Nothing happens though. Lt. Peters was severely injured previously as well. He died from his injuries. Fw. Jordan is in command of the company. In the evening we march to the Regimental combat outpost. During the night we march further into a village.
8.4	Arrival at the truss by truck. In the evening in position again. The company is commanded by Lt. Gressow. We relieve G.R. 424 on the strong points Anton, Berta, Dora und Cäsar. We take up position in strong point Cäsar. There is swamp all around us. It seems to be quiet. The strong point lies near a railway embankment (Pleskau).
10.4	In the early morning our group is relieved and transferred to strong point Berta. That was annoying as our bunker was finally completed. Willi Geller and Ede Ohlmann are also in Berta I. Willi Becker is the commander. The strong points are wide apart and lonely. We are on our own.
21.4	Yesterday it was the Führer's birthday. This morning it was quiet at first, as always. Suddenly there was chaos. Iwan has attacked with 50 men and has occupied the strong point. We got our share as well. The reserve launched a counterattack which failed. Uffz. Neumann seriously injured. Numerous losses in death and wounded. In the afternoon, 3. Kp. launches a counterattack and throws Iwan back. Now, everything is being mined and barbed wire is put up. We begin building a bunker in Berta. Berta I is abandoned and mined.
5.5	Meanwhile Berta has expanded steadily and our bunker is finished. A V.B. of 3. Kp. is up front as well. This morning, Iwan has attacked Casär after a preliminary bombardment and has captured it. He has suffered heavy losses though, in particular in the mine field. Fw. v. Jania got injured. A few comrades have fallen. 3. Kp. launched a counterattack again and threw Iwan out once more. In Berta, we get our share again.
12.5	At the command post of the Btl., a recreational facility has been established. A few comrades have already been there. Today I go. It is very nice. A few days ago, Uffz. Heinz Engels has returned to the company. Initially he took over our group but later he became commander of strong point Anton II. Fw. Jordan has received the German Cross in Gold and was promoted to Obfw. These days, Btl. commander Hauptmann Marack has received the Knights Cross., along with Hptm. Rotkowski, (Kdr. Küs.-Btl.) and Oblt. Gehrmann (Chef 3.-Kp.).
15.5	At nightfall we are relieved by G.R. 426 and march to the Regimental command post.
16.5	We climb aboard trucks and relieve our Füsiliers 7 km away. It is a position in a forest with much swamp. Emplacements and bunkers almost exclusively above ground. But it is quiet like in peace time. Only at night there is disturbing fire from the infantry. We have to do much work though.
24.5	Uffz. Siegfried Lüdtke, who had been on leave at home in the meantime, has taken over our group again. Tonight, we relieve Fredi Kiy's group. (Fredi was promoted to Uffz. a few days ago). He is stationed in strong point Mitte, about a mile away from the HKL. It is rather quiet here as well.
25.5	Lt. Lunkenheimer (commander of the strong point) orders me to go to the doctor tomorrow. Therefore I have to return to the HKL in the early evening. I sleep in Fredi Kiy's bunker.
26.5	I go with Uffz, Baumgart (Medic) to the doctor. He sends me to the HVP. I bid goodbye to the company commander and go to the truss in the afternoon.
27.5	Fredi Kiy goes on leave today. I give him a letter for at home. He is to bring a package for me. In the afternoon I go to the HVP. I am operated upon right away. I travel to Wölk on the hospital train.
28.5	In Wölk. I go to delousing and the assembly point. In the evening I travel to Pernau by tramway.

Back in hospital

29.5	Arrival in field hospital 508 Pernau. I get room 10. It seems to be very nice here. Pernau lies in Estonia and is a bathing resort.
4.6	At first I have to stay in bed. But today I get out for the first time. My first destination is the beach of course. It is wonderful there. One could stay here. I hope the weather remains as it is.
8.6	Today, the atarroma on my head is removed. The Estonian female surgeon does it. I am the guinea pig as this is her first operation.
21.6	In this room there are fine comrades. Three men from my division are there as well: Uffz. Kudlec aus Düsseldorf ist z.B. von unser 3. Kp. Er wurde beim Gegenstoß aud Cäsar am 5.5 schwer verletzt. Alfred Pose von der 12.-Luftw.-Felddiv. hat heute Geburtstag. That of course is duly celebrated. Nurse Hanni has brought something as well. In the meantime, of course I went for a swim in the Baltic Sea everyday. It is just wonderful. I have been granted leave by the company. But now, leave is banned again. That is a double misfortune because a refresher training for mechanics at Riga University, that I wanted to attend, has been canceled as a result.
3.7	Franz Kudlec will be transferred to Germany. Reason for another party.
4.7	Today we have a reason for a party once more. It is the birthday of one of the girls working here as nurses (medical student), Herzi Pötter.
13.7	Today I am registered as fit to fight once more. Actually I would have like to go to the photographer together with Günter Grube (3.426) but that's not going to happen now.
14.7	Today, I travel back to the unit. I take Günter Grube on a tour of Pernau once more and then I have to say goodbye definitely. The seven weeks of sick leave in field hospital 5087 are over. When I said goodbye to Herzi Pötter, she begged me to write. I will of course gladly do so. My train leaves at 21:20

Wandering

15.7	Arrival in Walk in the morning. From the command post, I am taken to Karsau (Karsava). The division is no longer in Pleskau then. My train leaves at 15:20. I arrive in Schwanenburg (Gulbene) the same night. I slept on the airfield. There was an air raid alarm in the night but nothing happened.
16.7	At 08:45 from Schwanenburg to Abrehne. There was a nice air raid in Abrehne. I travel to Karsau on a freight train which also carries the 13./424. The Div. wasn't in Karsau. Together with a comrade, I am directed to Rossitten. We spent the night in Karsau however. (Nach Ludsen über Rossitten).
17.7	I found out that the regiment had been in Karsau but had moved on. This morning, our Ari arrived as well but later on, they moved on as well. On a transport carrying our Div. Btl. we traveled to Rossitten. We spent the night there because I had to see the doctor the next day.
18.7	To the doctor. His diagnosis: bone skin inflammation in my knee. I get one day of bed rest and then continue to the main office at the front.
19.7	All members of X.A.K. are not taken any further. We work in Feldlazarett 263.
22.7	As late as today, we are directed further. We are with 4 comrades of the Div. We will get through. We are directed to Ludsen. On the way there, we spend the night in a farm house.
23.7	On we go in the direction of Ludsen in trucks. The village was abandoned by our troops last night. We report to the command post of the 263 I.D. Our I.D. isn't here. We are directed to the command post in Rossitten (Rezekne). That has been abandoned already. So we have to go to Kreuzburg (Kruispils). On the station we are being bombed. We go to the trunk road and fight our way through in trucks. We spend the night in a farmhouse in Welonen. We covered 20 miles.
24.7	In trucks we drive on in the direction of Kreuzburg. We pass long columns. The civilians are fleeing before the Russians. 7.5 miles before Kreuzburg we move into our quarters on a farm. Today we traveled 41 miles.
25.7	We continue our journey to Kreuzburg in trucks. We finally arrive in the afternoon. We receive marching orders to Rugdeji. We spend the night on a farm outside Kreuzburg.
26.7	The journey goes on. In the afternoon we arrive in Schwanenburg. We make a stop in Modohn (Madona). The night is spent on a farm.
27.7	The journey in trucks goes on. In the afternoon we arrive in Schwanenburg. We spend the night on a farm near the airfield.
28.7	Via Balvi we continue in trucks to our destination. In Balvi the air already contains iron (shells). We spend the night near the truss of Ar. Reg. 218. Route (written by hand): Pernau – Wolk ? Wolk ?, ?,? Schwanenburg - Abrehne, Abrehen - Karsau, Rossitten - Ludsen, Ludsen – Kreuzburg, Kreuzburg …. Rest indecipherable.

Days full of variations

29.7	We have finally stumbled upon the Div. St.Gefr. Hubert Herberts has already found his batterie. Gefr. Joh. Miederer and I begin searching our regiment. In the evening we arrive at the truss and spend the night there.
30.7	In the morning the Spieß (Company Sergeant Major) takes me forward directly to the company. It lies some 12.5 miles from Schwanenburg to the right of the roller track between Rossitten and Schwanenburg. The Kp. is commanded by Lt. Daseler. I join the group of Gefr. Willi Geller. Jakob Herberueck is in the group as well. He returned to the company yesterday. I am in a MG post on the left of a lovely brick building. The owner is still there. She is blind. Pigs and cows still walk between Iwan and us. The clouds get a little thinner but the air is still swell. A while ago, Geller told me the Russians will attack on the right. It is quite a racket out there. Time is 17:00 Haberneck is asleep. Two Russian pilots flew over us but otherwise it is very quiet again. Our artillery and MGs fire from time to time. Tonight we will have to go back again.
31.7	During the night and in thick fog, we retreated some 4.3 miles to the west in the direction of Schwanenburg. Our company made up the rear guard. We almost got lost in this fog. The bridge across the river behind which our pick-up position is located, had been blown already. We had to cross the river in a decrepit canoe. This morgen, the company was rearranged. I got a group too. Four men and 1 MG 42. We take up position on the river Petezka. We have built a bridge across the river. Afterwards I took a swim in the river of course. Later on I set fire to three hay stacks in my area. Iwan might hide behind them. One man stands guard, the others sleep. I'll get some sleep as well. But first I have to do a reconnaissance patrol. My first as a leader. The forest we were to search, is free of enemies.
1.8	I slept well in the shed. During the night, there was some noise in the forest. 3. Komp fired some shots but there was nothing wrong. Two men have gone to fetch ammunition. Straub (Gruppenführer 1. Gruppe) has emptied a bee hive. The honey tastes nice. In the afternoon, Iwan has attacked 2. Kp. in the village and has broken through. I have to counterattack with my group. Iwan was very strong. We defeated him nonetheless. I had flank protection on my right. In the evening me and my group are posted between 2. and 3. Kp. When I relieved the PI-platoon, I met Reinhold Theiß. He serves in the cavalry now.
2.8	Today, 15 Russians, who were still on our side, managed to get past our guards unnoticed. That was real bad. Otherwise, the day progressed quietly. Iwan delivered strong disturbing fire.
3.8	I was in the outpost of the company today and asked for leave. But it won't happen.
5.8	Discussion between the groups and the Chef of 3. Kp. The position has to be expanded further.
6.8	My group was relieved during the night. I am back in 1. Kp.
7.8	Today I took a fine bath in the river again. K.H. Knips came forward as Kp. Tr.-Führer. At 21:50 we are ordered: break contact with enemy. The bridge is destroyed. We retreat 9.3 miles.
8.8	We take up a new pick-up post on the roller track to Schwanenburg. I get another 2 man extra in the group. The position extends past a farm. Cattle is still there. Of course, a pig is slaughtered. Straub sees to it.
9.8	Everyday, a group has to stand guard in the forward post 800 yards in front of the HKL. Today is my turn. We have put observers in trees right away. But it is very boring.
11.8	Today is group discussion. More work must be done on the position.
12.8	As I came back to the combat post, Straub came up with a few men and we did a patrol of 2.5 miles in the direction of the enemy looking for cattle. We had no success though.
13.8	We are relieved at 01:00. We relieve Latvian SS men at 6.2 miles away from Sesswegen. We have been taken there by truck. It is a strong point in a forest. Today there was a violent thunderstorm. Straub moves into the forward position with his group. We relieve each other daily. The HKL is on a railway embankment. The forward post is on a winding river.
16.8	After I was relieved from the forward post today, I am ordered to take a patrol out to ascertain whether the hamlet of Venkaunkas is free of enemies. I entered it with a few men. There were no enemies. Unfortunately, we were unable to attack an approaching Russian patrol. We lacked the right man, the firepower and an advantageous position. A few sheds standing in the line of fire were burnt down.
16.8	When I was in the outpost during the night – there was a thick fog - we defeated a patrol with MG and Hgr. which was making its way towards us through the river bed.
19.8	Today, Iwan has settled down in Venkaunkas.
21.8	My section takes over 2. Kp. I take the Kp. section on our right. Before that I was in the sauna. In the evening I had to go on patrol. Order: bring in prisoners. Ede Ohlmann and a few men of his group went along. Because of a heavy ground fog and a full moon, we failed. The commander wasn't satisfied and sent us out once more at 01:00. Result: zero.
22.8	In the evening relieved by 424. We drove 1.8 miles in trucks, then we spent the night.
23.8	We were moved up 31.5 miles further to the right in trucks to the area Ergli – Modohn. We relieve 23 I.D. We are under rather heavy Ari-fire. In the evening we take up position. It can become hectic.
24.8	The Russians launch a dense barrage. Our platoon is spared. Some members of a Russian patrol wanting to capture our guards, have been shot. In the evening, 3. Kp. relieved me and I take up position further to the right
25.8	At dawn, the usual disturbing fire starts which soon turns into drum fire. Fighter bombers attack. Iwan broke through on left and right. We have to draw back as well. Further back, we took up new positions.
26.8	After the drum fire, Iwan attacked again and managed to break through near 3. Kp. Then we had to retreat. When everyone had come together, we took up new positions to draw further back in the evening.
27.8	After a long march, we are deployed by 11 I.D. In the morning, Ede Ohlmann got severely injured in an enemy surprise attack. He died later in the field hospital. In the afternoon we launched an attack through a forest which was under heavy artillery fire. I took Güldner to the dressing station (lung injury) On the way there, medic Baumgart was severely injured. So was Lt. Daseler.
28.8	Regiment has been relieved and gets rest. In the evening we take up a new position.
29.8	Kp. is transferred to the right flank of the Btl.
4.9	Today, Iwan attacked twice. During the first we had to go back a bit. Domi Leifels injured. Kp. Führer Isenhorst und ein Melder, Heller, killed by an Orgeleinschlag (Katusha rocket)
7.9	Uffz. Willi Becker returns to the Kp. He becomes my Gruppenführer (section commander).
9.9	We are put in reserve. We do work in the next days and go on patrol. Oberfeldw Bögel is in command of the group.
14-15.9	The Russians launch a massive attack on I. Batt without success. We are relieved by the 'Greif'.
16.9	We launched a counterattack near II. Batt and took up position there in the night. We suffered heavy losses.
17.9	The Russians attacked in the morning with heavy drum fire. Four tanks ahead of me. I score two hits from the MG nest. I get a concussion as a result though. I am sent to the HVP. Oberfeld. Bögel is severely injured as well.
19.9	Discharged from the HVP. In the evening I arrive at the truss very pleased. There I met Theo Schlüchter, K.H. and others. Both had been injured on 27.8
20.9	Tonight I go back to the front again.
21.9	Back in the Kp. I am employed as Kp.-Tr.-Melder. The Russian launches heavy disturbing fire with grenade throwers.
22.9	Russians have broken through on left and right. On 23.9 we set up a new pick-up point 15.5 miles to the rear. The Russians attacked there right away. Kp. Fhr. killed. I had hurt my feet and went to the doctor with San, Uffz. Hans Thöne. I must go to the truss. On the way there, we and the PAK (I.422) were cut off during an enemy attack, we could fight our way out though. (Breakthrough with tractors.
24.9	I drove to the truss in the food truck. I spent a nice week there. Meanwhile, Max Ott returned from his training course. On 30.9, 1. Kp. was relieved. Posted to 2. Kp./G.R. 422.
1.10	Back in the company. I am appointed Kp.-Tr.-Melder. Lt. Lange (from Essen) commands the Kp.
5.10	Today, withdrawal in the direction of Riga began. We covered 9.3 miles during the night.
6.10	In the new pick-up position. First off, a cow is slaughtered. Then Iwan came. At night we went to the rear again.
7.10	We take up position in a forest. Iwan attacked in the afternoon and pushed us back. We launched a number of counterattacks. That was heavy fighting. In the evening we retreated again.
8.10	Took up position in a forest. The Russians were on the roller track near 122 I.D. ('Greif') and II./424 and broke through. In the evening we continue drawing back.
9.10	Taken up new position on a roller track. I became courier in the Batt. The Russians attacked. In a counterattack, a breakthrough was prevented. Hauptmann Braake, who has been awarded the Ritterkreuz for his actions on 1.8, commands the rear guard of the division. I stay with the staff. Iwan attacked at night. He didn't get near us. We drive to Riga in trucks

Kurland

10.10	We marched 18.5 miles to Schlock. There we took a rest.
11.10	In a Sankatransport 18.5 miles further. We should go to Germany on leave. But alas…….
12.10	Alarm. Iwan has broken through near Libau. We are taken there by truck.
13.10	We arrive 13.5 miles south of Libau. We attacked along 1.2 miles on the Baltic coast and took up position. In the evening we captured Russian food trucks.
15.10	Today, four years ago, the 126 I.D. was established in Senne. Iwan attacked twice today. Each time he was beaten back in bloody counterattacks. On 17.10 anyway. On 19.10 it was just an attempt. We were relieved the same evening and got two days rest in the village of Jurmaleiens. Uffz Schüchter has been in command of the company for a few weeks. After him, we got Lt. Niggemeier and finally Oberlt. Bohndorf who is 47 years of age and a wonderful man and officer.
4.11	The days passed quietly and were spent building fortifications and bunkers. Prisoners must be brought in again. This evening I am on a reconnaissance patrol with Kdr./Unterarzt Vollmer und Fw. Schlüchter.
5.11	I join an assault group with Fw. Schlüchter. Vinz, Hauptmann (Bat man of the Oberlt.) is with us too. During this patrol, which yielded no success, Fw. Schlüchter was killed. A few weeks later, he was awarded the Goldene Nahkampfspange and the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold.
9.11	Again on an assault patrol with Oberfeldw (später Oberfähnrich) Silbermann. We had no success.
12.11	Today I was awarded the Nahkampfspange in Bronze
15.11	At dusk, assault patrol again. It also failed. The Stoßtruppführer, a Lt., Uffz. Jansen and 2 men missing. Numerous heavily casualties. In the night I had to lead a search party without any result.
29.11	Meanwhile I have commanded various patrols. Otherwise, the days passed with nothing happening. Tonight we will be relieved by the 32. I.D. (Pommeranian 'Löwen-Div.') We spent only a few hours at the truss.
30.11	Arrival in Libau by truck. We continued to Schrunden (Skrundas) by train right away. There we were subjected to heavy artillery bombardments. We spend the night in Schrunden.
1.12	In the morning we drive on in trucks towards the HKL. It is very hectic there. We light a fire in the forest. It is cold and wet. In the evening we go forward, then back again as Div.-Reserve.
2.12	I set out with a few man to look for accomodation for the Kp. They are to be housed in bunkers. In the evening, we finally go forward and relieve the 83 I.D. It is quiet up front.
6.12	The days pass uneventful. I have grown used to the heavy shooting. On the way I was shaken a few times by a Stalinorgan but nothing happened. It has been snowing too. Today is my 20th birthday. The congratulation from home came right on time. Of course I was very happen. Naturally, we had drinks that day.
10.12	A few days ago, two man should be registered for a training course for NCOs of the division. The Chef selected me. Untill now I had successfully dodged it. But now, it has to be. Tonight I drive to the truss with the food truck.
12.12	The course is postponed. I have to go to the front again. The course should begin on 16.12. Then I can at least celebrate a quiet Christmas.
16.12	Meanwhile, the Kp. should select two man who are suitable to become officers. The Chef selects Uffz. Pott (Leader of 1. Platoon) who is active and me. Therefore I can't take the NCO course, but I have the prospect to go to military school in Germany in January.
17.12	II.-Btl. launches a successful attack. 3. and 7. Kp. were successful too. We are to launch another one before Christmas.
21.12	The previous three nights I was always on patrol to prepare for the next attack. The terrain is fine but the approach is bad.
22.12	Three men from the Btl. are invited to celebrate Christmas with the commander of the division, Generallt. Fischer. I am in. Together with Obfw. Jülicher (commander of the heavy platoon) I go to Rudbarzi Castle where the Christmas celebration will be held. It is 6.2 miles away from us (Uzuli). Fü. Abtlg. 126, Feldgendarmerie 126 and Kra-Kra-W platoon are stationed in the castle. We are given a cordial welcome. After lunch, we have a cozy afternoon with the 6 Uhus (the band of the regiment) which progressed very nicely.
23.12	We go to the cinema first and in the afternoon, the Christmas celebration starts with our general and staff officers in the lead. It was a fine and worthy celebration. Afterwards we had a cozy get together.
24.12	In the morning a religious field service is held. It heralds the end of the Christmas celebration with the division. In the evening we arrive at the company. Today it was rather noisy at the front because of enemy artillery fire. The Spieß (Hauptfeldw Clemens Schürmann) is at the front. We have a small decorated Christmas tree in the company outpost. There is a Christmas package from home in the mail for me. Then we celebrate Christmas at the front. I am promoted to Obergefr. Next the commander arrives together with Lt. Bracht as the new company commander. Our Chef goes on leave for four weeks. He has earned it. The commander also says that the ban on leave is lifted.
25.12	First Christmas day. At first it is quiet. Then a drum fire starts, lasting two hours. The Russians manage to break through the forest on our left and right. We had to draw back as well. The enemy seals off the rear. But we have to get through. After some 80 yards, a grenade strikes 1.5 yard away from me. I am hit on the head and go down. Then further. Max Ott takes me into his cover. The we go on. A yard away from me another hit. It does not seem to have been very dangerous. We continue. Don't remain behind wounded. We pass the Btl. outpost on the way to the position of the grenade thrower. It is empty! Go on! On a forest road I encounter Obfw. Jülicher. He selects a man to take me to the artillery battery. There my wound is dressed.

Generaloberst v. Küchler: Cdr. of Heeresgruppe Nord. Wearer of the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz, EK.
Generalfeldmarschall Busch: Cdr. of 16. Armee. Wearer of the sichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz, EK.
General d. Inf. Wegener: Cdr. X.A.K. Wearer of the Eichenlaub mit Schwertern.
General d. Inf. Busse: Cdr. 50. A.K. Wearer of the Ritterkreuz.
Generalfeldmarschall Schörner: Cdr. Heeresgruppe Nord (after Küchler). Wearer of the Eichenlaub mit Schwertern und Brillianten.
Generalfeldmarschall Model: Cdr. Heeresgruppe Nord (a short time before Schörner). Wearer of the Eichenlaub mit Schwertern.
Generalleutnant Hoppe: Cdr. 126 I.D. (Rh Westf) Wearer of the Eichenlaub.
Generalleutnant Fischer: Cdr. 126 ID (after Hoppe). Wearer of the Ritterkreuz, EK.
Oberst Wulf: Cdr. Gren. Reg. 422 (Rh Westf). Wearer of the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz.
Oberst Frotscher: Cdr. Gren. Reg. 422 (after Wulf) Ritterkreuz zum EK.
Hauptmann Braake: Cdr. I Btl/422. Wearer of the Ritterkreuz zum EK.

Definitielijst

cavalry: Originally the designation for mounted troops. During World War 2 the term was used for armoured units. Main tasks are reconnaissance, attack and support of infantry.
division: Military unit, usually consisting of one upto four regiments and usually making up a corps. In theory a division consists of 10,000 to 20,000 men.
Flak: Flieger-/Flugabwehrkanone. German anti-aircraft guns.
Führer: German word for leader. During his reign of power Adolf Hitler was Führer of Nazi Germany.
Heeresgruppe: The largest German ground formation and was directly subordinate to the OKH. Mainly consisting of a number of “Armeen” with few directly subordinate other units. A Heeresgruppe operated in a large area and could number several 100,000 men.
infantry: Foot soldiers of a given army.
mine: An object filled with explosives, equipped with detonator which is activated by either remote control or by colliding with the targeted object. Mines are intended to destroy of damage vehicles, aircrafts or vessels, or to injure, kill or otherwise putting staff out of action. It is also possible to deny enemy access of a specific area by laying mines.
raid: Fast military raid in enemy territory
regiment: Part of a division. A division divided into a number of regiments. In the army traditionally the name of the major organised unit of one type of weapon.
rocket: A projectile propelled by a rearward facing series of explosions.

Epiloque

Dear parents and Lotti!

You will surely be surprised getting a letter from me from the lazaret. I want to tell you now what has happened.

On the first Christmas day, towards 09:00, I was rather severely injured by two shells striking close to me. I could still walk by myself. I was taken to Libau immediately. From there I was taken to Danzig by ship on Christmas Eve. Yesterday I finally arrived in the lazaret at Graudenz.

Now about my injuries. My right eye was so severely damaged it had to be removed. It must be added to the record. My right upper jaw was rather damaged as well. I was given a new eye lid. My left lower arm was fractured. Furthermore I have a number of minor injuries by shrapnell to my arms and legs. But those are insignificant.

I have had it for the new year. But therefore I don't want to give up hope. After all, you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs. On the whole I feel allright though. Writing is a little difficult as I am in bed and it is exhausting to my eye.

How did you celebrate Christmas and New Year? I hope the Tommies haven't bothered you.

For now I sent you my heartfelt greetings.

Your Kurt

Sender:
Obergefreiter K.K.
Kriegs-Lazarett 3./532 (R) Abtl. IV
(5a) Graudenz/Westpr.
Hindenburg-Kaserne/ Stube 174.

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Translated by:: Arnold Palthe
Published on:: 20-11-2023
Last edit on:: 23-02-2024
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This diary is from the collection of Rik van Velzen.

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Kröger, Kurt

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1942-1943

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1944

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