Hechingen, Sunday 1/7/45 evening

My dear Li -

Tonight we are having horrendous plane activity here. For almost four hours we have been at full alarm, and since that time there are almost non-stop fighter formation flyovers in the region. The actual attacks seem to have been aimed at targets further away, for one hears no bombs, but one can't be at ease in this. Nice that we were able to talk on the telephone last night. I am having a hard time getting used to being alone this time around. On working days there is distraction from work, but a Saturday and Sunday could be so much nicer at home. Unfortunately, there isn't enough snow for skiing. So I have been over at Weizsäckers often; Karl-Friedrich is unfortunately in bed with the flu. But he was a bit more perky again tonight, so we spent two alarm hours playing bridge. Now it is coming up to midnight almost, but still one hears the planes up there droning and that doesn't make you want to go to bed. This morning I played piano for a long time, after lunch took a little walk in the woods to collect some kindling for the fire.

Today I have heated my rooms fully, which I will from now on only do on weekends, then I might stretch the left over coals from last year into March. During the week the electric heater will have to suffice - no coals.

And how about your own coals? Why don't you call the department for commerce again? Another little favor: Please call Penzberger and ask whether he sent the two crates to Pahl's relatives in Oberaudorf when they unloaded our furniture truck? Pahl had a bypack of these, marked separately;

I had written to Penzberger about this (Pahl too). Did Penzberger bring my skis? I am also very concerned that they shouldn't be left down in the open field, but be brought up. Could you ask Anna to fetch them if they are still down there? - I hope the children have much opportunity to ski; that is such a good method to train and strengthen the whole body. If Waltraut on account of her pleurisy can't go outside, then you ought to occasionally do a little skiing with the children. It would do you so much good to get out a bit some time. - So, finally, the all clear is sounding; for the rest of the night we can only hope to be not disturbed. I will write you again soon, then hopefully everything is better. Farewell for now! Yours, Werner


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Hechingen, 1/11/45

My dear Li -

Today it is late again; I ate dinner at Weizsäckers and then played chess with Karl-Friedrich. Thus ended an otherwise somewhat miserable day on a halfway decent note. Since Christmas I am having trouble getting used to the separation from you all; then too I am down about the atmosphere so close to the front which is palpable more and more each day. I find it very good that we did not move to Hechingen. - The cold these last days has been barbaric, this morning about -20 (Celsius), it has warmed up a bit now. The little heater naturally can't get the room warm, so I have done a little actual heating. But if I do not get any coals, I will only rarely be able to afford this luxury.

- Sadly, I have no news at all from you, mail must be unpredictably slow; maybe I can get through tomorrow on the air force phone lines, although the last attack on Munich appears to have destroyed a few things in that respect too. - Sunday morning duty at the people's defense league again, so we will have to get up early and freeze a half day. Last night we had two hours worth of duty and have learned the songs "Die Wacht am Rhein" and "Deutschland hoch in Ehren". In the end it even worked polyphonically. About the use during action I was a little unclear.

- Wirtz went back to Berlin. Pahl and Miss Troll want to come over tomorrow to sing. In early February there will be a public concert in Hechingen where those two are also participating as singers. The accompaniment (opera duets from Figaro, Magic Flute and Verdi) was handed to me. Mr Bausch also wanted me to solo, but I have - partly upon considering the probably impossible piano - declined. - Deep down I do not like the whole thing here, and want to be with you all. Since that is not possible, I am consoling myself with memories of Christmas, especially the pageant. Do make lots of music with the children and give them all my love! Don't worry about me; I will get back on track again. So, my very, very best! Yours, Werner


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Hechingen, 1/14/45

My dear Li!

 

Now it has really become difficult to get in touch with you. Mail will take very long, because since last Sunday apparently many connections have been destroyed, and even the people from the air force tell me that their Kochel line is still affected. Today I will just try again via the phone company, but am skeptical about the success. - Here everything is going along sort of normal.

This morning I had to get up at 7am to make it in time for practice at the People's Defense League. The gain out of such multiple hours' worth of freezing in open air is really very negligible. I have held a rifle for about three minutes and fired one shot. The rest meant standing around and freezing. Fortunately, I was suddenly, unexpectedly, visited by some high ranking officers who came in a fancy car and picked me up for a meeting; thus I was home at about 11 already and drank a few glasses of Sherry from the last Speer packet with the gentlemen. Besides, such an event impresses the hell out of the good people in Hechingen, which doesn't hurt. The remaining time on Sunday I was home, Mrs Wirtz had kindly brought me some cake, so that I was well provided for, together with the (real!) coffee. Mrs. Wirtz and Mrs. v. Weizsäcker were gone skiing, but I may yet see them tonight at bridge, perhaps. In Physics I have ever since Christmas not quite been able to really get involved again, but today I have started up once again with some energetic push. - That I have so little news from you weighs on my mood a little. I have no real reason to worry about you, but I want to know how everything is going; whether Mama has gone to Mittenwald meanwhile, how Mrs. Linder is doing, if the children still have the chickenpox, etc.- My own travel plans to Berlin have been postponed quite a bit, I won't have to travel probably until March. Instead, I am supposed to go to Lake Constance in the last week of January; despite this too being work-related, I do not know if I will do it; for if one can, one ought to avoid the stresses of such a trip. But maybe it would be nice to see your parents. Now all my best, Darling, do not worry if you hear little from me. Greetings to the children. Yours, Werner


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Hechingen, 1/21/45

My dear Li,

due to the events of the past weeks the way from Urfeld to here has now become very far. Since I have gone away from you, I have no news anymore, except the one telephone call. Yesterday came one letter from Mama, it was written before the call. Although I can get through to Munich on the air force line, the outlying network seems hopelessly destroyed, from Munich to Kochel there is no connection. Of course I know that I do not have to worry on account of this, but it is not nice to just know nothing at all. As of tomorrow almost all trains will also be cancelled. If now, at a time when all the roads are deeply under snow cover, something unusual should happen, then I do not know if I can get through to you quickly enough. That I shall do what I can, goes without saying. By now the war in the East has developed such that quite sudden and unexpected turns could result. Should the Russians advance through Chechoslovakia to the Bavarian border, I would attempt to come to you - although it would not be easy to receive the necessary furlough from the People's Defense League. But one has to see how everything develops. We have had here during the last weeks much air plane activity. Reutlingen was hit heavily, in Tübingen the railroad station and surrounding area are affected. Today there were again about 800 planes above our region, but I do not know yet where the attacks took place. Actually, this kind of warfare of the Anglo-Saxons has something dismal about it compared to that of the Russians; at a time when the Russians are conquering large parts of Europe, they are bombarding villages in Württemberg.

Next to all these immense events there still is blossoming in Hechingen a little bit of life from more peaceful times: this morning, when the People's Defense League was cancelled, we went on a ski trip to the Zeller Horn, and tonight there will be quartet playing here. So do not worry about me! One more thing: buy everything that you can get on the stamps: bread, flour, butter, etc; also salt which may soon be in very short supply! In case Anna is leaving, couldn't you get Sister Frieda for some period? Now stay healthy all of you, and keep up your courage! Yours, Werner


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Hechingen, 1/28/45

My dear Li-

As of yesterday one gets to write letters again, supposedly; I want to quickly take this opportunity before any new obstacles are interfering again. Things here are going along so-so; the hope of acquiring coal was given up; I manage with my little electric heater, as long as I can still burn it. I am wearing two layers of vests, two pairs of underpants, - sweater and winter coat over everything -, then it is bearable. Also the Institutes can't be heated anymore as of next Monday. At the same time electricity for all businesses is off; since ten days ago in all of Württemberg factories have stopped work and that will continue for now. I am trying to keep the Institute functioning on the smallest scale; under all circumstances one must avoid having it be shut down and then having the people be taken away. That now I will not even during the day be sitting anyplace warm will diminish the overall well being a little, it is true,- some cough and rheumatism in the joints has affected me for several weeks already-, but more awful concerns are out there. I imagine that Waltraut's mother has to flee from Hirschberg, and in Berlin apparently many are also getting ready for transport. For my Institute there I have given instructions for the time of need too. News from the East are really very alarming and one can not yet quite imagine how the war will continue once Berlin were to be occupied. But one just has to hope for the best.- This morning we had duty with the People's Defense League again, we were led on a little walk through the fields. Weapons we do not yet have..- Last night Weizsäckers gave a fancy dinner party: turkey, assorted wines, followed by coffee and Benedictine Liqueur; there was a guest from Strassburg, a pianist, who is now nearby on soldier's duty, carrying rolls of cable and stringing wires. This afternoon they want to come over here; I will spring for the coffee, Mrs. v.W. will take care of bread and jam, and then the pianist will give a little house concert. How nice it would be, if you could be there too; without you one does not quite know what the point of all this is.

I hope you and the children are doing well. The telephone connection seems to be a thing of the past for good; from a call to Munich I learned that the outlying area network is not going to get repaired any more either. Could you find out from Dr. Herrmann sometime, if and how he still manages long distance calls? And please write more often, so that I hear from you. Maybe in the not too distant future I can come visit you all again. So all the best! Yours, Werner


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Hechingen, 2/1/45

My dear Li

Since yesterday it is warm here and almost spring like; so my vital spirits are perking up anew, after a recent period of less than good health. Mostly I am still bothered by my finger joints; the front joints were -, perhaps due to the playing on the cold piano, or something else- so affected by the cold that they are swelling up during the night a lot and hurt still. But that will probably disappear now too. At any rate, I am feeling well and up to the battle for one's existence again. In our nuclear physics group the internal battle (Diebner vs. K.W.I.) has broken out anew, probably as a result of the new wave of conscription and the threatening danger in the East. Maybe I will have to travel in the next days to Thuringia (Stadtilm) on account of this; I don't really like this, but perhaps it is necessary, and besides, I might on the way back travel via Munich.  As long as I am healthy, I will cope with the problems, and the fact that things are showing movement is just giving me new courage.

If I do worry, then it is actually only about you all. You should talk with Waltraut about her plans for the future in some detail; it is only too easy to understand that the isolation in Urfeld in the long run is weighing hard on her and that she wants to be with other people again, and have a new job where she can still learn more. Since Waltraut is nice and reasonable, she will, however, also see that at the moment she won't really be able to satisfy her wishes, even if we release her. For her mother will likely be underway as a refugee, her father in Berlin has to be prepared for the approaching Russians. All of Germany is inundated by a stream of refugees from the East, so that Urfeld is for Waltraut the best place yet. Maybe this is exactly the reason she is so down, because she is for the first time realizing the realities of this war, and because she senses the danger for her relatives. You should often talk to Waltraut about all this and seek to comfort her; can't you find a refugee accommodation for her mother nearby? Waltraut must get the feeling that you will be there for her in human terms -and you do want that too.- Following your wish, I have bought some medications and will continue to do so; of course, I can not send them, but maybe bring them along next time. You have to take care in Urfeld that any groceries we are eligible to get with stamps are bought at once, so that there are supplies. Then you might talk with Ms. Penzberger, she ought to call the farmer Oswald and tell him that when the need arises, he has to supply us with milk; and the connection with the Schmidts must continue! By the way, I do somehow think that the front at Berlin will stall again. How is the Daughter of Dr.Ross? What are Jacobis doing - if they are in Zittau - ? I hope there will soon be mail again. All the best! Yours, Werner


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Hechingen,, 2/15/45

My dear Li -

Today we had a real spring day outside, completely cloudless and warm, and the sky steely blue. After lunch I went a bit up the hills west of the city and found it all very enjoyable. I did not want to take a trip farther away, partly because of the many planes which in this kind of weather are a nuisance even for solitary people in the fields, partly because yesterday I already was outside half a day on duty for the People's Defense League, albeit in terrible weather. That duty, by the way, was again very comical: it was not slated as an exercise, but as a "mission", that is we were supposed to comb the woods and fields for runaways. Since we had no weapons, it was difficult to imagine how we should arrest armed people. And since it is already next to impossible to lead even a military company in disarray through the woods without losing half of them, I was prepared for anything. It then played like this: we marched with our troop in pouring rain to the Hauser farm (near Sindich); since we were drenched, the farmer's wife came out with a large tray of schnapps glasses, and poured us each as much as we wanted. Thus the stay there took almost two hours and the mood became very jolly. Then we realized that the connection to the parallel troop was hopelessly lost, and we gleefully went home in little trooplets without sighting a single enemy.-

The Internal Revenue Service sent the enclosed letter. I think, we need not pay the late fee, when the delay was caused by the postal delivery, and not through our negligence. But the rest you have to pay!- There is nothing else new here.- In clear weather you have to watch out even in Urfeld, so that the children won't be suddenly targeted by low flying aircraft! I hope you do not have inordinate money worries. My best to you and the children!

 Yours, Werner


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Hechingen,, 2/18/45

My dear Li -

Now it is Sunday again, a week has passed since my visit with you all. Generally, I have now adjusted to being here; I am working a lot, also on real science, and besides I am enjoying the beginnings of early spring which awakens all life's spirits and makes the whole future appear full of hope. I was outside these past days a few times, always in bright sunshine; today the sky has clouded over again for the first time. But there is less alarm today than usual. In the evenings we are preparing for the concert scheduled for Thursday.

Program:




Intermission:













1. Mozart, trio in b-major
2. Mozart, aria f. soprano and violin
3. Mozart, duet from Figaro (Count a. Susanna)

Duet from Figaro (Figaro a. Susanna)

4. Mozart, aria of page from Figaro

5. Beethoven "spring" sonata
6.Schubert Lieder: "Schwager Kronos"

"Wanderer an den Mond"
"Wegweiser"
"Post"

7. Schumann, duets: "Wiegenlied"

"Ich bin hinausgegangen"

8. Klengel: Adagio f. cello
9. Hugo Wolf: "Verborgenheit"

"Musikant"
"Gärtner"
"Heimweh"

10. Richard Strauss: "Zueignung"

 

The Lieder will be sung by Pahl and Miss Troll, the second half mostly by Pahl, the violin will be played by a musician who once had studied it and then had played gigs in coffee houses, with decent technique, the cello part will be taken by a professional cellist. On the piano I will be featured incessantly. It may perhaps be crazy to undertake such a thing in these times, but at least for a few evenings one doesn't talk about politics then. - Wondering whether you too are busily playing music with the children? Some day, later, when we are all living together again, there will be lots of music for sure. I hope you all are having an enjoyable Sunday today! All my love! Yours, Werner


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Hechingen,, 2/21/45

My dear Li -

We just finished yet another evening rehearsing for tomorrow's concert; that is a real joy, one forgets everything else then and can blot out even the droning of the airplanes which in the moonlight are crossing over our little town in droves like the migrating birds do in the fall. I am taking a real liking for Hechingen these days, the early spring makes you feel alive and awakens a thousand hopes, maybe everything will turn out better than we think.

Today Wolfgang Finkelnburg has visited me. I had invited him for a good cup of coffee and it was really nice. He is now living with his parents-in-law in Nördlingen and seems to have hit it well with his new job.

Since my departure I have not heard anything from you all, but that may not be surprising. This letter here is the fourth I have written after my return to Hechingen.-

Now stay well you all - use the trains as little as possible (Penzberg etc.) and write to me more often. All my best! Yours, Werner


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Hechingen,, 2/23/45

My dear Li -

Are you even getting my mail? Since my return I have only gotten letters that were written already before my Urfeld visit. Yesterday one arrived from 1/18. But you will most likely be fine; a blessing that Urfeld is not near a railroad. The plane traffic here has become rather enormous. Nevertheless, these last few days in Hechingen were really beautiful; fantastic warm spring weather, and then every evening rehearsals for the concert. Yesterday, after nearly incessant all out alarm from 10 am to 6 pm, we rehearsed diligently in spite of the planes, and then the concert went smashingly well from 8pm till 10:30pm without alarm and with about 500 people in the audience. I am innocent in the printing of the enclosed program, but the singing and playing was truly excellent. Pahl easily filled the large hall with his voice and was singing better than ever before. The audience went wild with enthusiasm, especially after the "Zueignung" by Richard Strauss, which, of course, was a wonderful closing piece. He then had to give an encore and sang in the end the "Heimweh", naturally to incredible effect. Yours truly was given assorted compliments and two books; when, in passing, I overheard the remark: "like Raucheisen" I naturally was lapping it up. And I really did play well. Oh, if you could have been there! Many have inquired after you, whether you might not be here once in a while. If the difficulties and dangers of travel weren't so, you should come by; for you too it would be a change and a boost. After the concert seven of us went to my place for a 'post mortem', Mrs. v.Weizsäcker and Mrs. Wirtz were there, the singers and two ladies from Biology. Tea, wine, rolls and cake. After midnight the Figaro performance was continued, so to speak, when Pahl also sang "Do you, Sir, want" and "Now forget subtle pleading" , Miss Troll also the "Rose aria" and the aria of the Countess. Only at about half past one did we part from each other.

Within the next days Wirtz will probably return from Thuringia. Weizsäcker unfortunately is still sick; he alternates between angina with bronchitis and the flu and is in poor condition. One can notice a certain loss of strength in a lot of people nowadays. Kühn too is looking very old and is suffering from rheumatic troubles due to the cold of January. - I myself am feeling very well, knock on wood, both physically and emotionally. Except on the bicycle trip to Haigerloch I did notice that the reserves of body strength are less than I would have thought. Whether they would be sufficient for a bicycle trip from here to Urfeld, I am not quite sure. But I am feeling alive and active and am forging plans for our togetherness after the war. That will be very nice, I think, in spite of everything else.

Darling, I hope you all in Urfeld are getting by. Make sure that you can replace the Russian woman with a capable German woman, say from the East. The timing for this is right just now.

All my best to you and the children! Yours, Werner.


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Hechingen, 3/1/45

My dear Li!

These days you will be quite worried about me, and I am quite worried about you. The air-offensive that has swept over Germany in the last eight days will probably be the most horrific thing a people had to endure in Europe since the 30-year war. Based on the experience of the last days, I would like to mention to you some safety measures which I consider necessary for you in Urfeld, particularly once the front moves closer to your area. The biggest danger for such a tiny village is low-flying plane attacks. However, these are possible in Urfeld only during clear weather; they will likely occur from the lake, so that the planes then fly off through the Kesselberg notch. There our house and the meadow below are very much in danger. In most cases the target will be the road, especially if cars should be driving there or are standing in front of the "Fischer am See". The bad thing is that these attacks are so fast that there usually is no time to run to the basement. You certainly wouldn't have time, for instance, to bring little Christine to the basement; it all happens in seconds. Now I am asking you for the following safety measures: On clear days the children should never go down to the road. The best would be if on those days one of you would always sit outside and watch the situation in the sky. As soon as one sees or hears attack-planes, everybody should go to the basement. But that is probably not feasible. Just this: if down on the road some larger convoys are driving or if some units are doing exercises on the slopes and have set up their MG's and if then in clear weather attack planes show up, you all must immediately move into the basement. On such days the children should only play on the terrace. When on such a day suddenly a plane comes darting in, then the best thing is for everybody to throw themselves down inside the terrace wall, closely pressed against the ground. I would just practice this with the children. I think one could get the children used to needing cover from any airplane without them getting very anxious. Also, I have learned that you have to overcome the following inhibition: you hear an airplane, but are reluctant to throw yourself down because you want to avoid the embarrassment if you did it unnecessarily. But that is completely wrong, and due to this little delay it may be too late. Because once shooting starts, one must already be under cover. In the basement you should possibly cover one window with sandbags and arrange places for you and the children where you are actually safe from MG-bullets, e.g. at the wall with the laundry-boiler. On days with more air-traffic you will have to spend extended time in the basement. I can imagine that when the front comes closer to Urfeld, larger convoys occasionally will drive along the road. Then on clear days you must under all circumstances stay the whole time in the basement; there is a likelihood that then bombs will be dropped too. But you will do the right thing; just don't take the dangers too lightly. Overall, Urfeld has to be a relatively safe place due to the mountains and because there is no railroad.

I doubt very much that I can come back to Urfeld in the foreseeable future. Trips by train are too risky; by bicycle it is a rather long way and, besides, the smaller roads are dangerous too. In any case, do not worry if I am not coming soon and if you don't hear from me for quite a while. I will do everything so that it will be best for us and that can only be determined moment by moment.

Otherwise things here are basically alright, a letter from you took only eight days to get here from Urfeld; that was very nice. At mealtime outside in front of the house you must really be watchful for airplanes!

 

All my best! Yours, Werner.


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Hechingen, 3/4/45

My dear Li!

You have probably received my last letter on security measures for attacks by low flying planes. On clear days please be very careful because your life and that of the children depends on it. Since we have been having bad weather here for the last three days it was quieter, for which I was very grateful. The days right before were awful, but now the emotional balance is more or less restored.

Yesterday morning with Baurat Genzmer as my guide, I was on the Hohenzollern and was able to see a number of beautiful paintings from the Wallraff Richarz Museum: The Madonna by Stephan Lochner, a large portrait by Rembrandt, French impressionists (Renoir and others), the famous bridge over the canal by van Gogh, and some very good paintings by Leibl. That was a great treat, particularly since one can simply take the paintings in one's hands and study them thoroughly. A very small picture by Caspar David Friedrich: A tree before the darkening evening sky and in the background the thin crescent moon has also made a big impression on me.

This morning, in honor of Sunday, I hiked into the woods behind the Zollern, in the afternoon I brewed myself a decent coffee, and for dinner I am off to Weizsäckers. On such days it is quite comfortable; also I have played a lot of music. Sadly, there have not been any news from you in a long time, but that is not surprising and no reason for concern. The telephone lines to Bavaria all seem to be off as well.

The report from the military speaks about fighting near Düsseldorf and Trier. There is concern that the western front too might move more backwards yet. For now it doesn't yet appear that there is any major combat in our area, unless one needs to interpret the air-raids that way. However, I don't think so.

 

Evening: In the meantime, unexpectedly, by car from Berlin, Dr. Telschow and Diebner have arrived, tomorrow morning Gerlach will come from Tübingen. That is good, as there are many important things to be discussed. Gerlach drives on to Munich; I am tempted to go along, but I believe, I am not at liberty to leave here now. But at least Gerlach can take mail for you, perhaps also talk with you on the telephone. Then also I will hear how all of you are doing. - So, now I am tired, and tomorrow is a busy workday again. One final thing: Make sure you have enough supplies in the house, and bring up the whole question of food with Miss Pensberger! And during the day never ride a train or a car. Good night for now, and all the best, yours, Werner.


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Hechingen, 3/9/45

My dear Li!

The other day a letter arrived from you, only five days old, but since then, no news have come. I think you must be all right; in this bad weather the danger from airplanes is less, instead you probably have snow again. My biggest concern is the question of how you are supposed to get something to eat down the road. I am asking you to do any and everything possible in this regard. Foster the relationship to Schmidts and to Miss Penzberger. There is one particular difficulty: The garden this time around must be very well fertilized and planted. I am quite doubtful that I will be able to come to Urfeld before that time and bring seeds; anyway, you must under no circumstances rely on that. You have to do your utmost to get seeds from Leitersdorfer or Niklas.

Anna has to go with the children to Sachenbach and get manure. The smartest thing would be to also turn over new soil, e.g. on the big meadow, and to seed perhaps some potatoes. In every respect one has to be prepared to be able to stay in Urfeld through the summer. Whether I can come to Urfeld anytime soon, I do not know; I think a lot about this question, but right now I have a feeling it would be better for the future if I stayed here. But then all this depends on details, which one can't predict; I hope I will finally arrive at the right decision.

In the last days it was quiet here due to the bad weather; this I enjoyed a lot. Now it looks as if it will clear up, then one has to go back to living like the deer in the woods, who listen to every sound, ready to get to safety with a quick jump. You should not worry excessively about me; we are still on a very advantageous patch here on earth. So I have more worries about you than for myself. Also, I will not starve here, there are many friends that can help me in need. Yesterday a letter from your parents arrived with the good news that Edith's husband had written from POW camp. Thus for Edith the most vital question was decided for better. But of course in Überlingen too dangers are still looming. Otherwise, Mutti's letter was very sad; one gets a sense how difficult it is for her to understand what is happening.- From Mama I have not heard in a long time. Please write me whether you were able to get her to Urfeld, or whether you have at least been in regular contact with her. I am worried about her both because of hunger and because of the proximity to the train station. Here many train stations, even small ones, have been destroyed. It would be nice to know you are all together. Well, when we meet the next time everything will look very different; let us hope it will look better then, right? To you, the children and to all of you all the best! Yours, Werner.


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Hechingen, 3/13/45

My dear Li!

 

It's been a long time since I heard from you all. A soldier was telling us that the Danube Bridge at Ulm was destroyed, so one can understand if mail no longer passes through; and now I am trying not to be worried.

In the afternoon I rode under a cloudless sky and warm sunshine by bicycle to Haigerloch where a part of my work at the institute is now going on. This early spring can be incredibly beautiful. Especially on the way home, when the sun was already low, the colors of the mountains became so very delicate, as if submerged in a bluish tint, the way the French Impressionists were able to paint it. This type of employment that allows you to be alone outside in nature, belongs to the best that the war has brought with it. The fact that occasionally one has to also play the mouse and hawk game with the airplanes infringes only a little on the enjoyment; for you are actually always at an advantage given the many places for cover, if you are keeping your eyes and ears open.

Last Sunday I went on an outing to Jungingen in rather poor weather with Pahl and two ladies. There were some acquaintances of these ladies who hosted us with coffee and delicious cake. One is looking forward nowadays to every extra bite one can catch on the side sort of. Häusslers too are giving me apples every once in a while, and sometimes a piece of cake, I am really not doing poorly.

Tonight I am up for the people's defense league guard duty again at a bridge. Originally, I was supposed to show up at the guard station at seven, but through a lucky mistake we managed to have my duty start at eleven only, so I can still write this letter. In a way it is a little strenuous if you were gone during the day with the bicycle, to then add a night vigil, and the next day be at the institute again for work. But somehow it is manageable.-

In your last letter you wrote about Woi's music. I am curious what the little guy will be able to do at my next visit. It is very nice that you are keeping both of the twins so interested in music. Skill and knowledge are ultimately the only permanent possessions; and music is probably the most important part of Germany's past that can still be passed on to the next generation. - I hope to hear from you once again soon. I feel quite deprived if it appears that I no longer am in contact with you, from Mama came no news either. Telephone connection to Bavaria is apparently no longer possible even for the Luftwaffe. - When will we see each other again? I am just going to wait out here how it all will continue; time and again developments progress much slower than expected. Regardless, I will write regularly; whether you receive these letters is, however, a different question. So, stay healthy and enjoy the early spring! (Two more reminders: You and especially the children beware the fighter-planes; and don't forget the planting of the garden). So, now I have to go for guard duty; Good night for now! Yours, Werner.


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Hechingen, 3/16/45

My dear Li-

 

just received your letter from 3/1, the first sign of life in a long time. You are reporting important news: that Mrs Linder's child is going to come to us and that Mrs Krieger is in Urfeld. Where Mrs Krieger found accommodations is not mentioned in your letter; I am very much hoping that as far as eating is concerned she is independent from us. With Hans-Christoph the nutrition problem is of course the most difficult aspect. One can hope that you at least can get potatoes for him. Other than that, I would think that Maria Linder will perk up if she has him back with her and that this will make many things easier. On the other hand Waltraut should not be saddled with extra work on his account; and the problem of his father must not be discussed. But you must have considered all this. I think it is important that you should visit the Schmidts in Starnberg in the near future (but in good weather definitely not by train; preferably by bicycle in a two day trip). For with respect to food it is now becoming virtually a matter of life and death. Even here in Hechingen I am far from getting enough to eat. The packages from Speer are used up; only the apples from Häusler make a small difference. I am continually becoming thinner and less physically able. On your end it will in the long run be much worse, though. For food coupons you will in a couple of weeks or months be getting practically nothing any more. So you must negotiate to be getting something for money. One can not take this problem seriously enough. Our garden too has to be planted to the fullest. It would be best if you could start another potato field and use sprouted potatoes for seed or get seed from the Schmidts. The problem becomes more urgent yet should Mama be in Urfeld. Sadly, I have not heard from her in weeks. So, darling, now begins the fight for survival in real terms, and I am terribly distressed that I can not help you now. Whether I can travel in the near future to come see you all is quite uncertain. It is probably better not to do it.

Friday evening. In the meantime I was in Haigerloch this afternoon by bicycle. Outside it is so warm that I wasn't wearing a coat, quite a wonderful weather. The offensive in the west has brought us significant relief from air dangers, but that will likely not last for long. - I want to go over to Häusslers for a bit, or to Weizsäckers for I am too tired to work. - So, love, good luck, I hope that in your "refugee camp" Urfeld it is relatively harmonious. For Maria Linder it will be so much easier, emotionally speaking, once she has her boy with her, and then too everyone else will coexist more easily. Give the children my best greetings, and do take care of little Ria! Yours, Werner


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Hechingen, 3/24/45

My dear Li-

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday and outside we have full blown spring. Today there was barely a cloud in the sky all day long; I went early to Haigerloch without a coat and on the way home I brought violets and anemones for my room. The whole day just turned out well: In the afternoon I had invited Mr and Mrs Thomer to have coffee here; they wanted to hear music and I had hoped to get something to eat from them occasionally. Pahl, Hiby, Miss Troll, and two other ladies from Biology were also invited. Strangely, the Thomers did not come- perhaps due to the many planes- but we proceeded to play music all afternoon and eventually had coffee without them and the cake I had baked. In the end all of us were so cheerful that we planned a moonshine expedition to the Zollern and then went through with it; I am just now returning from it. The only negative is that the Thomers did not show up, because I am now constantly very hungry and am just not managing with the food stamps any more.- What are you all up to in these glorios spring days, I wonder? When I think that in eight days Easter will be perhaps as warm and that the children are hunting for eggs outside, then it seems quite bitter if I can't come to you. Maybe Gerlach will come here in a few days and take me along in the car; that is a small hope. By train I do not want to travel, don't have an official reason.

So you need not worry. It almost looks as if Bavaria might be more in harm's way from Franconia than is Wuerttemberg. But even then Urfeld is far off.

Afternoon. Was shopping just now, and will make myself some tea now on the regrettably meager gas burner, before I go to the Institute. Shopping too is an annoying task: first you wait endlessly in line. Then one can se quite plainly that the scale is showing only 140 grams when one has handed over 150 gram stamps, but one doesn't dare say anything, because then you can bet on not getting the matches or the salt. Oh well, this too shall pass some day.-

Evening. Meanwhile the evening with music and company turned out quite nicely, it is now 1 am, the guests have just left and I am waiting for the water to heat up to do the dishes. For dinner Pahl and I were the guests of the ladies in Biology, who hosted us here in my apartment incredibly richly with food. Then I had to briefly go to the people's defense league, later Weizsäckers came by, also Mrs. v.Weizsäcker's sister, and we made music till midnight. That was all good and well; but I have a terrible longing for you all, want to be there at Easter when the children are hunting for eggs in the yard, and want to see the crocuses bloom around the fountain with the lake and the mountains beyond. And you will these days be constantly expecting the phone to ring and me telling you that I would come now. But it is just not possible. Darling, stay well, do not worry about me, and keep all your strength so that you will endure. As soon as possible at all, I will come to you all, yours, Werner.


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Hechingen, 3/29/45

My dear Li-

Today came a letter from the 23rd; how marvelously fast. What you wrote about Maria Linder leaves me greatly worried ; it may well be that as a result of her illness she is not eating enough and that she is feeling ever worse then.- I am hoping that you can intensify the connection to the Schmidts. When I come to Urfeld, I could perhaps visit them and directly aim for a business basis for the relationship. But when can I come? My hope that Gerlach would come through here and take me along did not materialize. Although I could ride by bicycle to Urfeld, it appears impossible for work-related reasons. Later I will describe these reasons to you exactly, I am certain that you would approve of them. But I have to confess that I am suffering much on account of the conflict of duties; for you all would need me urgently too. I am comforted a little that I am not taking away food from you this way, because you already have to take care of so many. I hope you have ended up getting flour and potatoes; I hope your own strength will last through the imminent times. - Yesterday I have received the gift of 5lbs of flour and 1lb of noodles, you can see that I will manage somehow here in dire straights.- The people's defense league is preparing here for armored vehicle combat; in the opinion of the experts we will have a few weeks of calm before then though. Besides, my duties will then be primarily to care for the institute, armored vehicle battling will not be my task first off.

Easter Saturday Evening. My dear, good Li! Now Gerlach has come after all and is leaving for Munich during the night. But he says that he is not allowed to take anybody. Maybe that command can be circumvented; but even then I can only go if I return here after Easter. I could see that, but it is very difficult for me. Maybe then it is really better if I stay here, saying good-bye would otherwise be perhaps too hard. Darling, don't be too sad and do not worry too much about me. Be calm and courageous when it gets dangerous for you. Prepare for every danger and make sure you have acquaintances in Kochel and Walchensee who will notify you when danger is imminent. As a last resort, the hut we have talked about is a good refuge. But bring enough food with you. Possibly you could team up with Trinkelts (?); a man can be of great help in such situations. Maybe I can also still send you a man from the institute. - I am sending this letter along with Gerlach, who should post it in Munich. So, Darling, be brave, I will then come to you all soon!

Yours, Werner.


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Hechingen, 4/11/45

My dear Li-

I have not been writing you for a while, partly thinking letters would no longer get through, partly that I might soon come to see you all. The prospects for driving over to you have no become better again, because there is a new decree by the Führer which possibly will result in this. Naturally, I would then only be able to leave here at the last minute, and there are some further "taboos".

Generally speaking, things here are fine and I am confident about the near future. My hardships are of such a different kind than yours. You just constantly have too much to do. I can't say that about me; for even when I have to serve for a whole day at the civil defense league, then the effort - as well as the net effect- is minimal. And then this gorgeous spring weather! One day is nicer and warmer than the next; we have not had such a spring for years. There are only two major malaises spoiling this time here (aside from the separation and the human problems): hunger and the air-planes. Although I am getting something to eat from time to time as a gift, it remains overall too little. Who would have thought ten years ago that one would some day be grateful for every piece of bread someone gives you?

And the n the planes are there all the time and disturb any quiet work. They come so fast that one has barely the time to, let's say, run from the living room into the safer kitchen, then they shoot, mostly cars and trains, throw a few bombs (smallish calibers) and off they are again. Yesterday morning an MG shot went in the institute, fortunately not hitting anyone. We have become very cautious and are quickly diving for cover; the public alarm is always much too slow. One has to keep eyes and ears open, that's all.

 

For two days endless fighter troops came by here and threw their ballast into the woods about 20km east of Hechingen. It is said that there are large depots of weapons buried under ground. Formations of planes carpeted the area again and again with bombs until eventually a portion of the depot exploded. Then after the indescribable thunder of the explosions, there developed an actual mushroom cloud, which then drifted westward above us for an hour as the only white cloud in the dark blue sky. Although we understood after a little while that all this did not amount to danger for us, the emotional aftermath of such elemental events is very great. The force of the waves of pressure was strong enough despite the 20km that a window in my kitchen shattered; -towards evening then one becomes tired and lethargic without having worked or accomplished anything. For sure this is a strange life! When I have time, I often simply go into the woods, bring my work along and enjoy there the quiet of safety. This is what I have done this afternoon too, in order to prepare a talk for a local Coronella, coming over tonight. The topic: Interpretation of the Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue by Bach. With the stay in the woods I also took in a sun bath. By the way, today was a little bit better with the airplanes; but sometimes one thinks of the old saying of soldiers: "Dear God, let evening begin - morning will then follow on its own."

So now it is six o'clock, I still want to practice a little, then cook my dinner and prepare for the guests. When and if I can drive to you, nobody knows yet, but I must probably still remain here a few days.

Darling, stay well and prepare for the more difficult times. Make sure that there are provisions to eat; and give my best to the children!

Yours, Werner


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