LETTER (I)

For Eva Schneider, Hamburg

Bad Tölz, 13 January 1943

My dear sister, how are you? I'm sorry I didn't have time to write a letter for Christmas. We've been doing some really serious training for the last few weeks.

We were exhausted, but the commander said that our sacrifice was very much needed by the motherland, and the Führer really appreciated it.

You don't need to worry about me, everything is going well. In the next few days our training period will end, and we will officially become soldiers, strong and loyal in defending our homeland.

I know you are still disappointed by my decision to join the SS, but I must do this to protect you and our motherland from the Soviet Communists. I hope one day you will understand and be proud of what I did for our race and motherland.

Please take good care of yourself, and send my regards to Aunt Anne and Uncle Greg. I will send another letter to you soon.

Your dear brother,

Hans Schneider.