knittinganddeath Posted 23 August , 2021 Share Posted 23 August , 2021 26 minutes ago, charlie2 said: Luckily there is a photo of Major Schaumann in the regimental history. Thanks for the picture! It's helped with reading one of the letters...I think the first bed in the diagram that I posted above was Ltn Stephan's -- hadn't realised it was a surname, and thought it was too uncommon a spelling for a first name, so left it blank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie2 Posted 23 August , 2021 Share Posted 23 August , 2021 Curt Ernst August Wilhelm Schaumann married Anna Minna Elisabeth Becker on 25.6.1895 in Hagenau, They had two children both born in Hagenau - Friedrich Theodor Ernst Siegfried b.02.07.1904 and Renata Elisabeth Georgi Franziska b.16.12.1907. Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GROBBY Posted 23 August , 2021 Author Share Posted 23 August , 2021 Wow that is fantastic work both of you .Its great to have a picture of him too,and as you say Knitting all this makes other things clearer.Unfortunately I cant help a lot as my german isnt up to it.Thank you for all the information and help its very interesting and I cant wait to learn more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knittinganddeath Posted 24 August , 2021 Share Posted 24 August , 2021 This is my attempt at the letter from 28.1.15. I have no idea if "Stellung" is correct...or any other word, really...also I don't really know what a good English word for "Stellung" is. Stellung, 28.1.15 Mein Liebstes! Endlich sitzen wir in unsere gemütli- chen Unterstand. Es sind -2 also schönes Wetter. Gestern früh bin ich hergeritten (?) und habe bei Steder (?) gegessen nachdem wir . . . . die Stellung abgegangen sind, die ausgezeichnet ist. Heute bin ich den ganzen Vormittag in der Stellung herumgelaufen und eben nach Hause ge- kommen, fand aber keinen Brief vor. Es ist möglich, dass mal wieder auch 2-3 Tage Sperre ist. Unten der Grundriss unseres Hauses. Die Geduld Spiele sind gestern gekommen. Viele Grüsse Kurt Position/trench/front, 28.1.15 My dearest! At last we are sitting in our comfortable underground dwelling. It is -2 degrees, nice weather. Early yesterday I rode (?) out here and ate with Steder (?), after which we . . . . left the position/trench, which is excellent. This morning I walked around the position/trench and then came home, but found no letter. It is possible that there is again a delay of 2-3 days. Below the layout of our house. The patience games arrived yesterday. Many greetings from Kurt :-S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyC Posted 24 August , 2021 Share Posted 24 August , 2021 Stellung=emplacement GreyC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie2 Posted 24 August , 2021 Share Posted 24 August , 2021 I‘d be more likely to use emplacement when refering to artillery or a gun and position or post for infantry etc. Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knittinganddeath Posted 26 August , 2021 Share Posted 26 August , 2021 Thanks GreyC and Charlie2. Seems like there might not really be a good English equivalent for "Stellung." I thought "trench warfare" was the equivalent of "Stellungskrieg" but perhaps not literally? Some dictionaries suggest "positional warfare" instead. Anyway, here is another (attempt at a) card from Kurt. bei Lille 10.10.14 L.M. Eben geht Stoss (?) ab da will ich dir nur schnell mitteilen dass es mir recht gut geht, so wie ich kann schreibe ich einen Brief. Hoffent lich hast du die Filmrolle erhalten. Habe mich sehr über die Leibbinde gefreut. Da kann . . . . . . . . . mit der Kote (?). Viele Grüsse an All. Es umarmt dich dein Kurt near Lille, 10 October 1914 Dear M. The push is starting so I will only write quickly to let you know that I am doing quite well and I will write a letter as soon as time allows. Hopefully you received the film roll. I was very pleased with the cholera belts. . . . . . . . . Many greetings to all. Hugs from Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GROBBY Posted 26 August , 2021 Author Share Posted 26 August , 2021 Hi Knittinganddeath .You have done brilliantly with the translatian as the source material was very bad .I think a good word for stellung could be command post but I dont realy know german well. Well done and please keep up the good work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GROBBY Posted 26 August , 2021 Author Share Posted 26 August , 2021 I fint it strange he calls his wife Minna not Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyC Posted 26 August , 2021 Share Posted 26 August , 2021 31 minutes ago, GROBBY said: command post Nope. Sorry. GreyC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knittinganddeath Posted 26 August , 2021 Share Posted 26 August , 2021 1 hour ago, GROBBY said: I fint it strange he calls his wife Minna not Anna Seems to be fairly normal. I have seen more examples where the person went by their middle name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie2 Posted 26 August , 2021 Share Posted 26 August , 2021 10 hours ago, knittinganddeath said: I thought "trench warfare" was the equivalent of "Stellungskrieg" It is, although not literally, another translation would be static warfare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bierast Posted 4 September , 2021 Share Posted 4 September , 2021 On 11/08/2021 at 10:45, knittinganddeath said: Abs. Vachenauer, Kav. R.R. 8, 8. Kav. Div. The 8. Kavallerie-Division was mostly Saxon, initially serving on the southern part of the Western Front before being transferred to East Prussia at the end of August 1914. I'm most puzzled as to the identity of the sub-unit here. Here's the initial order of battle as given in Sachsen in Grosser Zeit: As usual this OOB omits the non-combatant support assets. There was certainly a Kavallerie-Kraftfahr-Kolonne 8 (KKK 8 - cavalry divisional motor transport column 8) but nothing which could be abbreviated as KRR 8 so far as I can tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bierast Posted 4 September , 2021 Share Posted 4 September , 2021 On 11/08/2021 at 10:45, knittinganddeath said: Abs. Soldat E. Grummt, Feldwehr (?) Abtg. 2. Westen der 19. K.S. Ers. Divs. 2. Komp 4. Korporalsch. This should probably read 'Feldrekr[uten]-Abteilung 2'. The Infanterie-Feldrekrutendepot of 19. Ersatz-Division appears to have been divided up into at least two (battalion strength?) Abteilungen at some point in 1916. It had of course always been divided into companies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knittinganddeath Posted 4 September , 2021 Share Posted 4 September , 2021 16 minutes ago, bierast said: There was certainly a Kavallerie-Kraftfahr-Kolonne 8 (KKK 8 - cavalry divisional motor transport column 8) but nothing which could be abbreviated as KRR 8 so far as I can tell. I could very well have read it wrong. I have a lot of trouble distinguishing P, K, and R (the "Paket" that I thought was a "Raket" comes to mind). Looking at the original again, I can see an argument for it being "Kav. K. K." because the K in "Kolonne" reasonably resembles the letters that I thought were R. And one could also argue that the slight bulge on the upper leg of the K in "Kav" suggests a loop that wasn't closed properly, but if it were then it would match the subsequent letters. 6 minutes ago, bierast said: Feldrekr[uten]-Abteilung 2 Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bierast Posted 4 September , 2021 Share Posted 4 September , 2021 On 21/08/2021 at 16:26, knittinganddeath said: Liege, Caserne des Lanciers Abs. W. Leske (?) Inf. Regt. 416, 2. Batl., 7. Komp. 204 des 408 . . . . IR 416 (originally known as 'Infanterie-Regiment Leipzig') was formed as part of 408. Infanterie-Brigade, the Saxon half of the mixed Saxon / Württemberg 204. Infanterie-Division. This low-grade division was created in June 1916 by agreement of the Saxon and Württemberg war ministries to guard against potential amphibious landings on the German or Flemish coast, to be placed at the disposal of the Oberkommando der Küstenverteidigung (coastal defence command). However by the end of July plans had changed, and the division was committed to the heavily inundated quiet sector south of Dixmuide on the 31st, releasing 4. Ersatz-Division for use on the Somme. We cover this division's experiences in Flanders that year in Fighting the Kaiser's War, with some very fine photos if I do say so myself. The 204. Infanterie-Division was converted to a pure Württemberg division at the end of 1916, with the Saxon elements transferring to the 212. Infanterie-Division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GROBBY Posted 4 September , 2021 Author Share Posted 4 September , 2021 As you say ,Its a great chapter and fine photos in your book and gives a good history of this regiment at the time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knittinganddeath Posted 7 September , 2021 Share Posted 7 September , 2021 (edited) Letter of 4 January 1915 Am 4.1.15 Meine Liebstes! Gestern 2 Briefe, darunter der von 24. heute den vom 29. Die Filmrolle ist ja fein angekommen. Inzwischen wirst du ja noch meinen Brief vom 24. haben. Das Bäumchen steht mit dem Glöcken immer noch da. Übrigens sieht eines ja auf (?) dein . . . . . An Paul kann ich schreiben. Ich werde aus Generalkommando schreiben falls I. einbrausen werden sollte. Ich hatte ihn geschrieben er sollte sich durch Stadt und Landrat ans Generalkommando wenden. Wenn er sich drum bekümmert solle, wäre es ihm schon gelungen, da die Machte doch für Stadt und Kreis arbeiten. Aber trotz seiner Angst scheint er Nichts getan zu haben. Wenn Bürgermeister und Landrat. . . . . . . . müssen sie ihn freilaasen. . . . ein netter Brief von . . . . . . . Ich glaube nicht, dass Braunschweig . . . . . . . . . .! Hochstens . . . . . . du bist meiner Meinung. . . . My dearest! Yesterday 2 letters, among them that of the 24th and today that of the 29th. The roll of film arrived perfectly well. In the meantime you will have received my letter of the 24th. The little [Christmas] tree and the little bell are still there. By the way one of them looks. . . . . I can write to Paul. I wll do it from Generalkommando in the event that I. comes storming in. I had written to him that he ought to direct himself through the city council and district administrator to the Generalkommando. If he had taken the trouble to do so, he would have already succeeded for the powers work for the city and district. But despite his fear he seems to have done nothing. If the mayor and the district administrator . . . . they must set him free. . . . . a nice letter . . . . I don't believe that Braunschweig. . . . At the most. . . . you are in my opinion. . . . Letter of 10 January 1915 10.1.15 Mein Allerbestes! Diesen Brief bekommst du nun durch den Lausbuben. Behandle ihn als einen Sohn! Der Abschied wird mir wahnsinnig schwer! Er ist mir wirklich mehr wie ein eigener Sohn. Hoffent- lich gelingts, ihn wieder herzubringen. Vielen Dank für Brief 3 & 4. Hat Dorte Herstel (?) all eingeladen? Dann wars so sehr nett für das Kind, die Bolder (?) sind ja sehr gut. Der L'bub bring eine Filmrolle und mein . . . . mit. Es liegt ein Zettel daran was drauf graviert werden soll. Nun geh'ts ausgezeichnet aber der Abschied bringt mich richter runter. Ich den- ke dass der L'b. 22ge bis Euch bleiben kann. Ein Ei wirst du spandieren da- mit er wieder Ei klappern (?) vormachen kann. Er soll auch der . . . . Er kann ein . . . .hand von . . . ziehen. Nun Schluss mein Allerbestes. Hoffentlich seid ihr recht fidel zusammen. dein Kurt My dearest! You are receiving this letter from my batman/orderly. Treat him as a son! Our farewell was terribly difficult. He is really more like my own son. Hopefully I will succeed in bringing him back here. Many thanks for letters 3 & 4. Did Dorte Herstel (?) invite everyone? That was really so very nice for the child, the guys (?) are of course very good. The batman is bringing a roll of film and my . . . . There is a note enclosed, which should be engraved upon it. Now everything is going excellently, but the leavetaking is getting me down. I think that the batman will be able to stay with you until the 22nd. Spare an egg so that he can demonstrate how to beat it (???). He should also . . . . . . . . . . . That's all for now my dearest. Hopefully you will all be very happy together. your Kurt Letter of 13 January 1916 13.I.1916 L.M. Komme eben halb 3 von vorn, wo ich mit dem . . . Kommandant. . . . im Graben rumgekrochen bin. Herrliches . . . . Wetter (russisch). Komme noch nicht in Stellung. Gehr mir ausgezeichnet. Fand eben Brief 7 vor, hat der Lausbube de. . . . bekommen. Gebt Ihr ihn richtig angeordnet 1 Stück. Grüsse Kurt Dear M. Got back around 2:30 from in front, where I and the Kommandant. . . . . crawled around in the trench. Lovely . . . . weather (Russian). Not going to the front/trench/foremost position yet. Everything is excellent. Letter No. 7 arrived, did the batman get the egg (?). Will you give him one properly arranged? Greetings from Kurt Edited 7 September , 2021 by knittinganddeath Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GROBBY Posted 7 September , 2021 Author Share Posted 7 September , 2021 Knittinganddeath you have done a wonderfull job translating the awfull writing of Kurtand I congratulate you on doing so. It is interesting to see the war from a senior officers view and how he feels about his batman. By the way my father was a batman when he did his service .He had no choice in what he did and I dont think his officer was very nice .When he writes about the rolls of film he sends back I wish I had those too,but they could be somewhere.I will post the next couple but only do them if you wish to img001.pdf img002.pdf img003.pdf img004.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knittinganddeath Posted 9 September , 2021 Share Posted 9 September , 2021 (edited) Letter of 4 July 1915 4.7.15 L.M. Es geht mir ausgezeichnet. Habe wieder 2 Tage Arrest (??) Dienst gehabt in einem Dorfe. Das trainiert. Der Bauch ist ganz weg! Nur sonst unbequem den la[n?]gen Tag nicht hadern (?) zu dürfen. Die Tage haben seit . . . . immer 25 Stunden. Nächte gibt's nicht! Die K. gehen aber zurück daher geht's noch. Geht's Euch hoffentlich gut. Gestern kamen (?) W. (?) Pakete (?) ins Reich und Briefe 24, 25, 26, 27, vielen Dank. Alles Gute dein Kurt 4.7.15 Dear M. I am doing excellently. Just had 2 days of detention (??) in a village. That was good training. My [fat] stomach is gone! It is just uncomfortable to not be allowed to fight (?) the whole long day. Since . . . . the days have always had 25 hours. There are no nights! The K. is however going back. Hopefully you are all well. Yesterday packages and letters 24, 25, 26, and 27 arrived in my hands, thank you very much. All the best from your Kurt @GROBBY I'm sorry to hear your father's officer wasn't very nice. For all that Kurt seems to love his batman, though, it seems strange to me that he doesn't mention his name. Anyway, I am either starting to get a better feel for Kurt's handwriting or else he is writing more neatly. Could you post a few more? I've got a lot of the letter from 10.7.15 but find that it's good to have several going at once. Thank you! Edited 10 September , 2021 by knittinganddeath Dienst, not Arrest - thanks GreyC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie2 Posted 9 September , 2021 Share Posted 9 September , 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, knittinganddeath said: 2 Tage Arrest (??) gehabt in einem Dorfe. Very unlikely for a Major! Charlie Edited 9 September , 2021 by charlie2 Deleted the rubbish :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyC Posted 9 September , 2021 Share Posted 9 September , 2021 1 hour ago, knittinganddeath said: 2 Tage Arrest (??) 2 Tage Dienst. GreyC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knittinganddeath Posted 9 September , 2021 Share Posted 9 September , 2021 GreyC and charlie2, thank you very much! Indeed, Arrest for a Major seemed very unlikely. I thought perhaps he meant he was supervising others in detention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knittinganddeath Posted 1 October , 2021 Share Posted 1 October , 2021 One last letter from Kurt... Nosow, 10.7.15 Mein Allerbestes Wie du aus der Zeitung richtig erfahren hast bin . . . .hier an der Kote? Lipa. Habe schon? ein Hauschen gegen Feuer gedeckt als . . . und . . . . Aber sehr schön wenn erst der . . . . . . . . Fliegen. Voran der Ort ist bis auf die Hühner völlig geräumt. Da gibts jetzt Hühn in Heder. . . . . Mir geht's ausge zeichnet. Eben Brief 3. 4 der O . . . . . hat der Lausbub meistens verpasst. Wie haben dann die dragoner die Verluste gehabt? Natürlich habe ich Mücke mit der Katze und der Fische erkennt. Ich werde ewig solche bedenken. Ihr schreibt ja gehts nichts von ihm (?). Wie bleiben dann die Bolden? In diesen Tagen ist . . . . 14 abgegangen 13 am 22.6. die muss Ihr doch haben Sonst nichts zu berichten. Mein Gehirn brock- net auch wie bei der Hitze. Die Lampe ist fein. Schick mir bitte den meisten (?) von . . . . das grösste (?) die . . . wirst du wohl haben. Viele Grüusse Euch besten dein Kurt. Nosow [Poland], 10.7.15 My dearest! As you correctly discovered from the newspaper, I am . . . here on the outskirts of Lipa. Have already fortified a house against [enemy] fire and it. . . . . But vey nice when the . . . . In front of the villaeg everything, including the chickens, has been cleared out. There are chickens in the straw (??). I am doing excellently. The batman was too late for Letter 3 . 4 of the . . . . How did the dragoons sustain their losses? Of course I recognized Mousie with the cat and the fish. I will remember it forever. You all write . . . . . How are the guys doing? These days . . . .14 has gone off, 13 on the 22.6, you must have that one already. Otherwise nothing new. My brain is breaking in the heat (?). The lamp is nice. Please send me most . . . . from . . . the biggest (?) . . . . you will surely have. Many greetings to all you dear ones, Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GROBBY Posted 2 October , 2021 Author Share Posted 2 October , 2021 Thank you for translating that .Its very interesting that he is asking his wife how the dragoons sustained the losses as he is an officer in the army and he is asking his wife back home ,perhaps it was in the papers or was she in touch with his old regiment ? .I will post a couple of other ones not Schaumann .Thanks again img001.pdf img002.pdf img003.pdf img004.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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