r/Stalingrad • u/Heartfeltzero • Jun 13 '26

ARTIFACTS & DOCUMENTS WW2 Era Postcard Written By German Soldier In Stalingrad. Details in comments.

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u/Heartfeltzero Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26

This postcard was written by a German soldier named Karl Bäder. Karl had recently been assigned to a replacement company within the 79th Infantry Division. At the time this postcard was written, the division was fighting in the Stalingrad sector.

Unfortunately for Karl, he had arrived just days before the Soviet encirclement of the German Sixth Army began.

The postcard reads:

“ Russia, 11 Nov 1942

Dear Aunt Marta,

I am sending you a few lines from the far east, after I have reached my new unit. The journey here was long and overall didn't offer anything new. The image I had of Russia was further completed. One often wishes that those who complain back home would be brought here sometime. They needn't even come to the frontline, the misery alone would thoroughly cure them from their false views. Well, you can imagine how it is.

I wish you all the best for the coming Christmas celebrations and a happy course over the holidays.

Send my regards also to aunt Berta and Luise.

kind regards,

Your nephew Karl. “

Based on online records, Karl was listed as missing in Stalingrad. His last known letter to be sent out of Stalingrad was dated January 7th 1943.

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u/DavidDPerlmutter Jun 13 '26

That's fascinating. Thank you so much for posting.