27 September 2015

92 - Stammheim [Auchy], 9 October 1915 (Letter from friend Musketier Otto Mertens)






Stammheim [Company HQ], 9 October 1915

Dear family Limbach,

I would like to write you some details about that pointless day the week before last.
A terrible loss has affected your dear family, as it has me and all of his comrades. In Fritz we lost one of the best and our friend.
The only solace is that he did not die in pain, just like Karl Steigleder in his time.  A headshot brought his young life to an untimely end.
It is extremely difficult for me to write to you. I know how close your relationship was to Fritz.
We were always together, and only by coincidence were we seperated from each other in his hour.
We could not help our friends at the Prellbock anymore, as, after the gas cloud had drifted over, disaster had already struck.
Our heroism knew no bounds in the fight against the English, filling the places of our friends.
Please excuse me that I cannot write more extensively, I just can’t.
Please believe me when I say that I fully understand your pain, as I have lost the dearest friend.

I send to you my most heartfelt condolences, and remain
your‘s sincerely

(was signed)  Otto Mertens



The original letter:

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