Events at Wollendorf

[David Ransome]

Hi,

On looking again at the illustration you'll notice that Volkischer had initially been spelt incorrectly, with the c being inserted separately. How does the writing compare to that in the remainder of the 'log'? I wonder if the cartoon wasn't copied from the Volkischer Beobachter from the date shown and the typewritten paste-in was added possibly post-war.

Regards,

David

Originally Posted by David Ransome

Hi,

On looking again at the illustration you'll notice that Volkischer had initially been spelt incorrectly, with the c being inserted separately. How does the writing compare to that in the remainder of the 'log'? I wonder if the cartoon wasn't copied from the Volkischer Beobachter from the date shown and the typewritten paste-in was added possibly post-war.

Regards,

David

I had not noticed the spelling correction, well done! That makes me think it must have been drawn by a Kregie.

There is no way to compare the writing with other entries in the log. The Red Cross "Wartime Log" that the prisoners received were passed around amongst the prisoners, each adding his own contribution.

That is a good thought that the cartoon was copied from the Volkischer Beobachter. I am not sure if prisoners had access to German newspapers.

I had always presumed that the clipping came from a camp newsheet as I know newsheets were posted in the camps as evidenced by the attachments.

At the time of the drawing (17 October 1944) my father was in Fallingbostel.

[fisher972002]

All,
You guys are exactly correct with the dates..
My Grandfather took part in this "Piercing of the Sigfried line" as he calls it. It happened at Wallendorf. He was in the 5th Armored Division, 85th Reconnaissance Squad Mech Company D. They had an M8 ARmored 6 wheel Truck, a few supply trucks, later a light tank and a group of 24 men. Of the original 24 that started only 4 survived including my Grandfather. You guys are correct on the Dates,, he wrote an account of his trek across Europe and He says on Sept 14th, they crossed 2 miles into Germany for 3 days, approximately 3 miles he writes I think, I'd have to check.. then were repulsed. This was after the liberation of Paris. He writes at this time there was lots of exuberance among the troops, the feeling was after racing across France and closing the Falaise Gap the war might be over by X-mas he wrote.
THey were in Luxembourg at the short Time.. Then in early Oct, they drove North to join the 9th army I think, then that winter they found themselves in the Battle of the Bulge North arm..

In this area my Grandfather has his lieutenant's head shot off. The lieutenant had a bad habit of riding with his head out the car and they would target the Lieutenant hats...he had to clean up the mess..
Later, the Gun on the M8 jammed because the operator didn't empty the shell bag on the side of the gun, the gunner was his first action.. It jammed so they had to pull over and the M8 behind them. About 100 Meters later the M8 that took his place was hit by a German 88. and the M8 basically disappeared, there was nothing but a few rims and metal left of it..