Headquarters of the 6th Army

Gumrak Airbase

20 January 1943

My darling, darling Sophia,

I write this letter with a heavy heart because I fear it is possible this may be the last time you hear from me, your devoted and loving husband.

I cannot describe how difficult the circumstances are in which I write. The cold is unimaginable; we no longer have fuel for any form of heating or for cooking, though there is hardly any food left to cook anyway.

We are now completely encircled by the Soviets and it can only be a matter of days if not hours before they capture Gumrak. I should have taken the opportunity to get out of here last week when I actually had the chance to do so on a Heinkel. However, Colonel General Paulus has made this his headquarters and I decided to remain. In truth, it is some weeks now since there was any need for the SS, since our role was to help in the capture of Stalingrad and then deal with those who’d remained in it.

The Heinkel and Junkers pilots have been quite heroic, flying through the most atrocious conditions to deliver a few supplies and along with those our mail. There is a Junkers preparing to depart here in a few minutes and I will make sure this letter gets on it. I have no doubt this will be the final Luftwaffe flight out of Gumrak.

The last letter I received from you was dated 26 December, when you told me you were going to volunteer at the Frauenschaft orphanage in Greifswald. I had hoped to hear from you since then, but I imagine you have been too busy doing your bit to help our noble cause. That you have been so selfless and think only of others comes as little surprise to me.

There is much defeatist talk here of surrender: it seems Paulus is inclined in that direction. There are rumours that the Führer is about to promote him to field marshal, as no German field marshal has ever surrendered, but I doubt even this will persuade him. Although this is shameful, I have to take my lead from the commanding officer. If I remain alive after the fall of Gumrak, then I will no doubt be taken prisoner. The rumours are that the Soviets treat German prisoners properly, but that does not apply to the SS. I have therefore obtained a Wehrmacht uniform and have given myself a junior rank. Imagine – your husband has demoted himself! At least this should ensure I survive, albeit in captivity. Please continue to write to me, and hopefully your letters will reach me through the usual channels. Ensure you use my new identity, Oberleutnant Karl Naundorf.

There is so much I could say to you, about my love for you and how you have been a loyal wife and a proud National Socialist. However, I have to hurry: I can see the Junkers is getting ready to leave and I must ensure this letter gets on board.

Until we meet again, have utter faith in Ultimate Victory!

With my eternal love,

Heil Hitler!

Your devoted husband,

Karl-Heinrich