Exploring Goody

Exploring
Goody

“Echoes from Stalingrad: where duty outlived hope.”

 
The egregious and brutal atrocity of World War II took place in Stalingrad. The Battle of Stalingrad was a major conflict on the Eastern Front, which began with the Nazi forces attempt to seize control of the Soviet city. This battle provided a glimpse into the cruelty of everything around human life- emotions, love, sorrow, and despair. The famous German historian Robin Schäfer discovered letters from desperate, dying yet fearless soldiers who despite facing inevitable defeat, remained steadfast in their duty to Hitler, family and homeland.
Stabswachtmeister Lindeman briefly wrote to his mother about his harsh fate-
“This letter I am sending you is my last letter. Misfortune has now caught up with us. By the time you receive this letter, your son will no longer be alive. We are certain of this yet we will continue to fight. For my homeland, for my city, for my family, and for Hitler.”

This heartbreaking letter tells the story of those soldiers who surrendered to their fate. Even in their final moments, they considered it as their duty to continue fighting for their families, their homeland and Hitler. Another letter reveals the continuity of the soldiers’ courage and unwavering belief.
“The brutal battle continues and the God is instilling courage in our brave warriors. We ask God only for the strength to patience. I believe that when future generation will learn about us, they will say- ‘The German soldiers fought in Stalingrad in a way that no other soldiers in the world ever could.”
These letters uphold a rare insight of the mindset of German soldiers, illuminate their thoughts and emotions in the face of extreme adversity. By discovering these letters, people of today can connect with the human experiences behind the war narrative.

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