German Imperial Navy postcard collection

[Big A]

Wow, what a big family!

Urs will comment on the historic events mentioned soon, I met him this morning and we talked about the cards, it's really fun to work with them. Also, I like the way you posted them on your homepage. Must be a lot of work! Am looking forward for more, but have to let you know that I'll be in Berlin next week, so transcriptions and translations might take a while.

Axel

[Big A]

Just to let you know, I save all the transcriptions in a Word-document in chronological order. When reading the cards it is fun to follow the events. My favorite card is the one he wrote while drinking with his buddies in the NCO-bar, (Set 24 #5), judging from the handwriting he must have had a real good time that evening

Axel

[Urs Heßling]

Hello, Alex and Axel,

here we go ...

SET 25
# 1.
The "Dreadnought" was a British battleship, commissioned December, 2, 1906. It`s construction as a "all-big-gun-battleship" was part on the "revolutionary" reforms introduced into the Royal Navy by its charismatic First Sea Lord, Admiral Fisher (whose life story is too extensive to be covered in this text). The "Dreadnought" was meant to be superior to all existing battleships by firepower (10 heavy guns instead of the normal 4) and speed (21 knots instead of the normal 18, due to propulsion by steam turbines).  "Dreadnoughts" became the term for the battleship-classes of all nations which duplicated or followed the British design, the term "Pre-Dreadnoughts" being used for the older ships (with 4 heavy guns). The German Navy was so far behind in its construction program that its last pre-dreadnought-type ship, the "Schleswig-Holstein" (the very ship that "started" the Second World War) was launched (!) 5 days after the "Dreadnoughts`s" commissioning. The first "Dreadnought"-ship in the German Navy was the "Nassau", commissioned in October, 1909, with sister-ships "Posen", "Rheinland" and "Westfalen". The construction of the "Dreadnought" started a new "naval arms race" in battleships. (For more information of this extensive topic, have a look at literature and internet).

# 3.
See comment to #1

#5.
"Stettin" was a ship of the "Nürnberg"-class

#6.  03.11.14
Since the beginning of the war "Königsberg" had operated at the East coast of Africa continuously beset by engine troubles and lack of coal, but had managed to sink one allied merchant ship and, on September 20, the British light cruiser "Pegasus" in a surprise attack off Zanzibar. After that, the ship had sought refuge in the delta of the Rufiji river where it remained due to engine problems. In October, the British discovered the "Königsberg`s" lair by chance and started what might be called a naval siege which extended to more than six months. At the day Ernst wrote his card, November 3, 1914, the "Königsberg" was already trapped in the shallow waters of the Rufiji far from the sea and unable to "endangering the trade of our enemies" any more. In July 1915, after several small actions ashore, British forces eventually had approached the "Königsberg`s" anchorage so far that two monitors which had been brought from Britain just for this purpose were able to open fire. Heavily damaged, "Königsberg" was scuttled by its own crew on July 11, 1915. Their fighting days were not over, however, as the sailors with several dismounted guns joined the German colonial forces in East Africa who were, under the command of General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, able to keep fighting until the end of the war, surrendering only after the news of the ceasefire in Europe had reached East Africa on November 25, 1918.

SET 26
#1.
The participation of "Nürnberg" in the naval action off Coronel on November 1, 1914, was already covered in the comment to SET 22, # 6. - Only two days before Ernst wrote this card, "Nürnberg" was sunk at the Falklands with 327 men.

#4.
On this day, Ernst already knew the fate of Admiral Spee`s East-Asian cruiser squadron, lost with most ships on December 8, 1914, at the Falklands. "Lübeck" was the first German cruiser with propulsion by steam turbines (the only one in its class).

SET 27
#5.
The declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany on February 1, 1917 was, probably, one of the turning points of the First World War.
It is a matter too extensive to be covered in detail, here are some major facts:
(1) After the Battle of Jutland on May 31, 1916, the German Naval Supreme Command had recognized that it was impossible to lift the British naval blockade by surface ships, thus preparing the way for the recognition of the submarine as the ultimate naval weapon.
(2) The decision to start the unrestricted submarine warfare was made on January 9, 1917, against the German chancellor´s vote by the emperor and the Supreme Army Command (OHL = Oberste Heeresleitung).
(3) The German Naval Staff had estimated (wrongly) and "promised" that it was possible to sink so many  British and neutral merchant ships within six months that Britain may be forced to seek a cessation of hostilities.
(4) The unrestricted submarine warfare led directly to the United States joining the Allies and entering the war in April, 1917.

# 8.
Due to pressure from the Austro-Hungarian government (Emperor Karl had succeeded Emperor Franz-Joseph who had reigned since 1848 for 68 years), which foresaw a near collapse of its empire due to military losses, the German government issued a "peace offer" to the Allied Powers on December 12, 1916.
The text spoke, however, only of the Central Powers` "invincible military power proven in combat" and made no offers altogether, especially not referring to the occupied areas of Belgium and France, but placing the responsibility of all future losses on those who refused to make peace.
The main political purpose was, probably, to appear, internationally, "peace-seeking" to the still neutral remaining United States and, internally, to the German population where questions were asked who was responsible for the continuation of the war.
The Allies` rejection on December 30, 1916, was used as a basis for a proclamation of Emperor Wilhelm II. issued on January 5, 1917, in which he placed all responsibility for the war " ... in the face of the Lord ..." on the Allies and asked for courage to achieved a final victory.

SET 28
# 3.
In a note to the belligerent nations, president Wilson suggested "... an immediate opportunity for a comparison of views as to the terms which must precede those ultimate arrangements for the peace of the world,"
and asked for "...authoritative spokesmen of either side [to] avow[ed] the precise objects which would, if attained, satisfy them and their people that the war had been fought
out."

[alexfranke]

I'm back! Here are four more sets:

• Set 29: 5 submarines, 3 other Die Unterseeboote U 16, U 17, U 18 und 19 in der Schlense; Unterseeboot U 21 versente am 5.9.1914 den englischen Kreuzer "Pathfinder"; Unterseeboot U 26 vernichtete am 11.10.1914 den russischen Panzer-Kreuzer "Paffada"; Unterseeboot U. 25; Abschuk eines Torpedos; Mit einem solchen Torpedoschuß wurden dei drei englischen Panserkreuzer "Aboukir", "Hogue" und "Cressy" in den Grund geschossen.; Torpedoboot S. 148 in der Nordsee bei Windstärke 12 (Orkan); Torpedoboot S. 146 in Sturm; Unterseeboot U. 23
• Set 30: 4 submarines, 4 yachts Unterseeboot "U 12" auf hoher See, am 11. März 1915 gesunken; Unterseeboot U. 15 am 5.9.1914 gesunken; Unterseeboot: "U.9." brachte am 22.9.14. nordwestlich von "Hoek van Holland" die 3 engl. Panderkreuzer "Aboukir," "Hogue" und "Cressey" zum Sinken; Blick in den Motorenraum eines Unterseebootes.; Orion; I.M. Yacht Iduna.; S.M. Yacht Meteor.; Die Neue Kaiseryacht "Meteor"
• Set 31: 7 ships, 1 yacht Margherita.; S.M.S. Hyäne. Vermessungsschiff.; S.M.S. Moltke, schwere Heckgeschütze; S.M.S. Nassau.; S.M.S. Friedrich der Grosse, Backbordseite.; S.M.S. Prinzregent Luitpold. Schwere Heckgeschütze; S.M.S. Goeben Bugansicht; S.M.S. Prinzregent Luitpold. Schwere Heckgeschütze (duplicate)
• Set 32: 8 ships S.M.S. Nassau.; S.M.S. Victoria Luise. Grosser geschützter Kreuzer.; S.M.S. Kaiser, Linienschiff; S.M.S. Hertha. Grosser geschützter Kreuzer.; S.M. Yacht Hohenzollern,; S.M.S. Hansa. Grosser geschützter Kreuzer.; S.M.S. Prinzregent Luitpold. Linienschiff.; S.M.S. "Markgraf"

To see all postcard sets (including those previously posted), visit the index page here:

WWI German Navy Postcard Collection Index Page
Search, filter, sort and browse the collection here. (Note that that this tool may not contain the most recent updates.)

Please feel free to comment!

[Big A]

I'll go to work soon, should ahve the transcripts and translations ready by Tuesday.

CU

Axel

[alexfranke]

FYI, here's a picture of Ernst close to the time of the postcards. I got a big kick out of "der operation"   And also here's one of Lotte from around the same time.

I just picked up a *huge* album of his filled with pictures from his trip to China on the Gneisenau. (His photo below came from that album.) This might have to be my next project! (Apparently they had a pet crocodile, too. )

[Big A]

Great! Now Lotte and Ernst are no longer just names in postcards but have faces too!
Hope you will post the pictures in our Forum, I bet many members and guests are waiting for that

Axel

[Urs Heßling]

Hello, Alex,

a few "first comments", not yet on Ernst´s texts

I think you mixed up the numbering of your sets, these should be 29 to 32

Set 25(29)

U 21 (CO KptLt Hersing) was the boat that sunk in May 1915 in the Mediterranean – off the Dardanelles – the British pre-dreadnoughts ,,Triumph" and ,,Majestic" (see my comment to Ernst´s text on set #8 postcard #7)

U 26 (CO Kptlt von Berckheim) sunk the russian armoured cruiser ,,Pallada" (8.000 tons, named after the Greek godess Pallas Athene) in the Gulf of Finland; the complete crew, 597 men, was lost. U 26 itself was lost with the whole crew due to unknown causes (mine ?) 9 months later in the same area.
You need to correct ,,Paffada" to ,,Pallada", and the wrong spelling of ,,Abschuß" (Abschuk) and ,,Panzerkreuzer" (Panserkreuzer)


Set 26 (30)

U 12 was sunk by the British destroyer ,,Ariel" off Fife (on the East coast of Scotland, the North side of the Firth of Forth) with gunfire, explosive charges and ramming

U 15 was sunk at Fair Isle, north of Scotland, by the British cruiser ,,Birmingham" (ramming), the boat being without speed on the surface, probably repairing an engine failure, all hands lost.

U 9`s (CO was Kptlt Otto Weddigen, see set 3, pictures #3 and 4) sinking of the 3 old armoured cruisers ,,Aboukir", ,,Hogue" and ,,Cressy" was the first major success of a submarine in war. Approximately 1,500 men, many of them inexperienced reservists, went down with the ships (Already before the sinkings, the cruiser squadron the ships belonged to had been given the nickname ,,live-bait-squadron").

The prefix "I.M." of "Iduna" means "Ihre Majestät", i.e. "Her Majesty", the Iduna was the Empress` yacht, while the "Meteor" was the Emperor´s yacht


Set #27(31)

"Hyäne" was commissioned (1879) as a gunboat, a sister ship of the famous "Iltis(I)" and converted to a survey ship in 1898


Set 28 (32)

#1 is a double of  27(31) #4


greetings, Urs

[alexfranke]

As always, thank you very much for your insightful comments!

I think you mixed up the numbering of your sets, these should be 29 to 32

Yes -- you're right. They should be numbered 29-32 just as you described. (copy/paste error...) Unfortunately I'm no longer able to go back and edit that post.

Perhaps a moderator can correct this for me?

Set 28 (32)
#1 is a double of  27(31) #4

Good eye! It's the same ship, but a different postcard. I think there might even be another postcard of the same ship in the bunch...

[Big A]

Yes, the texts are differnt!

Translations are ready soon, gotta see the dentist first this morning (ouch )

Axel

[t-geronimo]

Corrections are done. 

[Big A]

Here we go:
SET 29

1. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 17.4.15
Gestern Abend war ich wieder beim Kieler Männerturnverein und habe mir wieder das Turnen angesehen. Der Verein hat jeden Dienstag und Freitag seine Turmabende. Schickst Du mir das Zeug bald? Herzlich Dein Dich treu liebender Ernst

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 17.4.15
Last evening I was again at the Men's Gymnastics Club of Kiel and watched the gymnastics. The club has it's gymnastics evenings every Tuesday and Friday. Are you going to send my dress soon? Affectionate greetings, your truthful loving Ernst


2. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 20.11.14
Hiermit eine Ansichtskarte unseres U-Bootes 21. Du wirst jetzt wohl alle U-Boote, die irgend eine bekannt gewordene Tat vollbracht haben, besitzen. Mein Knie macht erfreuliche Besserungen. Viele Grüße sendet Dir Dein treuer Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 20.11.14
Enclose a card of our submarine 21. You will now own all the submarines that have done something remarkable so far. My knee is healing pleasantly. Many greetings from your truthful Ernst


3. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 16.11.14
Hiermit sende ich Dir eine Ansicht eines unserer modernen U-Boote. – Mein Knie beginnt schon wieder zu heilen. Wie geht es Dir noch mein Schatzerl? (Ernst uses a word normally heard in Southern Germany)  – Wieder gute Nachricht vom Osten (24.000 Gefangene) Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich Dein treuer Ernst.    Grüße Deine Angehörigen

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 16.11.14
Enclosed is a view of one of our modern submarines. – My knee already starts healing. How are you my dear? – Good news again from the East (24.000 prisoners). Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst.


4. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 25.5.15
Herzlichen Dank für Deinen lieben Brief vom 22.d.M. der mich wieder sehr erfreute. Ich habe beide Pfingsttage gut verlebt, meine Karten wirst Du wohl auch erhalten haben. Am 1. Feiertag war ich nach Fiehburg raus und den 2. Ft (Feiertag) per Dampfer nach Möltenort an der Förde. Freund Pr(aschner) schrieb mir heute, dass er Wache hat übernehmen müssen für einen Ob.Mt (Obermaat) der plötzlich beurlaubt wurde. Wie hast Du denn Deine Pfingsten verlebt? Warst Du zum Frühkonzert? Viele Küsse! Sei herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 25.5.15
Many thanks for your letter from the 22nd of this month, I was again very delighted. I had a good time during the Pentecost holidays, you will have received the cards by now. On the first holiday I was out at Fiehburg, and on the 2nd holiday I took the steamboat out to Möltenort (both at Kiel Fjord). Friend Prascher wrote that he had to take the duty watch from a petty officer who got leave all of the sudden. How did you spend Pentecost? Have you been to the matinee? Many kisses. Affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


5. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 21.10.14
Dein liebes Paket erhielt ich mit vieler Freude; für all das Gute danke ich Dir, Deiner Mutter und Deiner Schwester von ganzem Herzen. Es ist alles heil angekommen; wie soll ich mich nur für all dies wieder revanchieren? Dankend grüße ich Dich, Deine Mutter und Deine Schwester vielmals als Dein D(ich) liebender Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 21.10.14
Received your loving package full of joy; I thank you, your mother and your sister from the bottom of my heart for all the good things. Everything arrived in good shape, how can I ever return that? Being your truthful loving Ernst I am in thanks and greet you, your mother and your sister, your truthful loving Ernst


6. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 19.4.15
Gestern war das Wetter nicht besonders günstig und haben wir deshalb auch keinen Ausflug unternommen. Ich habe mir in den Palastlichtspielen die neuesten Filmdarbietungen angesehen. Es grüßt Dich vielmals herzlich Dein Dich treu liebender Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 19.4.15
Weather was not very favourable yesterday and therefore we did not go on a trip. I watched the latest movies at the palace theatre. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst.


7. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 2.6.15
Herzlichen Dank für Deinen lieben Brief vom 30.5. der mich wieder sehr erfreute, da Du den Sonntag so gut verlebt hast. Auch ich wünschte nichts sehnlicher, als wieder mit Dir durch Wald und Flur streifen zu können. Geht es Dir gesundheitlich auch noch gut? Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst   Herzl(iche) Grüße an Deine lieben Angehörigen

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 2.6.15
Many thanks for your letter dating 30th. 05 which made me very happy, because you had a nice Sunday. I really wish dearly to walk over hills and dales with you. Are you still healthy? Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst. Greetings to your dear relatives.


8. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 27.10.15
Herzlichen Dank für Deine liebe Briefkarte, die mich sehr erfreute.. Eine besondere Feier aus Anlaß des 500 jährigen Hohenzollern Jubiläums haben wir nicht veranstaltet, sondern nur geflaggt. Ich erinnere mich gut jenes Bildes von der Frau mit d.(en) Kindern. Sie tut mir sehr leid. Der Krieg reißt tiefe Wunden. Sei herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 27.10.15
Many thanks for your dear card letter, I was very delighted. We did not have a special ceremony due to the 500th anniversary of the house of Hohenzollern, just flags. I remember well the picture of the woman with the children. I feel very sorry for her. The war rips deep wounds. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst.

[Big A]

SET 30


1.   Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 18.5.15
Heute erhielt ich Deinen lieben Brief , der mich sehr erfreute, ich danke Dir sehr hierfür. Es beruhigt mich sehr, dass Dein Magen sich wieder bessert, hoffentlich bist Du bald wieder gänzlich hergestellt. Auch freut es mich, dass Euer Ausflug so gut verlaufen ist. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst. Herzl(iche) Gr(üße) an D(eine) l(ieben) Angeh(örigen)

Dear Lotte! Kiel, 18.5.15
Today I received your loving letter, I was very delighted, thank you very much. I feel better now that I know that your stomach is well again, hope you will fully recover soon. Also I am glad that your trip went so well. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst.  Greetings to your dear relatives


2. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 17.5.15
Deine liebe Karte und Briefkarte erhielt ich heute und danke Dir sehr dafür, sie haben mich wieder beruhigt, da ich daraus ersehe, dass es Dir noch gut geht. Ich habe hier auch schon eine Nachtigall schlagen gehört (am Schlosspark) und dachte dabei ebenfalls an Dich. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst. Herzl(iche) Gr(üße) an D(eine) l(ieben) Angeh(örigen)

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 17.5.15
I received your dear card and card-letter, I want to thank you, they calmed me down, because now I know you are still well. I also heard a nightingale sing here (at the park by the castle) and also thought of you. . Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst.  Greetings to your dear relatives


3.   Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d.27.9.14
Ich sende Dir hiermit das Unterseeboot 9 im Bilde, welches die 3 engl(ischen) Schiffe zerstörte (aufgenommen unter der Levensauer Hochbrücke im Kaiser – Wilhelm – Kanal). Habe mich eben abnehmen lassen, die Bilder sollen Sonnabend fertig sein. (Postkarten). Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich mit einem ,,Süßen" Dein D(ich) l(iebender) Ernst

Dear Lotte!   Kiel. 27.9.14
I am sending you a picture of submarine 9 she destroyed the 3 English ships (pictured under the high bridge at Levensau across the Emperor – Wilhelm – Canal (now called Kiel-Canal, connecting the Baltic with the North sea). Had myself photographed this moment, pictures should be ready on Saturday (post-cards). With many affectionate greetings and a "sweet-one" I am your loving Ernst


4.   Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 31.5.15
Herzlichen Dank für Deinen lieben Brief vom 28. d.M. der mich sehr erfreute. – Ich war in dem Glauben dass die Karte von Stemitz von Dir war und sie nur von Deiner Schwester geschrieben war (in Deinem Auftrage). Ich danke also noch nachträglich Deiner Schwester herzlich hierfür. Gestern war ich bei Praschner an Bord, die Karte wirst Du wohl erhalten haben. Es grüßt Dich herzlich Dein treuer Ernst. Herzl(iche) Gr(üße) an D(eine) l(ieben) Angeh(örigen)

Dear Lotte!  Kiel,31.5.15
Many thanks for your dear letter dating 28th of this month, I was very delighted.- I thought the card from Stemitz was from you and was only written by your sister (on your behalf). So I am also thanking your sister belatedly. Yesterday I was on board with Praschner, you will have received the card.  Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst.  Greetings to your dear relatives


5. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 11.12.14
Du wirst wohl auch von der furchtbaren Katastrophe gelesen haben, die uns an den Falklandinseln wiederfahren. Es hat mich mit  tiefem Schmerz erfüllt, dass die vier schönen Schiffe der Übermacht des Feindes zum Opfer fallen mussten, ganz besonders empfinde ich dies durch den Verlust der stolzen ,,Gneisennau". Hoffentlich ist es der ,,Dresden" geglückt zu entkommen. Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich in inniger Liebe Dein treuer Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 11.12.14
You will have read about the horrible catastrophe that happened to us at the Falklands. I am deeply moved that the four beautiful ships fell to the superiority of our enemies, especially I am grieved by the loss of the proud "Gneisenau". Hopefully, "Dresden" was lucky enough to escape. With many affectionate greetings I am in deep love your truthful Ernst


6. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 3.12.14
Anbei eine Ansicht der Yacht S.M. der Kaiserin. – Mein Freund Georg Praschner, auch 16. Mt. hat das eiserne Kreuz erhalten. Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich in inniger Liebe Dein treuer Ernst. Herzl(iche) Gr(üße) an D(eine) l(ieben) Angeh(örigen)

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 33.12.14
Enclosed is a view of the yacht of Her Majesty the Empress. – My friend Praschner – also 16.MT (must be P.'s unit) received the Iron Cross. With many affectionate greetings I am in deep love your truthful Ernst  Greetings to your dear relatives


7. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 8.12.14
Wie gefallen Dir diese Yacht-Karten? Anbei noch eine Ansicht eines der schnellsten dieser Art. Diese Yachten sind ziemlich groß, besieh Dir mal die beiden Matrosen die oben in den Raaen (wrong spelling, should be ,,Rahen"). Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich Dein Dich treu liebender  Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 8.12.14
How do you like the yacht cards? Enclosed is a view of one of the fastest of the kind. These yachts are quite big, just have a look at the two sailors up there at the yards. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


8. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 1.12.14
Deine liebe Karte vom 28.11. kam in meinen Besitz, hierfür besten Dank. Anbei eine Ansicht der Yacht ,,Meteor". Mir geht es noch gut. Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich in treuer Liebe Dein Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 1.12.14
Your dear card dating 28th 11. came into my possession, many thanks. Enclosed a view of the yacht "Meteor". I am still fine. With many affectionate greetings I am in truthful love your Ernst

[Big A]

SET 31


1.   Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 19.12.14
Anbei noch ein Segelboot. Sehen die Karten auch hübsch aus im Album? Morgen schicke ich auch die Schiffsliste nach der Du mir sagen solltst (wrong, should be ,,sollst" or ,,solltest"), welche Du noch nicht hast. Dich herzlich grüßend bin ich in inniger Liebe Dein treuer Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 19.12.14
Enclosed another sailboat. Are the cards looking good in your album? Tomorrow I'll send you a ship list according to which you must tell me which you do not yet have.
With affectionate greetings I am in truthful love your Ernst


2.   Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 9.715
Heute habe ich Bürowache. Man hat hier einen angenehmen Dienst, nur kommt man weniger an die frische Luft als früher. Hoffentlich erfahre ich mal eher was über ein frei werdendes Bordkommando. Geht es Dir noch gut mein Lieb? Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 9.7.15
Today I am on duty in the office. It is a comfortable duty, but you get less fresh air compared to former times. Hopefully I will get to know sooner if a job aboard is free. Are you still fine my dear? Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


3. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 4.11.15
Herzlichen Dank für Deine liebe Karte womit Du mich sehr erfreutest. Hast Du am Montag tüchtig geschrubbt und geputzt? – Mein Dienst ist noch immer derselbe, lässt sich aushalten. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 4.11.15
Many thanks for your dear card, I was very delighted. Did you clean and wipe well on Monday? My job is still the same, I can stand it. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


4. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 30.1.15
An meiner Liste der Kriegsschiffe kannst Du ja ganz genau die einzelnen Klassen erkennen, es ist jedes Mal ein Zwischenraum gelassen. Die Schiffe die nicht älter als 3 Jahre sind, kann man als modern bezeichnen. – Anbei eins unserer ersten Großkampfschiffe. Viele herzliche Grüße sendet Dir Dein Dich tr(eu) l(iebender) Ernst

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 30.1.15
With the help of my list you can tell the different classes of warships exactly, there is always a space between them. Ships not older than 3 years can be called modern. Enclosed is one of our first large fighting ships. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful loving Ernst


5. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 18.11.15
An diesem Schiff kannst Du deutlich das Torpedoschutznetz sehen, welches aufgerollt auf dem Absatz liegt. Solle es ausgerollt werden, so werden die schrägen Stangen, die Du unter dem Torpedoschutznetz siehst wie die Backspier aufgeschwungen u(du) das Netz hängt in diesem Abstande vom Schiff. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst

Dear Lotte! Kiel, 18.11.15
On this ship you can clearly see the protective net against torpedoes, rolled up on the edge. If it is to be deployed, the angular rods you can see under the torpedo-net will be deployed like the shade on the front part of the ship, and the net will be hanging at a certain distance from the ship. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


6. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 1.11.15
Gestern habe ich einen kleinen Spaziergang unternommen und gegen Abend bin ich dann ins Kino gestiegen. Jetzt macht ein Spaziergang in den Feldern so recht keinen Spaß mehr, da alles so kahl aussieht. Im Kino interessierten mich am meisten die Kriegsberichte. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 1.11.15
Yesterday I took a little walk and in the evening I went to the movies. A walk in the fields is no more fun, everything looks so bare. At the movies I am mostly interested in war  reports. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


7. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 29.10.15
Herzlichen Dank für Deinen lieben Brief der mich sehr erfreute. Die Beantwortung dieses werde ich bis auf Sonntag verschieben. – Ich bin der Ansicht, daß Serbien zuerst Frieden schließt, sonst wird es vollständig von der Bildfläche verschwinden. Schaden würde es nicht, denn die Brüder habens verdienst. Sei herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 29.10.15
Many thanks for your dear letter, I was very delighted. I'll shift the answer to it to Sunday. – I think that Serbia must make peace first, otherwise it will completely disappear from the face of earth. It would be of no harm, these guys deserve it. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


8. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 28.11.14
Anbei eine Teilansicht eines unserer allermodernsten Kreuzerschiffe. Ich habe jetzt mal eine ganze Anzahl dieser hochstehenden Postkarten gekauft, damit Dein Album auch ordnungsgemäß bestückt wird. – Ich bin jetzt bei der Leberwurst angelangt. welche mir ausgezeichnet schmeckt. Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich Dein Dich treu liebender Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 28.11.14
Enclosed is a partial view of one of our most modern cruisers. I bought a whole bunch of these vertical card in order to have your album filled correctly. – I am now through to the liver sausage, I like it very much. With many affectionate greetings I am  your truthful loving Ernst

[Big A]

SET 32


1. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 26.2.15
Gestern fühlte einer unserer Kameraden sich veranlasst einen Bierabend zu veranstalten. Bei dieser Gelegenheit wurde auch das schöne Lied gesungen: ,,Lippe Detmold eine wunderschöne Stadt". Da habe ich lebhaft an den Abend im Schwimmbad – Kast.(?) denken müssen, wo Du mir dies vorsangst. Es war schön damals. Es grüßt Dich vielmals herzlich Dein Dich tr(eu) l(iebender) Ernst

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 26.2.15
Yesterday one of our comrades felt obliged to organize a beer party. On this occasion we sung the nice tune: "Lippe Detmold a  beautiful city". I vividly recalled the evening at the swimming pool at Kast.(? abbreviation), where you sang that song for me. It was nice back then. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful loving Ernst


2. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 25.1.15
Du wirst wohl auch von der Seeschlacht in der Nordsee gelesen haben und den untergegangenen gr(oßen) Kreuzer ,,Blücher" hast Du ja auch im Bilde, schade um ihn. – Wie geht es Dir noch mein Lieb? Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich in treuer Liebe Dein Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 25.1.15
You will have read about the naval battle in the North Sea and you have a picture of the sunk big cruiser "Blücher", too bad for her. – How are you me dear? Many affectionate greetings I am in true love your Ernst


3. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 22.1.15
Wie geht es Dir noch? Habt ihr auch noch immer tüchtig Arbeit? Hier in Kiel ist noch immer alles beim Alten. Anbei wieder ein dicker Dampfer. Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich in Treue Dein Ernst

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 22.1.15
How are you? Do you still have lots of work? Here at Kiel everything is still the same. Enclosed another big steamer. Many affectionate greetings I am your truthful Ernst



4. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 27.1.15
Dein Kartenbrief, Brief und die Schuhe erhielt ich, für alles meinen besten Dank. War heute wieder mit Freund Praschner aus, er bleibt einige Tage hier. Deine lieben Zeilen werde ich bald beantworten. Die herzlichsten Grüße sendet Dir Dein treuer Ernst.

Dear Ernst!  Kiel, 27.1.15
I received your card letter, card and shoes, many thanks! Was out with friend Praschner today, he stays a few days. I will answer your dear lines soon. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


5. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, 3.7.15
Morgen findet unser Gauturnfest statt; wenn ich für Morgen frei bekomme und heute Abend kein besonderer Dienst mehr für Morgen befohlen wird mache ich mit. Hoffentlich glückts und wir haben gutes Wetter. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 3.7.15
Tomorrow we will have our county gymnastics festival, if I get leave tomorrow and there will be not extra duty ordered this evening for tomorrow, I'll participate. Hopefully it works that way and the weather will be fine (in those days they had the festivals under an open sky, not inside a hall). Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


6. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 20.2.15
Anbei eine Ansicht d(er) ,,Hansa". Diese Art Schiffe sind im modernen Seekriege nicht mehr verwendbar, da sie nicht genügend durch Panzer geschützt sind. Wie geht es Dir noch mein Lieb? Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich Dein tr(euer) Ernst

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 20.2.15
Enclosed a view of "Hansa". This kind of ship is no longer useful in modern sea warfare, they are not protected enough by armour.  Ho ware you my dear? Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


7. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 25.11.14
Deine lieben Karte vom 22.d.M. kam in meinen Besitz, besten Dank. Es hat mich sehr betrübt, dass Herr Cielsky von der Welt hat Abschied nehmen müssen. Doch  es ist ein schöner Tod und Gott wird ihn für seine Verdienste belohnen. Anbei eine Ansicht eines unserer größten und modernsten Großkampfschiffe. Es grüßt Dich vielmals herzlich in inniger Liebe Dein Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 25.11.14
Your dear card dating 22nd of this month came into my possession, many thanks. I was very saddened that Mr. Cielsky hat to take his leave from the world. But it was a nice death and God will reward him for his merits. Enclosed a view of one of our largest and most modern tall war ships. Many affectionate greetings in truthful love from your Ernst


8. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 26.1.15
Die Engländer feiern jetzt das Treffen in der Nordsee als großen Sieg, obgleich doch sie die am schwersten Geschädigten sind. Es ist nur zu bedauern, dass wir so bitter wenige moderne große Schlachtkreuzer besitzen. – Ich bin jetzt hier Schießunteroffizier geworden. In der Hoffnung, dass Du noch recht gesund bist grüßt Dich vielmals herzlich in Treue Dein Ernst.


Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 26.1.15
The English celebrate the clash in the North Sea as a great victory, although they are the ones who suffered most. It is just regretful that we have so few modern big battle cruisers. – I am now the NCO responsible for small arms training. Hoping that you are still well I am sending affectionate greetings, truthful, Ernst.