German Imperial Navy postcard collection

[Urs Heßling]

Hi,Alex,

here is the remainder of comments to sets 37-40

As Ernst indicates in his text in card #5, all six pictures of "The war at Sea 1914" are dominated by the artist´s imagination. The fighting distances are much less than in reality (#3 and 5), in one case history has been bent further to the extent that the action did not take place, at all

#8 – The ship Ernst refers to as "torpedoed" was the small and rather obsolete cruiser "Undine" (see Set 38, #8) which was sunk by the British submarine "E 19", Commander Cromie, on November 7, 1915, north-east of the island of Rügen (Arkona). There were not many victims, 6 dead and another 8 men missing, the bulk of the crew being rescued by a torpedo boat and a ferry. Ernst´s "After a short break ... again" refers to the fact that two weeks earlier, on October, 23, another British submarine, "E 8", Commander Goodeheart, had sunk the old armoured cruiser "Prinz Adalbert"with heavy loss of life (672 dead, see Set 5, #4). Ernst´s wish that "these incidents (i.e., British submarine successes against German warships) will not be repeated too often" came true.


SET 38

#1 – The commissioning celebration of the "Frithjof"-memorial took place on July 31, 1913 in the presence of the German emperor Wilhelm II who had presented the memorial to the Norwegian state.

#3 – U 20, the boat that sank the "Lusitania" in May, 1915 (many different sources and internet available)
In his text, Ernst refers to the sinking of the British pre-dreadnought battleship "Triumph" by the German submarine "U 21", CO KptLt Otto Hersing. His "again" refers, probably, to the fact that the British pre-dreadnought battleship "Goliath"had been sunk a fortnight earlier, on May 13, by the Turkish torpedo boat "Muavenet-i-Milliye" under the command of the German Kapitänleutnant Rudolf Firle.
It is a little bit of guesswork on my part, as in his card from May 29, 1915 (Set 8, #7) Ernst writes  once more "again" about the sinking of a British battleship. In that case, I assume he refers to the "Majestic" which was sunk on May 27, again by "U 21".

#4 – for U 24, see Set 36, #8 .  typo "Formitable" to read "Formidable"

#5 - "Raiding the South Sea" is much too optimistic, "Scharnhorst" and "Gneisenau" did not have enough coal for "raids" (see set 39,#7). The ships had, however, already arrived at the Chilean coast where Spee´s ships were going to win a decisive victory over two British armoured cruisers, "Good Hope" and "Monmouth" only three days later, on November 1 (compare to Set 22, #6).


SET 39

#6 - "Magdeburg" was a very modern small cruiser (commissioned 1912)and the first major loss of the Imperial German navy in the First World War. During a scouting mission in the Gulf of Finland, the ship ran aground in dense fog on the north-west coast of Estonia, quite close to the shore. All attempts to get her afloat again failed and when Russian cruisers appeared on the scene, the ship was abandoned and blown up. There was, however, a major sequel to this story that Ernst wasn´t able to know: The "Magdeburg´s" code book had not been destroyed, but simply been thrown into the (shallow) water. Russian divers got it out and it´s contents were given to the allies, especially the Royal Navy, who made good use of it in the following years (see set 32, #2)

#7 - "Scharnhorst" and "Gneisenau" shelled Papeete on September, 22, 1914, sinking an old French gunboat, the "Zelée", and,ironically, the confiscated German (!) freighter "Walküre" in the harbour and destroying a number of buildings ashore. Admiral von Spee failed, however, to secure his major target, to get coal supplies in the nearly undefended harbour for his ships, as the French had set them afire. Another negative factor was the consumption of irreplacable 8-inch-ammunition.


SET 40

#1 see Set 29, #3, too

#3 It is, actually, an understatement to say that Admiral von Tirpitz had "great merits" concerning the construction of the German navy. In truth, he was the originator of the idea to build such a navy (including all political disadvantages stemming from the "building race" with Great Britain)and the untiring architect and all-encompassing agent of its construction.
Ernst´s mentioning of the French retreat from Verdun is wishful thinking; the French were prepared for a defence of Verdun at all costs.

#4 – The question whether the Zeppelin was a "very effective weapon" against England is debatable. The Zeppelin raids caused comparable little damage and more anger against Germany than disruption of normal life, suffering quite a number of losses themselves for their efforts.


greetings, Urs

[alexfranke]

Excellent -- Thanks so much!

Here are four more sets. My next post will (in all likelihood) complete the entire collection of 380 postcards! I'll try to get them up this weekend, and then I'm on to scanning this big photo album -- that is if I can figure out how I'm going to scan it!

• Set 41: 8 cartoons Das Päckchen!; "Blauen Heinrich!"; "Erbsen mit Speck."; Der Walfisch. Kleine Augen, grosse Fresse und immer in Tran; Der Englishman. Das Suchen nach deutschen Unterseebooten macht mich viel Wasser saufen.; Ich jeh nach Handern zu die andern!; Alarm! -- und wo ist meine Mütze?; Das Marinefluchzeug
• Set 42: 4 ships, 2 cartoons, 2 drawings Das Schälen bekannter Südfrüchte; Windstärke 10; :Der Decksbauer: :Der Smutt: :Die Munner 1:; Das Unterseeboot, uns'rer Feinde Schrecken, Ist für das schärfste Rohr kaum zu entdecken. Doch wird ihm selbst als helles Spiegelbild In weitem Umkreis jedes Schiff enthüllt; S.M. Panzerkreuzer Gneisenau; S.M.S. Tiger; S.M.S. Sachsen; S.M.S. Deutschland
• Set 43: 6 paintings, 2 drawings Kiel. Kriegshafen mit dem I. u. II. Geschwader; (art); (art); (art); Küstenwacht; Küstenwacht; Getauchtes Unterseeboot in englischen Gewässern.; "Kiautschou mit der Außenreede und dem Hafen - Kapitän z. See Meyer-Waldeck, Gouverneur von Kiautschou-Tsingtau. - "Einstehe für Pflichterfüllung bis aufs Äußerste"
• Set 44: 5 ships, 3 scenes Kiel. S.M.S. Victoria Louise under der Hochbrücke bei Levensau; Kiel - Kriegshafen; Die ehemalige schleswig-holsteinsche Flottille in Kieler Hafen; S.M. Minenschulschiff Rhein; S.M.S. Neptun.; S.M.S. Preußen, Panzerfregatte; (Schulschiff "Ulan" 1876); S.M.S. Bayern, Panzer

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.)

Comments welcome!

[Urs Heßling]

Hi, Alex,

some results from re-checking previous sets:

SET 1
#8 – At the time Ernst wrote this card, the celebrated hero Weddigen was already dead for more than six months; his boat U 29 had been rammed and sunk on March 18, 1915, in the North Sea by the British battleship "Dreadnought".

SET 2
#3 - Typo "Geschutsexerzieren" statt "Geschützexerzieren" (ensigns´ gunnery drill)
#8 - "Hela" was sunk by the British submarine E 9. That boat´s Commanding Officer was Lieutenant-Commander Max Horton, who, when entering port after this success, had started the tradition of British subs to fly a "Jolly Roger" (a pirate flag with skull and crossed bones) on return from a successful mission.

SET 3
#1 – Kapitän Karl von Müller was the commanding officer of the small cruiser EMDEN, one of the most famous German warships in WWI. During its short "career" from August, 4 to November, 9, 1914, it sank 23 allied merchantships with 102,000 tons and, on October, 23, during a raid against the harbour of Penang, the Russian cruiser "Shemtshug" and the French destroyer "Mousquet". On November, 9, it fell victim to the superior Australian cruiser HMAS "Sydney" at Keeling Island in the North-East of the Indian Ocean. Captain Karl von Müller was and is considered in Britain to be a "Gentleman", as he treated the captured allied sailors very well and as no allied sailor lost his life during the "Emdens" actions.

SET 9
#1 - The corvette "Augusta" was a French-built ship (originally ordered by the Confederate States!) that had been bought by Prussia in 1864. On the transit to Australia, she was lost in June, 1885, in the Gulf of Aden (off the present Yemen) in a tropical storm with all hands (230 dead).
#3 – The "Amazone" was a sail training ship of the Prussian Navy. On November 14, 1861, she sank in a storm off the Dutch coast with all hands (143 dead).

SET 11
#7 – The gunboat ADLER was driven ashore at Apia, Samoa, in a violent cyclone on March 13, 1889 (20 dead). The German corvette OLGA and gunboat EBER (86 dead) were lost, too, as well as three US warships, USS VANDALIA, USS NIPSIC and USS TRENTON. The only "survivor" was the British corvette CALLIOPE.

SET 12
#1- Ironically, the minelayer ALBATROSS was lost just 3 days after Ernst wrote this card, on July, 2, 1915. On return from a minelaying mission, it was intercepted by 4 Russian cruisers. To save the crew, her captain ran the ship aground in neutral territorial waters at the island of Gotland (Sweden).

[Big A]

Ok, here are the first two sets, (41 and 42), the rest wil follow tomorrow:

SET 41


1. Liebe Lotte, Kiel, den  16.11.16
Ein sogen(anntes) Luschpäckchen, das ist ein Mann der auf seine Kleider- und sonstige Wirtschaft keinen Sorgfalt verwendet, immer dreckig und zerlumpt umherläuft. Diesem Mann kommt nun die auf umstehendem Plakat angesagte Kleidermusterung wenig gelegen. – Herzliche Grüße sendet Dir Dein tr(euer) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 13.11.16
A so-called "Luschpäckchen (this idiom can't be translated, it means a person who is very sloppy in his appearance as well as behaviour), is a man who does not care for his dress and appearance, always dirty and ragged. For this man the announcement of a dress muster as shown in the picture is of great inconvenience. Affectionate greetings are sent be by truthful Ernst


2. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 31.10.16
Es ist möglich dass ich am 3.11. den Transport nach Libau habe und würde dann 7.43 abends in Stettin sein und um 2.11. nachts nach Danzig weiter fahren. Das heißt, das ist noch nicht sicher, der Tag liegt noch nicht genau fest. Ev.(entuell) schicke ich ein Telegramm. – Sei nun vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst. Umstehendes gab es heute

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 31.10.16
It is possible that I have a transport to Libau on 3rd Nov. and in that case would be in Stettin at 7.43 pm and continue to Danzig at 2.11 am. That is not yet confirmed, the exact day has not yet been ordered. I might send a telegram. For now, many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst.
Today's lunch is pictured overleaf


3. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel. den 25.10.16
Was mich heute wieder sehr erfreut, ist die Nachricht, das Cernavoda genommen ist. Damit sind die Rumänen in der Dobrudscha von jeder Bahnverbindung abgeschnitten. – Ein ähnlich vergnügtes Gesicht mache auch ich, wenn es ,,Erbsen mit Speck" gibt. – Leider jetzt sehr selten. Sei vielmals herzl(ich) gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 25.10.16
Today I was very delighted by the news that Cernavoda has been taken. Now the Rumanians in the Dobrudsha are cut off from the train. – I have a similar happy face when we have "Peas with Bacon". – Too bad it happens so rarely nowadays. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


4. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 1.11.16
Mit meinem Transport nach Libau wird es wohl vorläufig nichts werden, es ist entsprechende Nachricht gekommen; es kann wohl noch 1-2 Wochen dauern. – Wunderbarer Herr umseitig, was? - Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von D(einem) tr(euen) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 01.11.16
News has reached us that there will be no transport to Libau in the near future, it might still take 1 – 2 weeks. – Great guy overleaf, isn't it? Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


5. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, den 15.11.16
Im Westen hat der Englischmann wieder einen kleinen Erfolg errungen, den er natürlich wieder erheblich aufbauscht. Hoffentlich können wir ihm dies bald heimzahlen. In Siebenbürgen steht es gut. - Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 15.11.16
In the west the Englishman has again gained a small victory and of course they are exaggerating that a lot. Hope we can pay back soon. Things look good in Transylvania. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


6. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, den 21.11.16
Unsere und östreichische (wrong, must read: österreichische) Truppen haben im Westteil Rumäniens wieder einen schönen Sieg erfochten. Unsere Truppen stehen bereits in der Walachai vor Craiova. Jetzt wird vielleicht das Rennen in Rumänien beginnen. – Wie geht es Dir mein Lieb? Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 21.11.16
Our and the Austrian troops have attained a great victory in the western part of Rumania. Our troops are now in the Walachia at the gates of Craiova. Now the race in Rumania will begin. How are you, my dear ? Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


7. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 24.10.16
Herzlichen Dank für Deine lieben Kartenbrief vom 22. d.M. Wie war es denn im Sonntagsverein? Anbei wieder ein Kuriosum; hoffentlich sucht er noch lange. - Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem t(reuen) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 24.10.16
Many thanks for your dear card-letter dating 22nd of this month. How was your Sunday's club? Enclosed another curios thing, I hope he has to search for a long time. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


8. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 18.10.16
Du wirst wohl auch schon viel von Marineflugzeugen gehört haben, umstehend eine Abbildung eines solchen, das sich jedoch mit ,,ch" schreibt. Möchtest Du wohl unter dessen Fittige (wrong, should read ,,Fittiche") kommen? - Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 18.10.16
You will have heard of Navy airplanes, one is pictured overleaf, but is written with "ch". Would you like to come under its wings? (literally means t be protected under the wings of a bird)  Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst

[Big A]

SET 42


1. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, den 28.11.16
Schon wieder dringt gute Kunde über den Stand der Operationen in Rumänien. Giurgiu u(nd) Cuarta de Arges (?) sind genommen. Unsere Truppen scheinen mit Riesenschritten auf Bukarest zu marschieren. - Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem tr(euen) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   kiel, 28.11.16
Again there are good news about the operations in Rumania. Giurgiu and Cuarta de Arges are taken. Our troops seem to march towards Bucharest with gigantic steps. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


2. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, den 27.10.16
Wie gefällt Dir umseitig ausnehmend schöne Gestalt? Ein sogen(annter) ,,Scharfmacher". Es ist möglich, dass ich bald einen Transport nach Libau bekomme, kannst Du bei meinem kurzen Aufenthalt in Stettin ev(entuell) am Bahnhof sein? Sei herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem tr(euen) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 27.10.16
How do you like the extremely nice figure overleaf? A so called "stirrer". It is possible that I get a transport to Libau soon. Could you be at the station when I have a short stop at Stettin? Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


3. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 27.11.16
Heute erhielt ich auch Deinen lieben Brief vom 24. d.M., der mich auch sehr erfreute. – Die beiden Stoßtruppen von West und Süd haben sich in der Walachai bereits die Hand gereicht und Alexandria erreicht und genommen. – Die umstehenden Bilder bedeuten der Reihe nach von links beginnend: Matrose, Koch u(nd) ältester Obermaat an Bord eines Torp(edo)-Bootes. Herzliche Grüße von Deinem tr(euen) Ernst

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 27.11.16
Today I received your dear letter dating 24th of this month, I was very delighted. – Both shock-armies from the west and south have shaken hands in Walachia and reached and taken Alexandria. – The pictures overleaf are – starting from the left: seaman, cook and older petty officer aboard a torpedo – boat. Many greetings from your truthful Ernst


4. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 8.1.15
Teile Dir hierdurch mit, dass ich glücklich angekommen bin; hoffentlich Du auch. Wie ist Dein Befinden? Mir geht es noch gut und ist hier alles noch beim Alten. Dich herzlich grüßend bin ich in tr(euer) Liebe Dein Ernst   Herzl(liche) Grüße auch Deinen l(ieben) Angehörigen

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 08.01.15
Want to inform you that I arrived happily, hope the same for you. I am still fine and everything is still the same. Many affectionate greetings, I am in true love your Ernst
Affectionate greetings to your relatives


5. (no town mentioned, stamp dates card to 22.4.10)
Gratuliere zu Deiner Beförderung. Werde Dir die Abzeichen morgen Abend schicken (Freitag) Ferner sind Berndt, Fischer, Goetz und Eiben(?) (illegible) befördert. Habe keine Marke zum Aufkleben, musst entschuldigen. Sonst noch alles beim Alten. Grüße, Joseph Schäfer. Die anderen 3 Mann kommen von Bord.

Congratulations to your promotion. Will send insignia tomorrow evening (Friday). Also, Berndt, Fischer Goetz and Eiben have been promoted, too. Have no stamp to stick on the card, sorry. Everything still the same. Greetings, Joseph Schäfer
The other 3 men will leave ship.


6. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 8.5.15
Libau ist in unserem Besitz! So lautet die neueste Meldung, ist das nicht prachtvoll? Zumal dies ein Kriegshafen ist. – Wie ist Dein Befinden mein Lieb, ist Dein Magen wieder in Ordnung? Heute habe ich wieder Wache (Unt(er)Off(izier) vom Dienst). Hast Du die 10 M(ark) erhalten? Morgen hat Fr(eun)d Kraschner Wache, ich werde also voraussichtlich wieder solo trippeln müssen. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 08.05.15
Libau is ours! These are the latest news, isn't that great? Also, because it is a war harbour. – How are you my dear, is your stomach ok by now? On guard duty today. (Petty Officer of the Watch). Have you received the 10 Marks? Tomorrow, friend Kraschner is on guard duty, so I will probably have to take a walk alone again. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


7. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 17.6.15
Herzlichen Dank für Deinen lieben Brief, der mir viel Freude breitete. Du kannst ruhig einen Handüberzug verkaufen, ich habe damals 40 Pf(ennig) dafür bekommen. (F) Es wäre mir überhaupt lieb wenn Du Propaganda dafür machen könntest. Wie ist der Verlauf Deines heutigen Geburtstagsfestes? Schade, dass ich nicht dort sein kann. Schicke mir doch bitte meine Badehose, ja? Sei herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem tr(euen) Ernst.  Herzl(iche) Grüße an Deine l(ieben) Angehörigen
(F) unter 30 Pf(ennig) lohnt es sich nicht

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 17.06.15
Many thanks for your dear letter, I was very delighted. You may well sell a hand-cover, I got  40 Pfennig for it back then. (F) I would appreciate it if you could make some propaganda (i.e. advertise) for it. How was your birthday party? Too bad I could not be there. Please send me my bathing trunks, would you? Affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst. Affectionate greetings to your realtives
(F) under 30 Pfennig is not worth it


8. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 24.7.15
Ein großer Sieg wird wieder aus dem Osten gemeldet. Solche Nachrichten bringen einem dem Frieden näher. Du freust Dich doch sicher auch sehr darüber. Gebe Gott dass wir auch im Westen bald so vorwärts kommen. – Morgen habe ich wieder Wache. - Sei herzlich gegrüßt mein Lieb von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 24.07.15
Again, a great victory is reported from the east. Such news bring peace nearer. You are delighted about that too, are you? May God give us equal advances in the west. Tomorrow I'll be on guard duty again. Many affectionate greetings my dear from your truthful Ernst

[Big A]

As promised, the next two sets:

SET 43


1. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d.  7.10.14
Die mir gütigst übersandten Handüberzüge und Zigarren kamen heil in meinen Besitz, hiefür besten Dank. Hoffentlich hast Du meinen Brief mit den Bildern auch erhalten. Wie geht es Dir noch mein Lieb? Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich mit innigen Küssen dein tr(euer) Ernst. Herzl(iche) Gr(üße) an D(eine) l(ieben) Angeh(örigen)

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 07.10.14
The hand-covers and cigars you so kindly sent came into my possession safely, many thanks. Hopefully you have received my letter with the pictures. How are you my dear? With many affectionate greetings and heartfelt kisses I am your truthful Ernst  Kind regards to your dear realtives.


2. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 29.2.16
Heute bekam ich vom Ev(angelischen) Frauenverein aus Kaldenkirchen wieder ein Liebesgabenpaket in welchem enthalten war: 1 Paar Strümpfe, 1 Tafel Schokolade, 1 Stück Speck, 1 Paar Würstchen, 1 Schachtel Hustenpastillen, 1 Tube kondensierte Milch, 1 Dose Marmelade, 1 Notizbuch, 1 Geschichte, 1 Stück Seife, Feldpostkarten und Schreibpapier. Ich habe mich natürlich sehr darüber gefreut. Wie findest Du Dich in deiner neuen Stellung? Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 29.02.16
Today I received a love-package from the protestant women's club of Kaldenkirchen containing: 1 pair of socks, 1 block of chocolate, 1 piece of bacon, 1 pair of sausages, 1 box of cough drops, 1 tube of condensate milk, 1 glass of jam, 1 notebook, 1 story, a piece of soap, field post cards and writing paper. Of course I was very delighted. How are you doing in your new job? Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


3. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 24.Febr. 1916
Dein lieber Kartenbrief und Brief vom 24. d.M. gelangten in meinen Besitz, wie immer, habe ich mich sehr darüber gefreut und danke Dir herzlich dafür. – Mit meinen Sachen kannst Du so verfahren, wie Du es am zweckmäßigsten hälst. (wrong spelling, should be ,,hältst") – Die kleine Festlichkeit gestern, bei welcher Salvator Bier geschenkt wurde, ist sehr gut verlaufen, sie dauerte bis ½ 1. Solche kl(einen) Veranstaltungen fördern die Kameradschaft. Sei Du, mein Lieb vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 24.February 1916
Your dear card-letter and letter dating 24th of this month came into my possession, as always, I was very delighted and thank you very much. – You can handle my stuff in the way you consider appropriate.- The little party yesterday, where we had Salvator beer (a very strong variety from Bavaria!!) went very well, it lasted until 12:30 am. Such little parties are promoting camaraderie. To you, my dear, many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


4.  Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 25.8.16
Herzlichen Dank für Deine lieben Zeilen vom 23.8.16, die ich schon heute erhielt. Mein Lieb, wer hat Dir denn das von der Emdenbesatzung bzgl. der letzten Seeschlacht geschrieben? – Ich?! – Hier herbstelt es bereits auch stark; hoffentlich haben wir einen guten Nachsommer. Sei vielmals herzl(ich) gegr(üßt) von D(einem) tr(euen) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 25.08.16
Many thanks for your dear lines dating 23.08.16, which I already received today. My dear, who told you about the crew of "Emden" and her last battle?  -Me?! – Autumn is already very visible here, too, hopefully we have a nice late summer. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


5. Liebe Lotte! Friedrichsort, d. 6.6.17
Wenn es Dir möglich ist, so sende mir doch bitte von meinen Hosenträgern ein Paar. Heute gehe ich wieder zur Familie Deines Vetters. In Russland geht es immer bunter zu; es wird nicht lange dauern, dann ist dort eine Gegenrevolution im Gange. Sei vielmals herzl(ich) gegrüßt von Deinem t(reuen) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Friedrichsort, 06.06.17
If possible, could you please send me a pair of suspenders? Today I'll go to the family of your cousin again. Things are getting ever more confusing in Russia; it won't take long and we will have a counter-revolution. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst

6. Liebe Lotte!   Friedrichsort, d. 31.5.17
Heute war ich wieder bei Deinem Vetter und habe ein wenig im Garten geholfen. Bei der Gelegenheit haben wir einen jungen Kukuk (wrong spelling, should be ,,Kuckuck) gefangen, den wir jedoch nachher wieder flattern ließen. Die Pflegemutter – eine Schwarzdrossel – war sehr besorgt um ihn. Morgen gehe ich wieder hin und grabe Land zum Kohlanbau. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Friedrichsort, 31.05.16
Today I was again at your cousin's place and helped a little in the garden.  At this occasion we caught a young cuckoo, but we let him fly soon after. His foster mother, a blackbird, was very concerned about him. Tomorrow I will return there and dig some land to plant cabbage. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


7. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 5.11.15
Anbei eine Ansicht, welche Dir zeigt, wie es ungefähr im Inneren eines U-Bootes aussieht. Torpedos und Ausstoßrohre wirst Du leicht auf dem Bild finden. - Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 05.11.15
Enclosed is a view that shows how it approximately looks like in the interior of a submarine. You will easily find the torpedoes and the tubes. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


8. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 10.11.14
Deinen lieben Brief sowie Deine Karte erhielt ich mit vieler Freude, hierfür besten Dank. Das Muster werde ich gleich meinem Vater schicken. Morgen kommen die Ersten von uns fort, wohin?? Hoffentlich gelingt es, den russischen Ansturm im Osten aufzuhalten. Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich Dein Dich treu l(iebender) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 10.11.14
I received your loving letter and card with great joy, many thanks. I will send the sample to my father right away. Tomorrow, the first of us will leave, where too?? Hopefully we will succeed in stopping the Russian onslaught in the east. With many affectionate greetings I am your truthful loving Ernst

[Big A]

SET 44

1. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 23.11.14
Erst heute entdecke ich, dass in dem anderen Glas Aal in Gelee ist, ich hatte nämlich dieses Töpfchen noch gar nicht aufgewickelt, da ich in beiden das gleiche vermutete. Ich sage Dir hierfür meinen besten Dank, ich werde ihn mir jedenfalls auch gut munden lassen. Dich vielmals herzlich grüßend bin ich Dein Dich treu lieb(ender) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 23.11.14
It wasn't until today that I discovered that there is eel in jelly in the other glass because I had not jet unwrapped this little pot as I thought there was the same content . Many thanks, it will surely taste great. With many affectionate greetings I am your truthful loving Ernst


2. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 11.11.14
Deine liebe Karte vom 10.11. kam in meinen Besitz, sie erfreute und gefiel mir sehr und danke ich Dir hierfür herzlich. Nun hat man auch unsere ,,Emden" vernichtet und ,,Königsberg" blockiert; es wird dies hier allseits mit großer Trauer empfunden. Bin augenblicklich auf Torpedobooten beschäftigt. Viele herzliche Grüße sendet Dir Dein Dich tr(eu) liebender Ernst

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 11.11.14
Your dear card dating 10.11. came into my possession, I like it very much and was very delighted, many thanks. So now "Emden" has been destroyed and "Königsberg" is blocked, we are all very sad here. Momentarily I am working on torpedo-boats. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful loving Ernst


3. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 14.10.15
Anbei erhälst (wrong spelling, should be ,,erhältst") Du die letzte Karte der in der letzten Liste aufgeführten Ansichten. Teile mir doch bitte mit, ob Du die Karten alle erhalten hast; ebenso teile mir noch mal mit welche U-Bootsansichten Du hast (No). Dein Album wird wohl jetzt schon schön gespickt sein. Wieviel (wrong grammar, should be ,,wieviele")Ansichten sind es jetzt? Sei nun vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 14.10.15
Enclosed you will find the last card of the views announced in the last list. Please tell me whether you received all the cards; please tell me also which submarine views you already have (No). Your album must be quite well filled by now. How many views do you have? Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


4. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 25.8.15
Ich habe jetzt hier im Büro eine Karte vom östlichen Kriegsschauplatz auf Papier geklebt und mir kleine Fähnchen an Stecknadeln gemacht. Ich gehe nun immer die Kriegsberichte in der Zeitung genau durch und stecke die Fähnchen auf der Karte bei den erwähnten Orten ein. Auf diese Weise habe ich jetzt immer ein genaues Bild über den derzeitigen Verlauf der Kampffront. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von D(einem) tr(euen) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!
I now have a card of the battle area in the east glued on paper in my office and put small flags on needles. I carefully read all the war news in the paper and put the needles into the appropriate places. That way I always have a clear picture of the actual course of war. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


5. Meine liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 1.9.15
Heute erhielt ich Dein liebes Paket, womit Du (Deine Mutter und Grete) mir eine große Freude gemacht hast und ich danke Dir sowie Deinen Angehörigen recht herzlich hierfür. Ebenso danke ich Dir für Deinen lieben Brief. – Mein Bild war aber doch wirklich solcher großen Erwiederung (wrong spelling, should be ,,Erwiderung") nicht wert liebe Lotte und ich sorge mich, dass Du Dich zu sehr verausgabt hast bei den teuren Lebensmitteln. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.
Herzl(iche) Grüße  an D(eine) l(ieben) Angehörigen

My dear Lotte!   Kiel, 01.09.15
Today I received your dear loving package, your (your mother and Grete) really delighted me and I dearly thank you and your relatives.. – But my picture really was not worth such a massive reply, dear Lotte and I am afraid you spent too much in regard to the expensive food articles. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst. Kindest regards to your dear relatives.


6. Liebe Lotte!  Kiel, d. 27.8.15
Heute Mittag brach bei uns in der Nähe ein Dachstuhlbrand aus, welches mir Veranlassung gab, bei den Eindämmungs- und Löscharbeiten zu helfen. Ich transportierte einen Schlauch mit bis zum Dachstuhl und räumte darauf die oberst gelegene Wohnung mit aus. Das durch die Decke tretende Wasser hat vieles ruiniert. Der Brand wurde lokalisiert. Der Dachstuhl brannte jedoch aus. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 27.08.15
Today at noon we had a truss fire close by I got the chance to help with containing and extinguishing work. I transported a hose to the truss and emptied the apartment on . The water dripping through the ceiling ruined a lot. The fire was localized. But the truss burnt out. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


7. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 19.8.15
Jetzt man hier auch mit der Einführung der Frau als Straßenbahnschaffnerin begonnen, es sieht dies ganz kurios aus. – Wie geht es Dir noch mein Lieb? Außer großer Sehnsucht nach Dir geht es mir noch gut. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 19.08.15
Now we started here to introduce female conductors in the streetcars, that really looks strange. – How are you my dear? Apart from longing for you I am still fine. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


8. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d.19.6.15
Heute erhielt ich von meiner Schwester Johanna Bericht über die Verlobung meiner Schwester Amalie, welche in (illegible, maybe ,,Klecht???) stattfand. Ihr Bräutigam ist ein Lehrer mit Namen Willi Heck. – Heute ist es hier empfindlich kühl und der Himmel stark bewölkt, aber trotzdem will es nicht regnen. Sei vielmals herzlich gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 19.06.15
Today I received a report from my sister Johanna about my sister Amalie's engagement which took place at (). Her fiancé is a teacher called Willi Heck. – Today it is delicately cool and the sky is very cloudy, but nevertheless it will not rain. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst

[Urs Heßling]

Hi, Alex,

another snooping result from Sets 13 to 29

SET 13

#1 – the small cruiser FRAUENLOB was the most obsolete of the German ships which took part in the battle of Jutland. During the night fighting following the day´s battle, she came into action against the British cruiser SOUTHAMPTON, was torpedoed and sank with nearly all hands (321 dead, 8 survivors). The gunner Anton Schmitt was praised and celebrated for a heroic "last stand", remaining at his gun until the last moment while the ship sank, and a German destroyer of the Second World War was named after him.

# - The gunboat GEIER, stationed in the South Pacific, was totally obsolete at the outbreak of the First World War. Without any hostile action, her commanding officer proceeded to Honolulu (Hawaii) where the ship was interned. After the US` declaration of war unto Germany, the GEIER was confiscated, turned into a US warship and renamed SCHURZ. Her career was, however, very short, as the ship was rammed by a merchantman on June, 21, 1918, and sank shortly thereafter.

SET 15

#2 – This picture does not show the small cruiser DRESDEN, but a cruiser of the NÜRNBERG class recognizable from the larger distance between the second and third funnel.

SET 19

#6 – The gunboat ILTIS (commanding officer Korvettenkapitän Lans) became one of the most famous ships of the Imperial German Navy during the Boxer rising in China in 1900, when she took part in the bombardement of the Chinese Taku forts. She received several hits during the fight. Afterwards the emperor Wilhelm II bestowed the order Pour le Mérite onto the ship.

SET 22

#4 – The gunboat PANTHER became world-famous during the "Second Moroccan Crisis" in 1911. After French troops had landed in the Moroccan ports of Fez and Rabat to emphasize the French influence in Morocco, the German Emperor had the PANTHER sent to the Moroccan port of Agadir for a show of force. Although France ceded some small and unusable territory in the Gulf of Guinea to Germany, Germany had to accept French hegemony in Morocco and the crisis turned out to be a diplomatic defeat for Germany when Great Britain took the side of France.

SET 27

#2 – the translation should read "rope splicing", i.e. connecting two ropes by a kind of "weaving joint" into one that is only slightly thicker at the connection point.
#5 – translation "furling up sails for storage"

SET 28

#4 – Kohlenübernahme should be translated simply to "coaling", i.e. taking coal aboard
#5 – "Löhnung" means "payday"
#8 – translate to "Sunday leave"


Set 29

#1 – typo Schlense instead of Schleuse (lock)
# 2 -CHANGE MY COMMENT TO: U 21 (CO KptLt Hersing) was the boat that scored the first major success of the war against a British warship, sinking the British cruiser PATHFINDER in the North Sea on September 5, 1914.

Greetings, Urs

[alexfranke]

Greetings, friends. These are the last four sets of the collection -- 380 total!!  Thank you all very much for making this project a success!

Next I will start scanning the old photos from the 1910-1911 Far East cruise on Gneisenau. Is this the appropriate forum for that project? 

Oh, and I also need to bring that searchable/filterable postcard browser up to date, too...

• Set 45: 4 ships, 4 other Hochseetorpedoboot; S.M.S. Weißenburg in forcierter Fahrt; Torpedoboot G 110 nach der Havarie.; S.M.S. Schleswig-Holstein Bugansicht; Unsere Marine - Auf der Dampfpinasse; Unsere Marine - Auf Posten; Unsere Marine - Beim Baden; Die Benagelte des wehrmals backbordseite in Kiel.
• Set 46: 7 art, 1 scene Seemine explodierend.; Der letzte Mann.; Deutscher Schulverein 1880 - Wer nicht liebt und Gesang; der bleibt ein Narr sein Lebelang; Deutscher Schulverein 1880 - Noch ist die blühende, goldene Zeit.; Deutscher Schulverein 1880 - Das schwarz-braune Bier; Am Brunnen vor dem Tore; Muß i denn, muß i denn zum Stadtele (?); Was hab ich denn meinem Feinsliebchen getan?
• Set 47: 8 art Deutscher Sommer. (Haystacks in field.); Deutscher Sommer. (Couple moving hay.); Deutscher Sommer. (Haystacks and windmill.); Deutscher Sommer. (Family moving hay.); Deutscher Sommer. (Cutting hay.); Deutscher Sommer. (Kids swimming.); Deutscher Sommer. (Pond an house.); Deutscher Sommer. (Pasture.)
• Set 48: 4 art Deutscher Sommer. (Fields.); Deutscher Sommer. (Family moving hay #2.); Deutscher Sommer. (Man cutting hay.); Deutscher Sommer. (Haystacks in field.)

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!

[Urs Heßling]

Hi, Alex,

some more comments to 41-44

SET 41

#8 – Ernst makes a pun, as the German words "Fluch", i.e. curse, and "Flug", i.e. air[craft] are pronounced nearly equal


SET 42

#3 typo: "Munner 1" should read "Nummer 1", in full "Seemännische Nummer 1";
This is not an older, but the most senior [in rank ]petty officer of the seaman´s division


SET 44

#2 – The light cruiser "Emden" (Captain Karl von Müller in command) was one of the most famous German warships in WWI. During its short "career" from August, 4 to November, 9, 1914 it sank 23 allied merchantships with 102,000 tons and, on October, 23, during a raid against the harbour of Penang, the Russian cruiser "Shemtshug" and the French destroyer "Mousquet". On November, 9, it fell victim to the superior Australian cruiser HMAS "Sydney" (repeat of comment to Set 15).
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 (see artist´s picture in Set 37 card 5). 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. (repeat of comment to Set 25 #6)

Greetings, Urs

[Urs Heßling]

Hi, Alex,

another typo comment

Set 30
"Panderkreuzer" instead of "Panzerkreuzer"

Set 36
"Rüstenpanzer" instaed of "Küstenpanzer"

Set 37
Königsberg im Kampf mit (wrong:mid) dem Kreuzer Pegasus vor (wrong:for) Sansibar
Das Deutsche Mittelmeergeschwader ... Messina ... französische Geschwader

Set 45 #3
There is a title in the lower right corner, reading approximately "G 110 - nach der Havarie ..." (can´t decipher further)

- - -

Next I will start scanning the old photos from the 1910-1911 Far East cruise on Gneisenau. Is this the appropriate forum for that project? 

Yes, Sir 

Greetings, Urs

[alexfranke]

Set 45 #3
There is a title in the lower right corner, reading approximately "G 110 - nach der Havarie ..." (can´t decipher further)

Wow! Good eyes! I've updated it in the post above and on the website. Thanks!   

[Urs Heßling]

Set 42 #4 Das Unterseeboot, uns'rer Feinde Schrecken, Ist für das schärfste Rohr kaum zu entdecken. Doch wird ihm selbst als helles Spiegelbild In weitem Umkreis jedes Schiff enthüllt

This is German "poetry" at its worst (definitely neither Goethe nor Schiller) with "Knittelreimen" (rough rhymes)

In contrast to that, a submarine poem by a real poet

"The Trade" by Rudyard Kipling

They bear, in place of classic names,
Letters and numbers on their skin.
They play their grisly blindfold games
In little boxes made of tin.
Sometimes they stalk the Zeppelin,
Sometimes they learn where mines are laid,
Or where the Baltic ice is thin.
That is the custom of "The Trade."

Few prize-courts sit upon their claims.
They seldom tow their targets in.
They follow certain secret aims
Down under, Far from strife or din.
When they are ready to begin
No flag is flown, no fuss is made
More than the shearing of a pin.
That is the custom of "The Trade."

The Scout's quadruple funnel flames
A mark from Sweden to the Swin,
The Cruiser's thund'rous screw proclaims
Her comings out and goings in:
But only whiffs of paraffin
Or creamy rings that fizz and fade
Show where the one-eyed Death has been
That is the custom of "The Trade."

Their feats, their fortunes and their fames
Are hidden from their nearest kin;
No eager public backs or blames,
No journal prints the yarn they spin
(The Censor would not let it in! )
When they return from run or raid.
Unheard they work, unseen they win.
That is the custom of "The Trade."

The Trade is the name which the Royal Navy Submarine Branch used for itself in the First World War

Greetings, Urs

[Urs Heßling]

Hi, Alex,

another short set of comments

SET 37
#8 - The dreadnoughts of the Ostfriesland-class, belonging to the 1st squadron (1. Geschwader) are on the right side, the older pre-dreadnought battleships of the "Deutschland"-class, belonging to the 2nd squadron (2. Geschwader) are on the left side.

SET 41
#6 - "Handern" should read "Flandern"."nach Flandern" refers to the employment of the "1. Marine-Division" (naval personnel) fighting at the Western front in Flandern. You can see this, additionally, in the "infantry equipment" of the seaman.

SET 43
#1 – This is the photo of Set 37 #8 turned into a picture – incuding the sailing boat.

#8 – Kapitän zur See (captain) Meyer-Waldeck was the senior officer of the German garrison (and colony) Tsingtau in China (today: Quingdao). After the Japanese declaration of war upon Germany on August 23, 1914, japanese troops (approx. 58,000) besieged Tsingtau (approx. 4,700 German soldiers and seamen) from September, 2 to November 5, 1914. Captain Meyer-Waldeck, who had telegraphed to the emperor "Einstehe für Pflichterfüllung bis zum Äußersten (I pledge my name for fulfilling of duty to the utmost)" surrendered on November, 6, after a Japanese breakthrough and expenditure of nearly all ammunition,  to avoid further bloodshed.

Greetings, Urs

[Big A]

And here are the translations / transscriptons for the last sets:

SET  45

1. Liebe Lotte!   Elmschenhagen, d. 15.7.16
Gestern hat mich mal wieder Freund Praschner besucht, worüber ich mich sehr gefreut. (grammatically incorrect: he forgot the word ,,habe"), wir haben einen Ausflug hierher unternommen und senden Dir nun die herzlichsten Grüße. Dein treuer Ernst

Dear Lotte!  Elmschenhagen, 15.07.16
Yesterday I visited my friend Praschner again, I was very delighted, we had a walk over here and are now sending the most affectionate greetings. Your truthful Ernst.


2. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 17.3.15
Deine liebe Karte vom 14.3. erhielt ich ebenfalls, hierfür herzlichen Dank. Es freut mich, dass Du an Amalie geschrieben hast. Sonntag war ich zu Hause. Mir geht es soweit gut, was ich auch von Dir hoffe. Es grüßt Dich vielmals herzlich Dein Dich treu liebender Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 17.03.15
I also received your dear card dating 14th .03. I am delighted that you wrote to Amelie. On Sunday I was at home . I am fine so far, hope the same from you. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful loving Ernst


3. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 21.10.15
Umstehendes Bild zeigt Dir ein Torpedoboot, welches von einem anderen Schiff das Achterteil durch Rammstoß glatt abgeschnitten wurde. Wie Du aus dem Bild ersiehst ist das Boot wieder gehoben und wird von einem Bergungsdampfer (mit dem weißen Schornstein) abgeschleppt. Sei vielmals herzlichst gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 21.10.15
The picture overleaf shows a torpedo-boat the aft part of which was cut off by a ramming from another ship. As you can see in the picture, the boat was raised and is towed by a salvation tug (with the white funnel). Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


4. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, d. 23.11.15
Auf umstehender Ansicht siehst Du wie Schwimmunterricht erteilt wird. Die beiden Kerle auf der Backspier halten die Leinen an denen die Schüler festgebunden sind. Letztere steigen gerade auf der beweglichen Leiter aus dem Aqua. Sei vielmals herzlichst gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 23.11.15
Overleaf you can see how swimming is taught. The two guys on the pier are holding lines to which the trainees are fastened. They are just leaving the water with the help of a movable ladder. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


5. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 9.12.16
Nachfolgend sende ich Dir die angekündigten Ansichten. Die Karten sind, außer dieser, alle in der von Dir gewünschten Längsrichtung. Eine solche Pinasse die Du auf dem Bilde siehst, habe ich ca. 1 Jahr lang als Maschinist gefahren. Sei vielmals herzlichst gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 09.12.16
Following I am sending you the promised views. All cards except this one are long views as you ordered. I drove a motor boat like the one on the picture for about one year as a machinist. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


6. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 21.12.16
Herzlichen Dank für Deine liebe Karte vom 16.d.M.  die mich sehr erfreute. – Es ist wahrlich unerhört, wie unser Friedensangebot in den feindlichen Ländern verunglimpft worden ist. Die dortigen Machthaber wollen eben noch keinen Frieden. - Sei vielmals herzlichst gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 21.12.16
Many thanks for your dear card dating 16th of this month. – It really is unbelievable how our peace offer is being rejected by the enemy countries. The people in charge there just do not want peace. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


7. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 18.12.16
Mit gleicher Post lasse ich ein kleines Weihnachtsgeschenk an Dich abgehen, teile mir bitte die Ankunft sogleich mit.  – Deinen lieben Brief, den ich dankend erhielt, werde ich morgen beantworten. Sei vielmals herzl(ichst) gegrüßt v(on) D(einem) tr(euen) Ernst.

Dear Lotte!   Kiel, 18.12.16
I am sending a little Christmas present with the same mail, please tell me right away when it arrives. – I will answer your dear letter, which I received with thanks, tomorrow. Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst


8. Liebe Lotte!   Kiel, den 30.10.15
Herzlichen Dank für Deinen lieben Brief vom 26. d.M. – Anbei sende ich Dir eine Ansicht unseres Benagelungsobjekts. Am Turm ist mit goldenen Nägeln eingeschlagen: ,,Gott mit uns". Auf das U-Boot stützenden Traverse steht: ,,Wi kikt na Luv, wie kikt na Lee, keen Engelsmann to sehn op See" (North German dialect). Kannst Du das lesen?  Sei vielmals herzlichst gegrüßt von Deinem treuen Ernst.

Dear Lotte!  Kiel, 30.10.15
Many thanks for letter dating 26th of this month. – Enclosed is a view of our "nail – object". On the tower the golden nails read "God with us". On the rail supporting the U-Boat the inscription reads "We look windward, we look leeward, but no Englishman to see on the sea". Can you read that? Many affectionate greetings from your truthful Ernst