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In yesterday’s post, Paul promised to tell more about his life in his next letter addressed to the “Family” Zerzawy. Today we see that letter.

Belgrade 4./VIII.1916

My dear ones!

My apartment is in the so-called detachment of the crew, which used to be old military housing. To that place I also go to have my meals. In my room there are another 11 people. Mostly Germans from the region of Berman and also 6 Neuner [probably soldiers from Company #9] The room would be beautiful without the bugs. The food is so-so, but starting on the 11th, I will eat the same meals as the sergeants, just as all who have finished their first year do. This food is supposed to be very good. I have quite a beautiful walk to my office. Our department (the Census) is housed in an older building. There are about 60 military instructors working who have been in different schools throughout Serbia, schools which have been established by us. Also, there are an additional 40 teachers for four weeks. As soon as the census and counting of animals for the Austrian part of Serbia which we are just now executing is done, our department will be dissolved. However, a few very competent people will not be sent back, but will be assigned to the proper statistical department. I would be glad to come back to Leitmeritz [Litoměřice in Czech], because in the long term I would not like to be here because it is so far from home.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be bad here. For example, what is interesting is the surroundings: the castle, the Danube, Semin [now Zemun]. You can see something new every day. Today, the arrival of a new officer, tomorrow the solemn journey on the Danube of the upscale “Monitor Temes.” One day, a German regiment passes through, then follow 8-10 Turks with horses, cannons, and generals which will depart to Galicia. Then the town itself, which is half city, half village, with its grenade destruction visible everywhere, the population which also is mixed together from village and town folk, the traditional clothes, traditional customs, all different kinds of military uniforms. In short, there is enough to see. These are the bad parts: there is a lot of boring work to do (7:30-12:30, 3-7:30), bugs, flies, heat, and inflation. Much more expensive than at home. Only fruit is affordable. But you cannot afford coffee, bakery items, sausages, cheese, butter, eggs, meat. But still I am hoping in spite of everything to save money on my food and for the time being to live on 20-25k. Until now I haven’t had the right company, I miss music and reading material. Unfortunately, a package takes at least 3 weeks. Just in case I don’t write by the 17th that I have received money, please send me 60k, because the money can last for 8 days. If I have no money, I’ll be in a bad situation. Write to me often and a lot. Also, from Grandmother and Käthl, I have barely gotten a line since November 1915.

Paul

Papa, Erich, Helene have been writing regularly. 

This letter from Paul has many similarities the letters from his cousin Harry almost 20 years later. Do all letters from soldiers sound like this? Or was it a family similarity? Both Paul and Harry were 20-year old soldiers who had been forced to grow up quickly – Paul, because his mother and step-mother had both died before he was 15 and was the eldest of 5 siblings; and Harry, who by the time he was 15 was fleeing with his sister across the world and away from his parents. They each complain of uninteresting work, bad food, heat, and bugs. They spend very little money, trying save every penny. They each long for music and literature.