Today we have another letter from soldier Paul Zerzawy addressed to his brother Robert Zerzawy in Brüx, Bohemia. As you can see, this letter is very different in tone from previous letters. Paul’s letters usually have a bright and positive tone. Here he is serious and chides his younger brother for not informing him of their sister’s illness.
Feldpost 211, 30 January 1918
Dear Robert!
A letter which just arrived has me very surprised. Since the 13th, Käthl has been seriously ill. In all this time I have received 5 cards and 2 letters from you. Only in one do you mention Käthl, with the following words: “a little bit nervous.. it will pass…etc” In your words, to be honest, I had not suspected the situation described by Papa. I am certainly very grateful that you especially in recent times have always reported diligently about your meetings and you have described your life. But you will admit that this matter would have been more important. I am asking you to do the following in the same quarter hour that you read this letter. Please write in detail about Käthl, without taking into consideration that I might come on vacation before. Please do this if you want me to have real trust in your reporting.
Can you imagine especially now how I am eagerly awaiting my next vacation?
Today I have sent 500k to your address. Please save it in a way that is useful – either in our common bank account or into a separate bank account with my name. We will talk about more detailed directives when I see you.
Yours
Paul
P.S. Please let me know if the blouse, shirt, coat and the black trousers of my uniform are fit to be used. Otherwise, I will have to get something on the way or in Vienna. And also if there is civilian clothing available for me for an emergency.
Greetings to Grandmother and Käthl. I don’t dare to write to Käthl personally, because I do not know if she in a condition that might make her suffer from it. I cannot understand at all and cannot make sense of your sunny carelessness and Papa’s sorrow.
Paul
It appears that not much changed in family communication over the decades. In yesterday’s letter from 1941, Helene is concerned that she is not being told the truth about Robert’s health. Today, 23 years earlier, we see that Robert did not want to alarm his brother by telling him disturbing news, worried how he might react and knowing he could do nothing at such a distance. Although it appears that mail came often during the first world war, it wasn’t possible to call or text for more information, so Paul would have been waiting on pins and needles until the next letter. How confusing too to receive different news from his brother and his father.