Link to Family Tree to understand family relationships.
First page of letter. Paul’s letters were written in 4 “pages” on a single sheet, beginning with the outside folded right side of the page. Pages 2 and 3 were on the inside, and page 4 was on the left side of the first page, the back when the sheet was folded.
Feldpost 211, 19.3.1918
My dear ones!
Yesterday in the late morning, I arrived although one train too late, but “without complications,” as they say in military jargon. I have arrived, joining the military ranks. I have found everything here as it was before my leave. And therefore I don’t have a lot to tell you about what I am doing because the second battalion is again in reserve in H, and because of daily exercises and most beautiful peacetime drills, interrupted in between by boredom and the desire to have my next leave.
The past leave was just beautiful. First, 14 days at home. I was able to observe Käterl’s better health with my own eyes. Then 14 days in Vienna. There, thanks to the great wonderful extension of my leave, I really enjoyed life. I was only at home one evening, all other nights I was out: the Prater, concerts, dances, cabaret, movies. I saw: “The Queen of Sheba,” “Rigoletto,” “Kuhreigen” [cow dance – perhaps country dancing?], 2 comedies, 1 operetta, etc. I came to know Helene’s circle of friends – and saw a good part of the town and surroundings. At the same time, Helene let me stay at the apartment and gave me evening meals and lunches. I visited Helene’s museums and the Parliament.
In Srzemahl’s [?] I was unfortunately only 1-1/2 days. I also liked it there very much. – The travel back was less pretty. In Budapest, 24 hours of stopping (there I already had to start being parsimonious with my money!) Until Kronstadt, there was no place to sit. But starting from Buzau, a regular train. In Focsam the night in the officers’ building was okay again.
The premature deployment might have happened because the regiment was moved (but only for a few days) and it was ready for attack – it is meanwhile no secret anymore – back then when Romania became obstinate - you are able to remember? – I have to be careful and wait a little while before I request another leave. So you know pretty much everything about me.
Stay healthy and write to me often and a lot.
Your Paul
As I’ve mentioned before, when I found Paul Zerzawy’s box of WWI letters, they seemed like an afterthought to the rest of the documents in the archive – I assumed they were tangential to my grandmother’s story. When Amei Papitto translated this letter 2 months ago, it was a wonderful gift –a window into my grandmother’s Vienna before she was married. It indeed sounds like a cultural paradise – endless live music and entertainment, movies, socializing with her friends (presumably at the cafes). She showed him a grand time!
Studio portrait of Helene at 31 taken in January 1918. Her choice of items to include in the photo makes perfect sense - two books with a newspaper sandwiched between them. Unfortunately we can’t read the book title - perhaps Goethe?