Notes from my diary which I wrote during American captivity in May 1945 at Sinzig and Koblenz-Lützel on brown paper of an old flour-sack where "Quaker Farina" was written on the protection-cover. FhjUffz. Horst Fenge (19 years).
"On the following sides I like to document the events of the year 1945, I was involved in. This should be a small substitute for the diary, that was taken away by a US-soldier with my capture at 04-20-45 on an estate in Zörbig (Saxony).
Saturday, 03-03-1945. At night, about 1 o'clock, we arrive with the freight train from Schwerin in Potsdam. Marched to the war-school in Bornstedt. Greetings from colonel Kühn, the CO of the school. Reorganization of the inspection. I was ordered with the dark-curly, funny Fritz Krömmelbein to the 1.Abt. 1.Gruppe (Lt. Dittmann). We were with 10 men in one room. There were writing- and bedrooms, desks, wardrobes and comforter beds. At all everything was very up-to-date. In the afternoon a cabaret with Karl Napp to cheer us up and in the evening cinema: "Ein Mann, der Sherlock Holmes war". All comrades were very content with the transfer.
Sunday, 03-04-1945. A comfortable Sunday. Got yeast-pieces from the canteen. We have a good and big library at the war-school. Have read "Flight contest of the nations", a science fiction novel by H.Dominik.
Now here in Potsdam - you have to consider 2 months before end of war! while in the west the Americans already were on German soil and the Ivan marches on Berlin in the east - are beginning despite all unfavorable circumstances relatively agreeable and instructive war-schooldays. Firing exercises, sandbox-instruction, pioneer-instruction, tactic and NS-education was most important. Exercises in the field were held at Bornstedter Feld, a place in the neighborhood on which already the grenadiers of the "Old Fritz" [nickname for a king of Prussia] practiced - however in other uniforms. Abteilungsführer Dettmar turns out as a pedantic teacher. Two times, in both cases on a Monday, we marched to the troop-exercise-area at Döberitz, 7-8 km away. There we have practice shooting with MG, quickly-fire-gun, storm-gun and carbines. We become familiar with the Sturmzug, the new fight-unit of the Inf.Div. [Infantrie Division]. The first topics in tactic: Arrangement of a Inf.Div., a Volksgrenadierdivision and the structures in the different branches of service. After that we begun with the tactical primary-task: Attack from ordered positions (at terrains near Potsdam). For this we made first a tour with bicycles and Hauptmann Reichelt to a mountain at Blankensee for a overview of the terrain. At that was much to learn. - Unfortunately it was prohibited to go to the city without a special authorization. To compensate that it was every evening a movie in the cinema, later 2 times weekly, we had the library, concerts and lecture-events. Following movies I saw during my stay in Potsdam: Gasparone, Kolberg (great movie by Harlan), Ein Mann wie Maximilian, Der stumme Gast. Following books I have read: Moltke (Naso), Ludendorff, der ewige Recke, Vom Zarenadler zur roten Fahne (Krasnow), Die Marneschlacht. Otherwise, I wrote letters and worked out the stuff for service in the leisure time. I was on room 26 with following comrades: Stfw. Hermann, Fw. Hawitz, Uffz. Klein, Krömmelbein, Warnecke, Lehmann, Demmler.
Unpleasantly were the regular stream-closings (alternating from 20-22 or from 18-20 o'clock), just as the almost daily air raid warning, mostly from 21 to 23 o'clock. Berlin is attacked almost each evening by enemy-planes, while Potsdam was spared until now.
From March, 18. until 19, I was at the Fanhnenjunker [officer candidate] v.D. section and through this I had nearly no rest. In the morning I had to report the inspection Lt. Stengel. - The daily meals in the Fanhnenjunker-canteen, where we were eating "decently" from placed tables, I remember very well.
At Friday, 03-23-1945 we had to be alert. Everything is packed. We should be transferred east (by foot?, to Fürstenwalde?). The school of Schwerin is in action near Stettin we heard. We got food rations and chocolate in round cans of tin also. The alarm is lifted conditionally on the following Saturday. General arousal calmed down. - In the west the American troops cross the Rhine.
Sunday, 03-25-1945. Splendid weather. After the meal we made a sightseeing in Potsdam with the 1.Abt. leaded by Lt. Dettmar. Sanssouci and the New Palace we saw from inside also. Had coffee. A beautiful, quite peaceful day.
In the next days, the big Anglo-American offensive started over the Rhine. Kassel surrendered. Last mail from home is from March the 23rd. Worries about relatives and parents in Guxhagen. Mood in Potsdam is pressed. Had lunch at "Katharinenholz" for three days.
Wednesday, 03-28-1945. Our division had to guard in the barracks from 13 o'clock for 24 hours. I am with guard-group T 34. Slept in a not finished bunker. Cooked a large pot with potato's. Weather is misty.
Friday, 03-30-1945. Misty and rainy. We practice throwing of hand grenades, I am station-leader at the close combat-school. Last service in Potsdam in the Fahnenjunker-school.
Saturday, 03-31-1945. We receive bazookas. Packed the luggage. The Panzerjagdverband [tank-hunter] "Milde" is set up. Get ordered to the Batl.stab, Lt.Dettmar Adjudant. At noon, the alarm is aborted.
Easter, Sunday, 04-01-1945. After a lecture of the "Faust", Major Erdmann announces the dissolution of the school. 1/3 of the Fahnenjunker, who are not picked for tank-hunt-command, were send to Dessau to the "Division Scharnhorst". I remain with approximately 15 men of our group (of 45) still in Potsdam.
At Monday, 2'nd Easter-day, we were allowed to leave the barracks at noon. Visited my aunt Else Fenge. Rainy. Was in the garrison-church - " Üb' immer Treu und Redlichkeit!" [always be faithfully and probity] - Had dinner in town.
Tuesday, 04-03-1945. Parts the schools "Milowitz" (Prague) and "Dresden" arrive. The Pz.Jgd.Reg "Erdmann" is set up. 1.Kp. Lt. Dinter, 2.Kp. Olt.Knorrenschild. We have to leave our beloved room #26 and move to the first floor (Uffz.Roth). With Krömmelbein and Demmlin(?) at the same room. Misty weather. We receive bicycles.
The next days are filled by much small-junk. Fitted bicycles, handed over remaining clothing, cunnings were written. Since I had not much to do, it is a relaxed time. Reading and sleeping. To my big surprise at 6. April a giant-package of daddy received me from Denmark. Main-content was food: Butter, bacon, cocoa. I share with my comrades. We see for the second time the movie " Kolberg", a film which should encourage us. Lt. Dinter is a very good group-leader. In the canteen, I meet comrades from Butzbach: Soomer (4.Gr.[group]), Kepper (1 Gr.) and Schneider (1.Gr.).
Saturday, 04-071945. Beautiful weather. Have eaten a lot out of the package. Alarm while I sit with Krömmelbein in the "Katharinenholz" in the evening. Received storm-gun, camouflage-jacket and a bazooka. Backpack packed. Handed over suitcases and 2 packages with names and address in the cellar. Packed bicycle. Slept hardly. Now, the last skirmish arise.
Sunday, 04-08-1945. Panzerjagdkommando. At noon, about 2 o' clock, our Pz.Jgd.Verb "Langenohl" is moving from Potsdam on bicycles with a bazooka on the baggage carrier. Brooding heat. Crossing Treuenbrietzen, Wittenberg we reach the village Buro in the evening. Had pain in the back from the strange driving and the hard saddle. Slept in a farmer's barn.
Monday, 04-09-1945. Potatoes for lunch. The Pz.Jgd.Verband remains in Buro. Not much to do. Beautiful weather, repaired stuff.
Tuesday, 04-10-1945. The farmer has birthday. Get cake. In the afternoon practice with bicycles. Sunny. How long it will last until we reach action? We belong to the Div.Scharnhorst. Air raids at the whole surroundings.
Wednesday, 04-11-1945. We receive a second bazooka. At noon, a marvelous pea-soup. In the afternoon alarm. Everything packed on the bicycle in hurry. Received food-packets. Around 19 o'clock departure in Buro. Passed Dessau on the highway, could see the completely destroyed city and reached Köthen after midnight.
Thursday 04-12-1945. Have eaten Choka-Kola (in round tin cans) and the packet for front-fighters. Covered position in a village north of Köthen in the morning. Unending mobile convoys flood back in direction of Dessau. The mood is pressed. In the evening back to Köthen again. Slept in the city hall.
Friday, 04-13-1945. Sunny, beautiful weather. Fritz Krömmelbein and me sprees in the city. Air raid warning. Have eaten chocolate and cookies. At noon with bicycle to Klein-Paschleben. The company extends in a defense-position. With our command. - Lt. Dinter on the motorbike - we were south of Bebitz. In a laundry room war-advice, Lt. Dinter rather mixed up.
Saturday, 04-14-1945. In the morning I was post at the exit of the village. Wild rumors. American tanks crossed south of Könnern the Saale. As scout on the bicycle to Könnern. Our Kdo. [command] moved back to Preußlitz. We crossed the village Leau while thrashing on our bicycles in front of the US-tanks, In Leau under command of Lt. Dinter some resistance; one or two tanks were hit. At the next place called Preußlitz we were ordered around the village for defense. A comrade and me were send to a hill where we dig with our feldspars a tank-foxhole. In front of the village was an open wooden barrier with a Lt. as post. The tanks stopped in front of the village. Skirmish-noise, bazooka-shootings. Whether tanks are hit, we cannot determine from above. As a result a pause. We fear an air-bombardment. But later again tank-sounds below in the village. The place Preußlitz was held by Lt. Giese approximately 2 hours. Then, the tanks and vehicles of the Americans roll through the village. On our hill we had no harm - just a bit scared. Hiding with a Fhj. [Fahnenjunker] from Egern at a pond until night. Then, we march to the south first. We have left behind the bazookas at the foxhole.
Sunday, 04-15-1945. We are lost behind the front. In the night we sneak and march, passing American posts until Rotenburg (Saale). In the morning we used a abandoned house to spend the day. A careful look out of the window. Excited women. An American truck was fifty meters away. The Americans don't enter the house however. Weather is rainy. Marched again at 22 o' clock. With moonlight southwards beside the Saale. In the distance shell fire from time to time. Uncertainty, where the German troops are.
Monday, 04-16-1945. In the morning we rest in a little forest near Wettin. Dig a hole for 2 men and slept in it. Sunny. Where to go? The Sudeten-German wants to Halle, I want to go to Dessau. The wildlife in the forest observes, there are no humans here. Around 21 o'clock marched eastward, mostly over fields. Navigated with the stars.
Tuesday, 04-17-1945. Hide in bushes southeast of Petersberg. Food get scarce. Until now we still wore our gray uniforms with the camouflage-clothing over it. After it seems nearly impossible to reach intact German forces, the Sudeten-German redressed with civilian clothes. In the evening we moved carefully again, avoided villages. At Zörbig, we separate after a thunderstorm ended. He moved to the south, I moved eastward. It is still a feeling of duty alive in me. Before reaching Prußendorf, I meet three Feldwebel of the Luftwaffe near an old mill. One must be careful not to shoot a friend.
Wednesday. The farmer Franke in Prußendorf was very kind and allowed to sleep in his barn. Had a meal which was amply and well. Was in civilian clothes in the village and watched the American trucks and tracked vehicles when rolling back. The Americans don't look as dangerous. Moved westward in the evening in company of the three Feldwebel. Walking at the softened ground of tracks and fields is annoyingly.
Thursday, 04-19-1945. Reached Petersberg after midnight and slept in the shed of the local shoemaker. The three Feldwebel want to cross the Saale while I want to try once again to reach the own troops. It was told to us that we had to be very careful of the foreign workers. The general uncertainty is depressing. With regret I left the Feldwebel. That was my last day I should spend in freedom as soldier. - About 22.30 o'clock I started marching. Slowly I walked along a empty country road. Temporary goal was Prußendorf. I carried a haversack, cook-dishes, bottle, one carton with civilian clothes (if needed) and a short spade. Clothing: the gray uniform and camouflaged jacket. That way I hiked on the street to the next village: Drobitz. In the shadow of some trees was a sign with the mane of the place on it. To make sure what place I had reached I entered the sign and I heard voices out of the shadow. I heard someone calling and two American guards were approaching pointing their guns on me. I have to raise my arms and one post guarded me into the village. The village was occupied by American artillery. The staff was located in a large building. I presume it was a school. A Sergeant asked me some questions about my unit and after he searched my baggage he took my pocketknife and my map. The night I had to spend in a hall of the school on a bench. They gave me some blankets and a feather-pillow. To avoid that I get lost a guard with a gun sat beside me the whole night.
Friday, 04-20-1945. Now is starting a new chapter in my diary I never will forget. It is the beginning of the sad time of my captivity. In the following weeks I learned misery, human needs and weakness in it's worst form. I learned to be very very hungry and to appreciate the meanings to be a free man.
In the morning, after I got a good breakfast from the American field-kitchen, I was transported on a truck to a prisoner collecting point in Bitterfeld. I got interrogated for the second time and lost my money at this; approx. 100 Mark. After that I was transported westward. It is sunny weather. Today is Hitler's birthday, the highest commander of the German armed forces, to whom we felt indebted since our time in the Jungvolk [youth organisation] and who led us this collapse now. If I would still be at the war-school, I would probably have been promoted to Fhj.Feldwebel or Leutnant today.
At an estate near Zörbig we stopped. Black American soldiers awaited us and we got searched and of course they found some valuables. A third interrogation. At noon I moved on and after a brusque order I had to leave my bread bag (with photo album and knife), mess tin and waterbottle in a box. Especially the photo album with photos from home I'll miss. In full speed we reach Halle. There are about thousand PoW's sitting around and inside an cinema. Loudspeaker: "I welcome you as prisoners of war of the great American nation!" A fourth interrogation by a tall blonde. In the afternoon we were transported westward by 10-15 trucks. At a large slagheap the ride ended. Thousands were sitting around. With another search I lost my little scissors. It followed my first night sleeping in the open air. My remaining equipment was the camouflaged jacket over my uniform (with wallet, fountain pen, comb and mirror) and a mess tin I organized.
Saturday, 04-21-1945. In the first light of dawn the transport continued. Crowded with 100 men on each truck we drove westwards, passed the Harz across Heiligenstadt and Witzenhausen (view to Hanstein). At some places, which looked lonely, was still hoist the white flag. Sometimes women tried to give us bread. Transports in opposite direction with foreign civilians threatened us. Where the journey will end? In France for rebuilding or farther? For sure we don't come home soon. When passing Obervellmar I can hand over a postcard I've addressed to my mother to let her know that I'm alive. (A few days later she received that postcard in Guxhagen!)
We reached the destination in Welda where a large prison camp was build on a slope. I meet Kurt Hertzberg, a former classe-mate from the Friedrichs gymnasium in Kassel. The next night in the open air without much sleep. The ground of the former field is wet and loamy. It is raining.
Sunday, 04-22-1945. A cloudy day. The atmosphere froze. The Americans count us. In this camp about 60.000 stand, sit or lay in eight fields fenced with barbered wire. Daily rations were little boxes (US combat rations with cheese, biscuit, chocolate, sugar and lemon. The cigarettes are missing). And again a night without blanket or the sheet of a tent on the wet ground. Sometimes I sit on my mess tin. Some comrades are ill or completely exhaust. I hope I stay healthy.
Nine long days and nine long nights takes this dog's life in Welda. Sometimes I'm very discouraged and I think that I'll not leave this place alive. If only I don't get ill because here is no medical care and no pity of the guards. They only take care that we won't get lice. One time US-medical orderlies came with some kind of fire hose in our camp and every prisoner got white powder under his arms.
Except on two hot days, without drinking water, it was raining only. Ankle-deep mush and mud everywhere. Most worse are the long nights.
During the day we starve and wait for food. The last four days we only got 120g chocolate. From our camp at the slope we can see that beside the head office the box pile is decreasing. Where are the supplies?
I join H.Neumann and R.Petersen; in company time flows faster. Approx. 7000-9000 men on a field of 200 x 300 meter. Lucky who finds a place to sleep. Transportation of groups sometimes. Doesn't matter where they are going, it cannot be more worse elsewhere. Waiting until it's our turn. Meanwhile I've escape plans; the barbered fence is well guarded in the night also and additionally lighten up.
How will it be with my loved ones at home? Are Harald and Daddy in such a camp also? About the situation are many rumors: The Ami is in Podsdam, the Russian in Berlin, Vienna is recaptured, Papen is negating in America. When walking around I meet several old friends. Heinz Schneider from Butzbach und many from Potsdam. People of all ages are in Welda, from 14-year-old Luftwaffenhelfer up to 60-year-old men from the Volkssturm. That is the result of the "Werewolf". How will be the future? Labor in France?
Monday, 04-30-1945. The weather is still quite inconstant. We stand almost day and night in front of the gate to be finally one of the lucky ones which come out of this hell. Only out of here!! About noon trucks are coming. After some crowding I'm part of the transport. When walking to the trucks I'm feeling how muck energy is left during the last ten days of hunger. After 300 meter our knees are shaking. Like always black soldiers accompanying the transport. They are helping us to climb on the high vehicles.
In high speed we drive via Volkmarsen, Marburg, Gießen to Wetzlar at the Rhine, south of Godesberg. At night we cross a pontoon bridge of the 1'st US-army and reach at the westbank of the Rhine, a liitle mit more south, a very large and brightly lighten prison camp: Remagen-Sinzig (one of the infamous large camps at the Rhine).
To be continued
