History of Sorts

I know this blog may not sit comfortably with everyone, but I believe it’s important to look at the Holocaust from every possible angle if we are to understand its full story.

What follows is a glimpse into that story, seen through the words of a man who once stood guard at Auschwitz. The letter, donated to us by someone who wished to remain anonymous, was written by Stefan Dilmetz, an SS private stationed with the 7th Guard Company at the camp.

Dated April 1, 1944, the letter was sent to his Wehrmacht colleague, Ludwig Fitterling. Along with it came a postcard decorated with the image of German tanks. (as seen above)On the back, Dilmetz had scrawled a simple Easter greeting — an almost ordinary gesture in the midst of extraordinary horror.

In the letter itself, he explained that he would not be able to see his old friend anytime soon. The reason was hardly dramatic: men from the Auschwitz garrison were only granted 96 hours of leave. It’s a small detail, yet it opens a window into the everyday lives of those stationed at one of history’s darkest places — men who wrote casual letters home while the machinery of genocide continued just beyond the fences.

I tried to translate it as accurate as possible

Auschwitz, September 1, 1944

Dear Ludwig,

I received your letter from your vacation yesterday with gratitude and great joy. I don’t want to miss the chance today to write you a few lines.

Now you are on vacation again. I wish you lots of fun, because a vacation is really nice. Go ahead and enjoy it. Besides, it’s a little change; for a while, you forget about the life at the office.

Ludwig, as you wrote, you would like me to spend a few days of vacation with you. Yes, that would really be nice, but it is impossible. Imagine, I might get a short leave of 96 hours, and imagine that I would be traveling soon after; I am already on the road almost all the time, right? But maybe the time will come again when one can spend a few days together. Then you will see again, because there’s already a lot going on and soon it will be over – just be careful, Ludwig.

Or in other words, you could make things better. But you will manage without worries, as long as you are in your circle. In any case, I wish you, young hero, from the bottom of my heart, that you experience the most beautiful things.

Now I will close for today. There is nothing special here; everything is as usual, and I hope the same for my treasures, that they are in the best health and satisfaction.

I send my regards to your parents and siblings.

Longingly yours,
Your Stefan

Heil Hitler

sources

https://www.auschwitz.org/en/museum/news/private-letter-of-an-ss-man-from-the-kl-auschwitz-staff-donated-to-the-archives,1243.html

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