Original 1943 German Luftwaffe Soldier Letter Group w/ Envelope 1947 Follow-Up WWII Correspondence

Original German correspondence group consisting of a wartime field envelope, multiple handwritten letters, and a postwar note dated June 1, 1947, providing a fascinating glimpse into the experiences and memories of a German serviceman.

The envelope bears a Lünen circular postmark dated 2.6.43, indicating wartime postal use. It is addressed to:

O. Gefr. (Obergefreiter) Paul Boenig
Reserve-Teile-Lager
Reichsbahn im Sauerkreis
Oberdonau

The correspondence includes several pages of neatly handwritten German text and later reflections written after the war. The 1947 letter recalls wartime experiences and discusses the destruction caused by bombing raids, offering valuable firsthand historical content.

Highlights:

• Original WWII German mailed envelope
• Lünen postal cancel dated 2 June 1943
• Addressed to Obergefreiter Paul Boenig
• Multi-page handwritten wartime and postwar correspondence
• Postwar letter dated Lünen, den 1. Juni 1947
• Excellent research and translation potential
• Superb addition to any WWII document, postal history, or militaria collection

Partial Translation

Envelope Address:

Obergefreiter Paul Boenig
Reserve Parts Depot (Reserve-Teile-Lager)
Reichsbahn in Sauerkreis
Oberdonau

Letter heading:

Lünen, June 1, 1947

Opening:

“My dear mother, I believe you are waiting eagerly for news. We have not written because of the first attack on Dortmund…”

The writer goes on to describe:

• Repeated air raids on Dortmund.
• Fires breaking out throughout the city.
• Bombs falling across residential neighborhoods.
• Houses burning and civilians taking shelter.
• The emotional strain of witnessing widespread destruction.
• Relief that family members survived despite the devastation.
• Hope that reconstruction and better times will eventually come.

One section describes fires spreading through entire streets and mentions:

“…the houses were burning… bombs fell… everything was covered in smoke…”

Another passage expresses concern for loved ones and thanks that everyone remained alive despite the destruction.

Closing card (translated):

“Today we wanted to sleep a little longer, but unfortunately nothing came of it. During the last two nights we got very little sleep.
Greetings,
Fritz.”

Condition

• Original wartime and postwar correspondence.
• Age toning, mailing wear, folds, and handling consistent with age.
• Envelope and all contents remain well preserved.
• Please review photos carefully for exact condition.

A remarkable survivor documenting both wartime service and the difficult years immediately following the end of World War II.

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