the French hit our trench with some mustard gas. I had an open wound on my hand
and it has gotten very infected. These hospitals are a wretched place. They really do
nothing at all except give people a place today. On the talk of death, 2 of the recruits
from our squad have died. Thomas and Freddy both passes away last week. The both
took shots to the back of the when retreating in the trench. It was a sad day but I
guess their time had run out.
I have received another letter from my mother. She says that my brother Mickey,
who is now of the age of 15, will also be enlisting in the forces. Germany seems to be
taking anyone and everyone who they can get to fight for them. The country is in
desperate need right now. We have suffered huge losses and we will be receiving new
recruits in our squad next week. I sure hope I can get out of the hospital in time to
see Smitty again for one last time.
I thought I had it bad, but my hand is nothing compared to some of the guys I
have to share a room with in this hospital. The man on my right lost an eye when his
gun backfired on this. Another guy stepped on a grenade that had been thrown at him
and lost his entire left leg. I think every one is very sick of the war. It�s starting to
ware down on all of us. We all wouldn�t be here if it weren�t for the stupid Black
Hand and Gavrillo Princip. Where does he get off thinking he can just kill an
Archduke and his wife? People these days I sware. Well the nurse is passing out
rations and I sure don�t want to miss out on some food. I will right back soon if my
hand does not get any worse.
Hans