Long-awaited potatoes
15. August 1943
On Sunday, 14.8. (Flak travel day) We packed back together. Morning, the weather was beautiful. It went back to Jnotchkino and then right off the road to Yelnya. Since it began to rain. The dusty streets with tough mud were covered in no time, so that the riders had to watch hell, not slip or stuck. On this way to Yelnya I met once Russia. The streets were a single mud- and puddle area, the houses built in poor and patched with all the possible and patched, the people dressed licentie. The fields were unkempt, until we saw only a Veldt. The city of Yelnya itself was almost extinct. We went then on the road to fun-Demensk about yet 15 km and were then away near the village of Medvezh'ye in a Bush area in position.
Since the front from here only 12 km was away, had to be disguised all. The Geschützrohre were wrapped so with branches, that you could hold them for a tree. The building of the tents was no pleasure, because in the Grase wet from the rain it seemed to be no good Commons. But after enough straw was been brought, could we very well establish our tents.
Our first lunch in this position brought finally boiled potatoes and goulash.. Already during the last period in Sechtschinskaja our potatoes to end were gone, and so there were about 14 Day long only noodles, Macaroni, Rice and grains in all possible preparations. Now we had can find again potatoes and there was a Cookware also again fully. Has also our young these days, cooking gewandter Werner Lotz from 8 l milk a pudding for us cope made, the look really could be. Our measuring crew leader was at that time Lance Sergeant. Bodenschatz. Sergeant. Theißen was on vacation. I came out for the time being not so good with Bodenschatz. Is it because he likes to hintenanstellte us young corporal something or is it due to his being and feel what I liked not and has never promised.
