1945 US V-Mail 615 QM Depot Co (Reims, France), APO 513, c/o PM, NY, NY

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Condition

Used

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

US 1945 V-Mail letter (you can see the silver in it) --- letter is to Miss Shirley Horstmann, Box, Cameron, Texas --- from Lieutenant John R. Stevens, 615 Quartermaster Depot Company, A.P.O. 513, c/o Postmaster, New York, New York --- A.P.O. 513 indicates that at this time the writer is located near Reims, France --- self-censored with John R. Stevens signature at upper left

Letter is dated 27 April 1945 and begins, Dear Shirley --- the writer says, "I haven't heard form you in a long time and wonder how you are getting along." --- he relates, "Since last hearing from you I have moved inland and haunt the metropolis of Cherbourg no longer. We have moved up near the German border and are very satisfied with our new location." (this likely should have been censored)

He describes, "We are living in a very nice home and have a French couple to take care of it for us, so we are very happy to be here." --- he comments cynically, "The situation is so good that I know that it can't last for long. It never does when things are going good." --- he considers, "This is a very beautiful city and with the lilac now in bloom it is unlike anything I have ever seen before."

He reflects, "I guess things are beautiful everywhere this time of year though. I even think that College Station would look like heaven to me." --- he adds, "We are all very much excited about the present Russian and American drives and I certainly hope that they don't lose momentum." --- he explains, "The news that the Russians had encircled Berlin is something that we have been looking forward to for a long time."

He adds, "I hope that they have H[-i-t-l-e-r] strung up by the time that this letter reaches you." --- he asks, "What is doing in Cameron these days? No doubt the town is still overrun with soldiers. I guess that there is hardly a place that isn't though." --- closes, As ever, [no signature]

Historical note: "At the end of World War II in Germany, the Allies were converging on Berlin with the Soviet Union in the lead. The Battle of Berlin was the last significant offensive by the Allies in the European Theater of Operations, and it began on April 16, 1945. Two Soviet army groups advanced on the city from the east and the south while another attacked German army units positioned to the north of the city.

They were opposed by the last remnants of the German military near the city, including Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS divisions as well as teenagers and other civilians who had been drafted for the final effort. The outcome was not really in doubt, but it took time to fight this kind of brutal and bloody urban warfare, which included shelling of the city center in front of the Soviet advance.

A. H. Killed himself before the battle had ended, and the city's forces surrendered on may 2, although the war in europe did not officially end until the final german surrender on may 8, which is known as v-e day." for details, see: wikipedia/battle_of_berlin; dark strip across bottom or sides is the plastic holder in the scan

Money back guaranteed if stamp(s) and/or cover(s) is/are not to your satisfaction. If shipped outside the united states, all items over $50.00 must be sent by registered mail (usps fee in addition to the $2.50 s/h charges). These additional postal fees must be paid for by the winning bidder.

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[usvmail382]

Seller Information

Seller

lkburgman (434)

Registered Since

01/31/2007

Feedback

99.8%

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Item Location

New York, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Returns Policy

Money Back - Returns Accepted within 14 Days (Buyer pays Shipping Cost)