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I'm not sure anyone will want to take this on because it's probably sort of time consuming or frustrating but I'm hoping someone might be interested enough.
My sister (a fellow awesome Starcraft fan) has been doing a lot of investigating into our genealogy and histories of family members and has 14 letters of our great grandfather's. Most of the letters are from our great grandfather Schulim to either our great grandmother Ella or his parents & siblings- the rest are from Ella or his brother David to him. They all lived in Vienna. At the time (1918-1919), Schulim was a lieutenant in the Austrian army, and he was being held as a prisoner of war in Cassino, Italy.
She has been trying to translate from German to English for several days, but has not made much progress using Google translate. The handwriting is very hard to read, and because she doesn't know German she can't use contextual clues to figure out what the words are, so she's entering nonsense and getting nonsense back. She figures having someone who speaks German could translate this much more quickly and easily. Plus, she's finding that even sentences she thought she had transcribed correctly are translating awkwardly and figures a native speaker could do a better job with this as well. If anyone wants to help out with translating a few of them for her, we'd be very grateful.
The letters:
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5827/schulimletter1b.jpg
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/7306/schulimletter2b.jpg
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/5641/schulimletter3b.jpg
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/8489/schulimletter4b.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2742/schulimletter5b.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8210/schulimletter6b.jpg
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9165/schulimletter7b.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1408/schulimletter8b.jpg
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1560/schulimletter9b.jpg
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1193/schulimletter10b.jpg
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1848/schulimletter11b.jpg
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/183/schulimletter12b.jpg
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/2143/schulimletter13b.jpg
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2015/schulimletter14b.jpg
Here's what my sister has tried to transcribe so far, so you don't have to start from square one in trying to interpret the handwriting:
+ Show Spoiler +1b.
Liebe Ella!
Ich bin seit 4 XI 1918 in ilat[?] gefangenschaft. Ich habe schon einige mal geschrieben, bin aber sicher, daß Du noch nicht bekomen[sic] habe. Mir geht ziemlich gut. Ich hoffe daß Du diese karte bekomen[sic] [??], und bitte[?] Dich [??] gleich auf[?] die oben angegebene Adresse zu antworten. Voraussichtlich bleibe ich hier längere Zeit[?]!? Was hört man bei dir? Wo [?]ind Olive[?] l.[?] Eltern?
Mit Gruß Schulim
Cassino, en 18/i 1918
2b.
Cassino, 18/3 1919
L. E!
Ich warte noch immer auf weitere Nachrichten, aber vergebens. Werde[?] ich noch zange[?] warten mi[?]? Am 16:[00] abend haben wir Purim geziert. Wir waren 160 Juden beisammen. Ein Koluge[?] hat[?] uns die. Megyle[?] Esther[?] im galiziehensing[??]. Lang vorgelesen [?] aber ohne Prager[?] J[?]. Es winden[?] jüdisch u. hebräische Lieder z[?]gen u. allesu[?]. Wit[?] erzählt. Wir 10 ehr[?] (Retrant[?]) Jind[?] wir, feierlich gestimmt[?] auseinandergegehen[?]. Lo[?] bei mir nichts[?] meines. Wie geht es Du? Wir geht es ohren[?] N.[?] Eltern[?]?
Mit besten[?] Grüßen Schulim
3b.
Meine Lieben!
Von Euch no[?] Keine nachricht! Bei mir[?] nicht von[?] [?]. Es geht mir ziemlich gut. Hier [?] schon sehr warm. Wie sch[?] [?] bei Euch Auß? Was macht Mania Schulim in Kinder? Ich habe nicht niehr zu schreiben. Auf ein [?] wiedersehen.
Mit Grun[?] n [?] Gruß v. Rosenbeaum [?] Burg.
4b.
Cassino 25/5 1919
Liebe Ella!
Ich habe gestern einen Brich von 22/IV bekommen. Nach den bie einhausenden Berichten sind die Verhältnisse in Wien nicht sehr glänzend[?]; und Du schreiben, daß es Dir und meinen l.[?] Angehöriger so[?] gut geht!
5b.
Cassino, 10/VII 1919
Meine Lieben!
Bei mir ist nicht von Bedeutung. Da ich bei meiner Gefangennahme angegeben habe, daß ich nach[?] Galizien[?] [?] bin, [?] ich von den
6b.
Cassino 18/3 1919
Meine Lieben!
[?] mir micht[?] Nates[?]. Von Euch no[?] immer Keine Nachricht. Vorgestern haben wir den Purim geziert. Mortcho[?] Rosenbaum hat[?] uns die "Megule" vorgelesen. Ich winsche[?] Euch einen [?]lichen Pessach? Rosenbaum had[?] heute au[?] Uch eine Karte
10b.
Wien 24 Mai 19
Lieben Schulim,
Wir erhielten von Dir eine Karte in der du anfragst[?] ob Izmiel[?] [?] Sniatyn zurickgekomien[??] ist. Nebenbei aber Klagst[?] Du wieder dass Du von [?] noch Kein einziges Schreiben hast. Woher also die Nachricht? Von[?] frl. Margulies erfahren[?] ich, dass du Don[?] ops[?] eine Brief erhalten hast, hoffenthiel bekomnst Du bald auel und[?] sere[?] Es zutssen[?] vicle[?] sein
Kusse David
11b.
6/II 1919
Lieben S.!
Habe eiene Karte, mit diesen Adresse von 18/I 1919 er[?]: halten! Ich schreibe also auch auf die andere Adresse da ich nicht weiß welche[?] die richtige[?] ist. Habe nichte[?] die Universitatsprüfung[?] [?] frau[?] mit guten [?]nacht. Dein[?] Zunder[?] der und hat mich dan
Much obliged if anyone chooses to help out.
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Damn that handwriting is unreadable, if i could read it i would help, sorry 
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1b.
Liebe Ella!
Ich bin seit 4 XI 1918 in ilat[?] gefangenschaft. Ich habe schon einige mal geschrieben, bin aber sicher, daß Du noch nicht bekomen[sic] habe. Mir geht ziemlich gut. Ich hoffe daß Du diese karte bekomen[sic] [??], und bitte[?] Dich [??] gleich auf[?] die oben angegebene Adresse zu antworten. Voraussichtlich bleibe ich hier längere Zeit[?]!? Was hört man bei dir? Wo [?]ind Olive[?] l.[?] Eltern?
Mit Gruß Schulim
Cassino, en 18/i 1918
Dear Ella,
I've been a Prisoner of War in Italy since November 1918. I've tried writing several times before but I'm pretty sure that you haven't received anything yet. I'm doing fine. I hope you get this letter and ask you to respond to my address above immediately. It looks like I'll be staying here for a longer period of time. What's new on your end? [the next part is hard to read, I read it like this: Where are your (first?) parents?] [it could also be: Where are Olive's parents?]
Yours truly, Schulim.
In: Cassino, January 18th 1919
[the dates aren't necessarily 100% correct but these are my guesses]
Will do more when I have the time, first one was very easy to translate, the other ones look more complicated. By the way, it looks like Schulim was a jew, I assume you are aware of that already?
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1
Dear Ella!
I am in their captivity since 4 IX 1918. I already wrote several times, but I am sure you didnt got anything [so far]. I am pretty well. I hope that you will get this card and ask you to answer to the above adress. I'll probably stay here for a longer time. What have you been hearing? Where are Olives parents?
greetings Schulim
Usually my english isnt so bad, but translating german sentences straight into english is pretty hard for me, sorry. 
Maybe I continue if i have more time.
Edit: alright, the above one is way better than mine... :D
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No one asked about the sister first? Wow, TL you have matured! <3
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On August 07 2011 01:54 Avius wrote:
No one asked about the sister first? Wow, TL you have matured! <3
and obviously u haven't.
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On August 07 2011 01:48 dkh wrote:Show nested quote +
1b.
Liebe Ella!
Ich bin seit 4 XI 1918 in ilat[?] gefangenschaft. Ich habe schon einige mal geschrieben, bin aber sicher, daß Du noch nicht bekomen[sic] habe. Mir geht ziemlich gut. Ich hoffe daß Du diese karte bekomen[sic] [??], und bitte[?] Dich [??] gleich auf[?] die oben angegebene Adresse zu antworten. Voraussichtlich bleibe ich hier längere Zeit[?]!? Was hört man bei dir? Wo [?]ind Olive[?] l.[?] Eltern?
Mit Gruß Schulim
Cassino, en 18/i 1918
Dear Ella, I've been a Prisoner of War in Italy since November 1918. I've tried writing several times before but I'm pretty sure that you haven't received anything yet. I'm doing fine. I hope you get this letter and ask you to respond to my address above immediately. It looks like I'll be staying here for a longer period of time. What's new on your end? [the next part is hard to read, I read it like this: Where are your (first?) parents?] [it could also be: Where are Olive's parents?] Yours truly, Schulim. In: Cassino, January 18th 1919 [the dates aren't necessarily 100% correct but these are my guesses] Will do more when I have the time, first one was very easy to translate, the other ones look more complicated. By the way, it looks like Schulim was a jew, I assume you are aware of that already?
Yes definitely aware of that, that side of my family is Jewish and his son, my grandfather, has a long personal story of escaping the Holocaust which is how that side of my family came to be in America. Also he would be able to translate these but he's essentially blind now.
Thanks for the help so far.
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Germany / USA16648 Posts
Some of that stuff is really hard to read. I'd love to help, but I'm insanely busy atm. With the awesome community we have, I'm sure you'll get everything translated. If this isn't done in the next two weeks or so shoot me a PM, I should have more time then.
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I just want to say that this blog is really, really interesting. Sounds stupid, but i can't wait to read the rest of the letters after the first one that got translated. As long as you let us read them! :D
I have always loved World War (History overall) stuff!
I hope you get the help you wanted/needed!
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2b
Cassino, 18.3.1919 [thats obviously March 18th, the day and months are changed in German]
L.E!
I'm still waiting for more messages, but so far nothing! Will I have to wait much longer?
On 16th in the evening we celebrated "Purim". We were about 160 Jews. A colleague read us the "Megyle Esoher ?" [maybe a Jewish term] in galizian? singsong, but without "graper?" . Several jewish and hebraic songs were sung and a lot of jokes were told. At 10 o'clock (?Reurait) we separated in a happy mood. Besides that nothing new from me. How are you? How are your parents?
Best regards, Schulim
[the unknown terms are probaly all some form of jewish/hebraic part of the Purim-celebration]
3b.
Cassino, 10.3.1919
My dears!
Still no message from you. Nothing to [?] from me. I'm doing very good.
It's very hot here. How is it looking with you? Hwo are Maria Schulim and kids doing? I have nothing more to write. To a soon meeting.
Greetings and [?] . Schulim
Greetings from Rosenbaum [?] Burg.
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I really hope this goes well for you. I tried looking at some of them, however I only studied German a little in school and I'm 100% sure these intelligent Germans will be much more help to you. This is really interesting, though.
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4b.
Cassino 25/5 1919
Dear Ella!
Yesterday I received a letter from 22/IV! According to the reports the situation in Wien [Vienna] is not so pretty; and they say that you and my I. [first?] relatives have it so good. Is it [?] to only comfort me?! Some officers were even written that they should stay here as long as they can. How much I would like to be with you right now! The messages from my relatives usually get here in monthly intervals or even bigger. What thoughts are coming to the mind! - By the way, what about Brisk[?] ? Who is there right now, the Poles or [?] ? About his travel home, I think it would be better if [they?] postponed it until there are no[?] regular circumstances.
I'm not allowed to write more than 15 lines. I have to end [??],
Schulim
5b.
Cassino, 10/VII 1919
My Dears!
Nothing noteworthy from me. Since I said at my capture that I'm responsible towards Galizien, the Italians noted me as a Pole and I probably will be transferred to another (polish) camp.
What will happen after that, I don't know. What is new with you? I haven't had a message in a long time.
With greetings and [?]
Schulim
--
pretty hard to translate, but its so interesting :-)
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ORIGINAL:
3b.
Meine Lieben!
Von Euch no[?] Keine nachricht! Bei mir[?] nicht von[?] [?]. Es geht mir ziemlich gut. Hier [?] schon sehr warm.
Wie sch[?] [?] bei Euch Auß? Was macht Mania Schulim in Kinder? Ich habe nicht niehr zu schreiben. Auf ein [?] wiedersehen.
Mit Grun[?] n [?] Gruß v. Rosenbeaum [?] Burg.
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CORRECTION/TRANSCRIPTION BY ME:
3b.
Meine Lieben!
Von Euch noch immer keine Nachricht! Bei mir (...). Es geht mir ziemlich gut. Hier ist (es) schon sehr warm. Wie schaut es bei Euch aus? Was macht Mania Schulim mit (den) Kindern? Ich habe nichts mehr zu schreiben. Auf ein baldiges Wiedersehen.
Mit Gruß und viele Grüße v. Rosenbaum (v.| u.) Burg
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ENGLISH:
Dear loved ones!
Still haven't got a letter from you! (...). I am doing fine here. It's quite hot here. How's it going over there? How is Mania Schulim doing with the kids? Having nothing more to write now. I hope we meet each other as soon as possible | Goodbye!
With best regards and greetings from Rosenbaum and|or Burg!
---------------------------------------------------------
I am not really good in translating English <=> German. Please correct my translation and transcription if your find any mistakes.
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On August 07 2011 04:15 Erwin wrote:
Was just about to start translating it.
Great way of first posts 
Topic is really interesting!
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6b.
Cassino 18/3 1919
Dear loved ones! [good translation, @Huehang :-) ]
Nothing new from me. Still no message from you. The day before yesterday we celebrated the Purim. Maricho [?] Rosenbaum read us the "Megrile[?]" - I wish you all a happy "Pessach"! - Today Rosenbaum wrote a card to you, and asks Kirch[?] to somehow get the card [?].
What are you all up to? What are Maria and kids doing?
With greetings and kisses, Schulim
Greetings from Rosenbaum
7b
Cassino, 10/III 1919
L.E! [probably Dear Ella]
The bad postal transportation is probably the reason why I haven't reveiced anything from you except the card from 6/II. I have not received anything from my relatives. There is nothing of meaning from us here. I'm learning a bit French and Hebrew. Today I started to learn English.
The weather is very nice. It's pretty hot in the afternoon!
What is happening with you? How are you? Your relatives? Write often!
Greetings to [?] [+probably some additional greetings]
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8b
Cassino, 18/IV 1919
My dear loved ones!
3 days ago I received a letter from 12/ Febr. and a telegram from 11/4 from you. But none of them is very elaborate. I ask you again to please write everything in detail. I'm doing pretty well, I'm healthy.
On 14th in the evening we had a very nice [?]. Rosenbaum [?] the [?] for 200 jews. [again some sort of jewish culture] For Pejsach[?] we each got 2 kilos of Mazos[?].
Greetings and kiss, Schulim
Greetings and kisses to Maria Schulim [?]
and Greeting from Rosenbaum and Burg
9b
[Don't write between the lines!]
Vienna, 11th of March 1919
Dear Schulim!
We picked up your letter from a colleague that returned from Cassino. It is inexplicable that you receive no letters from us. We even sent [?] a letter in French! Now we write you every week. Except you, we are all at home now.
Kisses, [?] !
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I will give this a shot, but I must admit that some of that is very hard to read.
4b.
Liebe Ella!
Ich habe gestern einen Brief vom 22/IV (4) Bekommen. Nach den hier einlaufenden berichten sind die verhälltnise in Wien nicht sehr glänsend, und so scheint
Dear Ella!
Yesterday I recieved a letter from the 22nd of April.
#Edit
Recently pressed the post button to early. 4b incoming in a few minutes!
#Edit 2
Just saw further up that someone was a lot faster than me
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10b
[Don't write between the lines!]
Vienna, 24th May 19
My dear Schulim!
We received your card where you ask if Daniel[?] returned from [Schiratyn?]. Additionally you lament again, that you still have no letter from us. So where is the message from?
I hear from Mrs. Margulies that you received a letter from her, hopefully you will get [?] soon. There must be a lot.
Kisses, [?]
11b
[Don't write between the lines!]
6/II 1919
My dear S.!
Received a card with this adress from 18/I 1919. So I'm also writing to the other adress because I don't know which one is the right one. Did the French university-exam with good [?]. Your brother David picked me up from the university afterwards. Soon I will do the English one, and then I will go home. But please write towards [here?]. Maybe we see each other soon?
Dearest greetings, [?Name]
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On August 07 2011 04:52 ShaneFreeze wrote:#Edit 2 Just saw further up that someone was a lot faster than me
The more different translations there are, the closer we might come towards the actual meaning of the letters. My translations are pretty rough and probably not very good english. BUT that might also just be the way the people spoke like back then. ;-)
12b
Cassino, 10/IV 1919
Dear loved ones!
I have received no message from you at all. I hope everything is alright. There is nothing of importance here. I am pretty well. It is 5 days until "Pejsach". Last year I celebrated it in [?] circles, this time I will have to celebrate it in captivity. We ordered "Mazen" from [Roin?]. How are you doing concerning this matter? Happy holidays and a happy [?].
Many kisses from your [Schulim, I guess]
13b
Cassino, 2/IV 1919
My dear Ella!
Sadly have to begin my card with the same words, that I have so often: except for your card from 6/II I have received no message from you. Try the adress: [?], di guerra, Cassino d'affari civili; [?] Hotel Europe.
Nothing of meaning from me. I'm doing pretty well. What are you up to? How are my parents? When do you leave Vienna?
With Greetings [?] Schulim
14b
Cassino, 2/[?] 1919
My dear Ella!
I received your letter from 3rd/6 at 27th/6. I'm very happy that you are getting good news from your relatives. Hopefully in the future Busk[?] will still be spared from the [?].
What about Saha Roth? Are you mad at her? I asked you to greet her many times since I am here, but you have written nothing about her. How is she?
L. Elia! [Dear Elia?]
I have written to you at the [?] very often. Do you get all those? There is nothing of meaning here. I can't write about everything, because it gets censored very precisely. Hopefully it won't be long and I will tell you everything verbally.
Until then be greeted dearly, Schulim
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It's just a rough translation, but I think you can get most of the meaning. Nice way to pass the time when I'm bored and just sit at the PC anyway. :-)
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ha, i wanted to help but the work has been done. erwin!! :D
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Thanks for all the help so far! I have some more information from my sister that might make a few things clearer:
On August 07 2011 03:47 Erwin wrote:
2b
... A colleague read us the "Megyle Esoher ?" [maybe a Jewish term] in galizian? singsong, but without "graper?" ...
3b
... Hwo are Maria Schulim and kids doing? ...
"Megyle Esoher" is "Megillah Esther," a very long story of Purim, which is a Jewish holiday. "Galizian" is probably "Galizien," or Galician. Schulim was from a town called Sniatyn, which before WWI was part of Galicia.
Mania is Schulim's sister. Her husband was also named Schulim.
On August 07 2011 04:15 Erwin wrote:
4b.
...By the way, what about Brisk[?] ? Who is there right now, the Poles or [?] ?...
"Brisk" is probably "Busk," Ella's hometown. Before WWI it was located in Galicia, but afterwards it became part of Poland. Now it is in Ukraine. Maybe the unknown word is "Ukrainians."
On August 07 2011 04:49 Erwin wrote:
8b
... For Pejsach[?] we each got 2 kilos of Mazos[?]...
9b
...Kisses, [?] !...
"Pessach" is Passover, another Jewish holiday, and Mazos is probably Mazto or Matzah, traditional unleavened bread for the holiday.
It looks like it is signed "David," who is Schulim's brother.
On August 07 2011 05:01 Erwin wrote:
10b
...We received your card where you ask if Daniel[?] returned from [Schiratyn?]. ...
...I hear from Mrs. Margulies that you received a letter from her, hopefully you will get [?] soon. There must be a lot.
Kisses, [?]....
11b
... Did the French university-exam with good [?]. Your brother David picked me up from the university afterwards. Soon I will do the English one, and then I will go home. But please write towards [here?]. Maybe we see each other soon?
Dearest greetings, [?Name]...
I think it says "Samuel" and "Sniatyn." Samuel is another brother of Schulim's, and Sniatyn is their hometown. Ms. Margulies is Ella, and I'm pretty sure that it is signed "David."
11b is signed Ella. She attended a university in Vienna and got a designer's degree of some sort. She spoke English and French, so maybe she took a class on French and English and is talking about the exams?
Again, thanks for all the help everybody!
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On August 07 2011 05:37 ZapRoffo wrote:Show nested quote +On August 07 2011 05:01 Erwin wrote:
11b
... Did the French university-exam with good [?]. Your brother David picked me up from the university afterwards. Soon I will do the English one, and then I will go home. But please write towards [here?]. Maybe we see each other soon?
Dearest greetings, [?Name]... I think it says "Samuel" and "Sniatyn." Samuel is another brother of Schulim's, and Sniatyn is their hometown. Ms. Margulies is Ella, and I'm pretty sure that it is signed "David." 11b is signed Ella. She attended a university in Vienna and got a designer's degree of some sort. She spoke English and French, so maybe she took a class on French and English and is talking about the exams? Again, thanks for all the help everybody!
Did the French university-exam with good [?].
I read the sentence in german as "Habe heute die Universitätsprüfung in französisch mit gutem Erfolg gemacht"
It is hard to read though.
It would mean something like: Today i passed the university-exam in french with good results
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still something left which has to be translated or everything done?
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I fixed some things in Erwin's translation:
[...] = translator's note
12b
Cassino, 10/IV 1919
Dear loved ones!
I have received no message from you at all. I hope everything is alright. There is nothing of importance here. I am pretty well. It is 5 days until "Pejsach" [thanksgiving]. Last year I celebrated it in a select circle [implied: of friends/acquaintances], this time I will have to celebrate it in captivity. We ordered beef from Rome [It. manzo = beef, could also be matzo though, weirdly written]. How are you doing concerning this matter? Happy holidays and a happier future [hard to read].
Many kisses from your [Schulim, I guess]
13b
Cassino, 2/IV 1919
My dear Ella!
Sadly have to begin my card with the same words, that I have so often used: except for your card from 6/II I have received no message from you. Try the adress: [?], di guerra, Cassino d'affari civili; Innsbruck [that's how I would read it,... it's a city in Austria, just have no idea what the connection would be here, makes little sense] Hotel Europe.
Nothing noteworthy from me. I'm doing pretty well. How are you? [this literally means "what can be heard, where you are right now / concerning you"] How are my parents? When do you leave Vienna?
With Greetings [?] Schulim
14b
Cassino, 2/[?] 1919
My dear Ella!
I received your letter from 3rd/6 at 27th/6. I'm very happy that you are getting good news from your relatives. Hopefully in the future Busk [a city in today's Ukraine] will still be spared from the riots/turmoils.
What about Sah[r?]a Roth? Are you mad at her? I asked you to greet her many times ever since I got here, but you have written nothing about her. How is she?
L. Elia! [Dear Elia?]
I have adressed my cards to Heinzeburg [a city in today's Poland, apparently, now called Jedrzychow] very often. Do you get all those? There is nothing of meaning here. I can't write about everything, because it gets censored very precisely. Hopefully it won't be long and I will tell you everything verbally.
Until then be greeted dearly, Schulim
Cheers.
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some minor changes:
1b
On August 07 2011 01:48 dkh wrote:
[...]
Dear Ella,
I've been a Prisoner of War in Italy since 1st November 1918. I've tried writing several times before but I'm pretty sure that you haven't received anything yet. I'm doing fine. I hope you get this letter and ask you to respond to my address above immediately. It looks like I'll be staying here for a longer period of time!? What's new on your end? How are your first parents?
Yours truly, Schulim.
In: Cassino, January 18th 1919
[...]
The first date is 1st of November 1918.
after: "It looks like I'll be staying here for a longer period of time" stands "!?"
Last sentence is most likely "Wie geht es deinen 1. Eltern?" meaning "How are your first parents?". because the last sentence of 2b is the same. I don't really know what 1st parents ("1. Eltern") means. In 4b he speaks of "1.Angehörige" (first relatives). Maybe it just means the degree of relationship.
3b
On August 07 2011 03:47 Erwin wrote:
[...]
3b.
Cassino, 10.3.1919
My dears!
Still no message from you. Nothing important happened here. I'm doing very good.
It's very hot here. How is it looking with you? Hwo are Maria Schulim and kids doing? I have nothing more to write. To a soon meeting.
Greetings and [?] . Schulim
Greetings from Rosenbaum [?] Burg.
I think I got the second sentence: "Bei mir nichts von Bedeutung." Meaning more or less "Nothing important happened here.". I am not 100% sure though. But it would make sense especially because he has nothing more to write of in the end and he writes the same sentence in other letters.
4b
my transcript:
Liebe Ella!
Ich habe gestern einen Brief vom 22/4 bekommen. Nach den hier einkommenden Berichten sind die Verhältnisse in Wien nicht sehr glänzend; und du schreibst, daß es dir und meinen 1. Angehörigen so gut geht! Ist es nur um mich zu trösten?! Einigen Offizieren hat man sogar geschrieben, daß sie so lang (?) möglich ist, hier bleiben sollen. Wie gerne möchte ich jetzt bei Euch sein! (?) Nachrichten von (? maybe parts censored? it doesn't make sense) sind, von meinen Angehörigen bekommen ich gewöhnlich in Monatsintervallen oder in noch größeren. Welche Gedanken kommen da nicht in den Sinn! - Was ist eigentlich mit Busk? Wer ist jetzt dort die Polen oder (?) Was (?)eine Heimfahrt betrifft, so wäre es meiner Aussicht besser, wenn Du sie verschieben sollst bis nicht geregelte Verhältnisse einsetzen mehr als 15 Zeilen darf ich nicht schreiben. Ich muß schließ("en", ink erasor wasn't invented yet. lol?) Mit Gruß (?)
Schulim
On August 07 2011 04:15 Erwin wrote:
4b.
Cassino 25/5 1919
Dear Ella!
Yesterday I received a letter from 22/IV! According to the reports the situation in Wien [Vienna] is not very pretty; and you write that you and my first relatives are fine! Do you write this to comfort me?! Some officers were even written that they should stay here as long as they can. How much I would like to be with you right now! [...] The messages from my relatives usually get here in monthly intervals or even bigger. What thoughts are coming to the mind! - By the way, what about Brisk[?] ? Who is there right now, the Poles or [?] ? About his [your?] travel home, I think it would be better if you postponed it until there are no[?] regular circumstances.
I'm not allowed to write more than 15 lines. I have to end [??],
Schulim
[...]
Some changes:
... "not very pretty; and you write that you and my first relatives are fine! Do you write this to comfort me?"
before "The messages from my relatives" is a part hard to understand that was not translated. A few words were erased.
"About his (or yours?) travel home, I think it would be better if you postponed it until there are no[?] regular circumstances."
Actually the letter has 15 lines plus head and bottom (so 17). In latter 11b, 9b and 10b there is "Don't write between the lines" written on top with exactly 15 lines.
5b
On August 07 2011 04:15 Erwin wrote:
5b.
Cassino, 10/VII 1919
My Dears!
Nothing noteworthy from me. Since I said at my capture that I'm responsible towards Galizien, the Italians noted me as a Pole and I probably will be transferred to another (polish) camp.
What will happen after that, I don't know. What is new with you? I haven't had a message from you [plural] in a long time.
With greetings and [?]
Schulim
"I haven't had a message from you [plural] in a long time."
7b
the letter is to David, because he writes of the letter from 06.02, which is from David.
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I cannot sleep and this is so much fun.
the order of the letters is:
1b 18.01 1919 to Ella
11b 06.02.1919 to Schulim (writes of letter 1b)
7b 10.03.1919 to David (writes of letter 11b)
3b 10.03.1919 to loved ones
9b 11.03.1919 to Schulim (recieved a letter)
2b 18.03 1919 to Ella
6b 18.03.1919 to loved ones
13b 02.04.1919 to Ella (writes of letter 11b)
12b 10.04.1919 to loved ones
8b 18.04.1919 to loved ones (writes of a letter from 12.02. and telegram from 11.04. from Erich)
10b 21.05.1919 to Schulim (writes of a letter about "Samuel" and "Sniatyn.")
4b 25.05.1919 to Ella (writes of a letter from 22.04.)
14b 02.07(?) 1919 to Ella (writes of a letter from 03.06. which he received 27.06.) probably 2.7., because it is just after the last letter he got.
5b 10.07.1919 to loved ones
Description: (bold, if the letter is not from Schulim)
1b [number of the letter] 18.01 1919 [date of the letter] to Ella [letter is addressed to] (..) [info of another letter]
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It looks like everything is translated except for a few words. Thanks so much for all of your help! I'm glad you guys were interested or enjoyed it. I was worried it was going to be a chore. It's a little too bad a lot of the content was just about not receiving any letters back, but that seems to be common. We have an old letter from the other side of the family that is just a 4 page long sarcastic rant about not getting enough letters lol.
My sister has compiled everyone's information into a "best" translation and put the letters in order for anyone interested, although she's keeping all the original translations as well just in case they are ever useful:
+ Show Spoiler +
1b.
Dear Ella,
I've been a Prisoner of War in Italy since November 1st, 1918. I've tried writing several times before but I'm pretty sure that you haven't received anything yet. I'm doing fine. I hope you get this letter and ask you to respond to the above address. It looks like I'll be staying here for a longer period of time!? What's new on your end? How are your first parents?
Yours truly, Schulim.
In: Cassino, January 18th 1919
11b.
(Don't write between the lines!)
February 6th, 1919
My dear S.!
Received a card with this address from November 18th, 1919. So I'm also writing to the other address because I don't know which one is the right one. Today I passed the university exam in French with good results. Your brother David picked me up from the university afterwards. Soon I will do the English one, and then I will go home. But please write towards [here?]. Maybe we see each other soon?
Dearest greetings, Ella
3b.
Cassino, March 10th, 1919
Dear loved ones!
Still no message from you. Nothing important happened here. I am doing fine here. It's quite hot here. How's it going over there? How is Mania [&] Schulim doing with the kids? I have nothing more to write now. I hope we meet each other as soon as possible!
Greetings and kisses . Schulim
With best regards and greetings from Rosenbaum and Burg.
7b.
Cassino, March 10th, 1919
L. E! [Dear Ella]
The bad postal transportation is probably the reason why I haven't received anything from you except the card from February 6th. I have not received anything from my relatives. There is nothing of meaning from us here. I'm learning a bit French and Hebrew. Today I started to learn English. The weather is very nice. It's pretty hot in the afternoon! What is happening with you? How are you? Your relatives? Write often! Greetings to [?] [+probably some additional greetings]
9b.
(Don't write between the lines!)
Vienna, 11th of March 1919
Dear Schulim!
We picked up your letter from a colleague that returned from Cassino. It is inexplicable that you receive no letters from us. We even sent [?] a letter in French! Now we write you every week. Except you, we are all at home now.
Kisses, David !
2b.
Cassino, March 18th, 1919
L.E! [Dear Ella]
I'm still waiting for more messages, but so far nothing! Will I have to wait much longer? On 16th in the evening we celebrated Purim. We were about 160 Jews. A colleague read us the "Megillah Esther” in Galician singsong, but without "graper[?]" . Several Jewish and Hebraic songs were sung and a lot of jokes were told. At 10 o'clock (Retrait[?]) we separated in a happy mood. Besides that nothing new from me. How are you? How are your parents?
Best regards, Schulim
6b.
Cassino March 18th, 1919
Dear loved ones!
Nothing new from me. Still no message from you. The day before yesterday we celebrated Purim. Maricho [?] Rosenbaum read us the "Megillah” - I wish you all a happy "Pessach [Passover]"! - Today Rosenbaum wrote a card to you, and asks Kirch[?] to somehow get the card [?]. What are you all up to? What are Mania and kids doing?
With greetings and kisses, Schulim Greetings from Rosenbaum
13b.
Cassino, April 2nd, 1919
My dear Ella!
Sadly have to begin my card with the same words that I have so often: except for your card from February 6th I have received no message from you. Try the address: Lt. Sch. S. [Lieutenant Schulim Scherzer], Prio di guerra, Cassino-Casserta d'affari civili; [Innsbruck?] Hotel Europe. Nothing noteworthy from me. I'm doing pretty well. How are you? [this literally means "what can be heard, where you are right now / concerning you"] How are my parents? When do you leave Vienna?
With Greetings [?] Schulim
12b.
Cassino, April 10th, 1919
Dear loved ones!
I have received no message from you at all. I hope everything is alright. There is nothing of importance here. I am pretty well. It is 5 days until Pessach [Passover]. Last year I celebrated it in a select circle [implied: of friends/acquaintances], this time I will have to celebrate it in captivity. We ordered "Mazen [Matzo?] " from Rome. How are you doing concerning this matter? Happy holidays and a happier future.
Many kisses from your Schulim
8b.
Cassino, April 18th, 1919
My dear loved ones!
3 days ago I received a letter from February 12th and a telegram from April 11th from you. But none of them is very elaborate. I ask you again to please write everything in detail. I'm doing pretty well, I'm healthy. On 14th in the evening we had a very nice Seder [?]. Rosenbaum [led?] the Seder for 250 Jews. For Passover we each got 2 kilos of Matzo.
Greetings and kiss, Schulim Greetings and kisses to Mania [&] Schulim and Greetings from Rosenbaum and Burg
10b.
(Don't write between the lines!)
Vienna, 24th May 1919
My dear Schulim!
We received your card where you ask if Samuel returned from Sniatyn. Additionally you lament again, that you still have no letter from us. So where is the message from? I hear from Ms. Margulies that you received a letter from her, hopefully you will get [?] soon. There must be a lot.
Kisses, David
4b.
Cassino May 25th, 1919
Dear Ella!
Yesterday I received a letter from April 22nd! According to the reports the situation in Wien [Vienna] is not very pretty; and you write that you and my first relatives [immediate family?] are fine! Do you write this to comfort me?! Some officers were even written that they should stay here as long as they can. How much I would like to be with you right now! The messages from my relatives usually get here in monthly intervals or even bigger. What thoughts are coming to the mind! - By the way, what about Busk? Who is there right now, the Poles or [Ukrainians?] ? About your travel home, I think it would be better if you postponed it until there are no[?] regular circumstances. I'm not allowed to write more than 15 lines.
I have to end [??], Schulim
14b.
Cassino, July[?] 2nd, 1919
My dear Ella!
I received your letter from June 3rd on June 27th. I'm very happy that you are getting good news from your relatives. Hopefully in the future Busk will still be spared from the riots[turmoil]. What about Saha Roth? Are you mad at her? I asked you to greet her many times since I am here, but you have written nothing about her. How is she? L. [Dear?] Ella! I have addressed my cards to Heinzeburg [now called Jedrzychow] very often. Do you get all those? There is nothing of meaning here. I can't write about everything, because it gets censored very precisely. Hopefully it won't be long and I will tell you everything verbally.
Until then be greeted dearly, Schulim
5b.
Cassino, July 10th, 1919
My Dears!
Nothing noteworthy from me. Since I said at my capture that I'm responsible towards Galicia, the Italians noted me as a Pole and I probably will be transferred to another (polish) camp. What will happen after that, I don't know. What is new with you? I haven't had a message from you [plural] in a long time.
With greetings and kisses Schulim
The reason why everything is labeled "b" is that there is an "a" side to each letter with the address and return address. They were easier to read and a lot simpler to translate.
If anyone is curious, this is Ella and Schulim:
![[image loading]](http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/8263/schulimella.jpg)
And finally, my sister drew this zergling for everyone who contributed
![[image loading]](http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/715/tlzergling.jpg)
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EPT
