Family Postcards Investigation - Soldier or civilian?

calaski8123 · Post by **calaski8123** » 09 Dec 2006 17:01

Here are some translations I got in the other section of this forum for some family postcards I have. They are from my GGM's brother Emil who apparently spent alot of time in Keetmanshoop in DSW. At this time, I only have 5 PC's translated. If anyone is interested in seeing the actual postcards (they are very nice) scans, check out that thread:

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=112093

I initially thought they were from an old boyfriend, but it turns out they were from her brother.

Here are the German text and English (Google) translations. I am affraid Google translate something very literally and I may be missing something. (ie. the city of Hackensack, NJ was translater as chopping bag, haha). The abbreviations seem to thrown me too.

Perhaps someone could "clean them up" so they are easier to read. I am going to present a complete family history along with translations to my mother. I'd like to make it an easy read for her. These translations need some cleaning up.

I would like to know as much as I can about this person. His name is Emil. What is that short for? Was he a civilian or soldier? He suggests civilian (unless he is just commenting on them) but seems to sign it with a military address.

I would also like to know about the colony. He mentions the first railroad in one PC. It is all very interesting.

Thanks,

Jim

calaski8123 · Post by **calaski8123** » 09 Dec 2006 17:02

PC1

Fräulein
Elise Hettich
Adr. Frau ...
Gartenstr. 13

Stuttgart
Deutschland (Wttbg.)

K'hoop 3.3.08

L. Elise
Sende Dir die
herzl. Grüße aus
weiter Ferne +
grüße auch sämtl.
Herren von mir als
unbekannt die auf
der Karte unterschrieben
Grüße auch Frau ...
Gruß Dein
Bruder Emil.

Abs. Rtr. Hettich Garnisonkommand_
Keetmannshoop

Ms Elise Hettich Addr woman…
Gartenstr. 13 Stuttgart Germany (Wttbg.)
K'hoop 3.3.08
L. Elise Send you those herzl.
Greetings out far distance + greet also all. Gentlemen of me as unknown up the map
signed Greetings also woman…
Greeting yours Brother Emil.
Exp. Rtr. Hettich Garnisonkommand_ Keetmannshoop

calaski8123 · Post by **calaski8123** » 09 Dec 2006 17:04

PC #2

K'hoop 9.11.07

L. Schwester [...
...] Wohlsein
sende Dir [u.] Frau
... die herzl.
Grüße aus weite
Ferne Dein
Bruder Emil.

Adr. Reiter Hettich
5. Komp./Kabus
Keetmanshoop
...

Abs. Rtr. Hettich 5. Komp Kabus
z.Zt. bei Kommandantur Keetmanshoop ...

K'hoop 9.11.07
L. sister [… …]
Wohlsein send you [and] woman … herzl.
Greetings from far Far yours Brother Emil.
Addr rider Hettich 5.
Complete one/Kabus Keetmanshoop …
Exp. Rtr. Hettich 5. Komp Kabus z.Zt. with Kommandantur Keetmanshoop…

calaski8123 · Post by **calaski8123** » 09 Dec 2006 17:07

PC #3

Keetmanshoop, 28.6.08

L. Schwester,

Deine Karten erhalten
+ danke Dir bestens dafür.
Bitte auch die unterzeichneten
Damen + Herren als un-
bekannt zu grüßen.
Habe sehr wenig Zeit zu
Schreiben. Bin immer noch
gesund u. munter. Am 18.6.08
ist hier die erste Eisenbahn
eingefahren. Nächste Woche
kommt [Exzls.] Dernburg hier
her. Sonst weiß ich
nichts Neues. Grüße bitte
Frau .... Schreibe bald
mal ausführlich. [...]
herzl. Gruß Dein Bruder Emil.

Abs. Reiter Hettich Garnisonskommando
... Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop, 28.6.08
L. sister,
Your maps receive + thanks you in the best way for it.
Please also the signatory Ladies + gentlemen as un admits to greet.
Property very little time too Letter.
Are still healthy and lively.
To 18.6.08 is here the first railway brought in.
Next week comes [Exzls.] The castle here ago.
Otherwise I know nothing new.
Greetings ask Woman…. Write soon times in detail. [...] herzl.
Greeting your brother Emil.
Exp. rider Hettich garrison command…
Keetmanshoop

calaski8123 · Post by **calaski8123** » 09 Dec 2006 17:11

PC #4

K'hoop, 28.6.08

L. Schwester.
Zu D. am 28.7.08
wiederkehrenden
Geburtstage die
herzl. Glück- & Segens-
wünsche von Deinem
in der Ferne weilenden
Bruder
Emil.

K'hoop, 28.6.08
L. sister.
To D. to 28.7.08 recurring Birthdays those herzl.
Luck & benediction wish of yours in the distance because-
end brother Emil.

calaski8123 · Post by **calaski8123** » 09 Dec 2006 17:12

PC #5

Keetmanshoop 4.11.07

L. Schwester.
Mir geht es immer
gut + hoffe dasselbe
von Dir + Frau ...
Hier ist nicht sehr
viel los + kann man
als [Zivilist] sehr wenig
hier [was] machen. Denn
die Soldaten werden
immer vorgezogen.
Es grüßt Dich herzl.
Dein Bruder Emil.
Schreibe bald.

Abs. Reiter Hettich
5. Komp. - Kabus
Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop 4.11.07
L. sister.
I always am well + hope the same of you + woman…
Here is not much much loosely + one can as [civilian] [which] make very little here.
Because the soldiers become always preferred.
It greets you herzl.
Your brother Emil.
Write soon.
Exp. rider Hettich 5.
Complete - Kabus Keetmanshoop