New targets
12. August 1943
An evening of Russian began again with stronger night attacks. It started so, that a plane in the first dark could silently heranpirschen. Due to the explosion of two bombs the entire defense in action was with a male. That night went to still very hairy. Bombs fell close to threatening. Lieutenant Kruchen was often forced to the command: “Heads away!” To give. It was also done on such a night, that shot a single one of our four heavy guns. Everyone else had fallen for short or longer time. But at least we came also on about 1.200 Rounds per night. But the success: equal to zero. lieutenant. Hendel said in a short address, that this night was under a unlucky star. Some machines were destroyed on the tarmac. But no enemy aircraft shot down. He said, that the Russian at night now you quick “Douglas Boston” uses, that would be difficult to fight. He said, We should be second man, He spoke of readiness, Toughness etc.
But also this beautiful recreation- and rest in this position inclined to a close. One munkelte of rebase, Earth application etc.. Our chassis, Devices and our things were checked and supplemented. This was still, that Captain SIEBECK was transferred to Germany. As new Chief met Oblt. Reinecking a. This seemed to put much on outside show very, Since he came into the ceremonial suit with all order, wearing a peaked Cap. Gave a short and brief welcome speech. Then he was our Chief. It should be for him to lead our battery to great success and to earn eternal glory.
So the rebase was prepared and as most 11. August the battery relieving us arrived, We went from our booths and went in a field next to it in a position. Now could times a “Ivan” come. Two batteries next to each other, that would have been a fire spell. The night to the 12. We slept for the last time in our barracks. For the last time under bugs. That was so great in the last few days, that half of the operation in our tool”butze” or on the roof of z.b.V. [“for special use”] The blockhouse was sleeping.
