2nd Mountain Div. Pt 2 - Regiment 136 - German-Soviet Frontier Treaty 28.9.39 - Valentin Feurstein

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Although usually of inferior quality, private footage like this gives us a peephole view into what the cameraman thought was worthy of filming. In the same way, entries into a soldier’s diary help us better understand how he felt about what was going on around him, in real time. Such private sources are less constrained by political correctness and devoid by historical revisionism.

26 August

The entire unit has been called together at the Kaserne by the officers. When gathered the first sergeant declares that today is the first day of mobilization and that part of the company would be transferred immediately to Kufstein and Wörgel. It’s also announced that we should pack our private possessions so that they can be sent home. Non-essential clothing and equipment would be stored at the Kaserne storage facility.

The first reservists that had been called up are already arriving, one wearing a Sunday suit, another, being a farmer is wearing his worn and dirty work clothes. However, in short order everyone is standing at attention, wearing the same German uniform and looking exactly the same. The company’s office staff is working at a feverish pace both day and night without a moment’s rest.

27 August

Not only the reservists are arriving, the farmers from the region begin bringing in their horses to hand over. In effect, they’ve been called up too. All day long supplies are prepared and packed getting ready for our eventual departure.

28 August

At 07.00 hours the company is assembled in the main square of the Kaserne; its size now being about twice as large as usual. Every detail is now double checked to make sure that all is in order. In the evening we are pleasantly surprised by being given free time and allowed to go to the small Tirolian city Imst. The few hours of freedom is spent drinking beer and wine, smoking, singing and dancing with the local girls. The time goes by far too quickly. When the clock strikes 11, the regiment gathers and returns to the Kaserne.

29 August

The forth day of mobilization! The unit is gathered at 07.00 as usual. Captain Kreitmeyer informs us as to how we are to act with regard to the enemy and prisoners taken. Lieutenant Rupprecht speaks for an hour about enemy planes and our signal communications. The head doctor then talks about hygiene explaining how the soldier can best take care of himself in the field. New reservists are sworn in later that evening by torchlight. The company commander gives an inspirational speech which he ends with an emphatic Sieg-Heil salut to the Führer.

At 20.00 the company gathers in the square to depart and then marches, singing, for the last time though the garrison town as the population looks on teary eyed and filled with apprehension watching the Mountain Troop company pass.

At 21.00 the loading of the train in the Imst train station begins. One of the soldiers has had the presence of mind to bring along a portable radio. Within 15 minutes it is up and working which seems give the anxious soldiers confidence. The loading of the horses onto the cattle cars causes plenty of commotion. Almost the entire company is loaded onto the wagon marked “G”.

30 August

The 3rd Company arrives from Landeck, and loads onto the train and at 04.00 the train begins to roll. The captain in charge of our transportation was named Brosoaky.

This original map shows the borders after the German-Soviet Frontier Treaty was signed on September 28 1939 by Molotov and Ribbentrop. It superseded the original Molotov Ribbentrop agreement and formally set the spheres of influence of the two countries.

We pass through Innsbruck, Zell am See, and then Bischofshofen where we are given lunch. Then on through Selztahl, Bruck and over Semmering.

31 August

The trip continues without stopping eastwards passing Vienna and arriving to Marchegg which is a large border city between Greater Germany and Slovakia. There we are given provisions and have the chance to stretch our legs. Marcheqq is a large border city between Greater Germany (Grossdeutschen Reich) and Slovakia. Any last messages being sent home to the family would be mailed from here.

Shortly after crossing the border defensive positions and bunkers can be seen in what was formerly known as Czechoslovakia. We pass through Pressburg, Tyrnau, Trentschin and and stop at Sillein which is our final destination. The local population greets us enthusiastically. They even go so far as to give us fruit, cigarettes and beer which is much appreciated by all.

This map which is from a September 1939 magazine Die Wehrmacht shows Poland’s original borders. You can support this channel by buying the Die Wehrmacht collection which is actually a great investment.