Heinz Skrohn, who attends the public school at Prussian Battau,
near Neukuhren, sent the following letter of congratulation, which
the Berlin _Tageblatt_ publishes, to General von Hindenburg on the
occasion of his birthday anniversary:
"DEAR GEN. VON HINDENBURG: I read in the paper that October 2 is
the anniversary of your birthday. The public school of Battau,
Fischhausen county, sends its heartiest congratulations and hopes
that you will continue to give the Russians a good thrashing. We
very often play soldier, but nobody wants to be the Russ, saying
that as such they get beaten up too much. I am also sending you a
picture in this letter showing us lined up as soldiers. I am the
leader, and have the Iron Cross on my chest. On another picture the
girls are seen knitting socks for the soldiers. I would also like
to have your picture, but a big one, please. We want to hang it up
in our classroom alongside of the Kaiser's picture. When a few days
ago the Russians were coming nearer and nearer to Koenigsberg many
people here became alarmed and moved away. We, however, stayed at
home and went to school every day. Our teacher here tells us every
day what happens in the war. We had a big celebration here after
the battle of Tannenberg. We got all the flags together and marched
through the village. We boys would like to go to war, too, but are
too small yet. I am only twelve years old. Please write me that you
got the letter. If you have no time yourself, have somebody else
write. The boys here are very anxious to know whether I will get a
reply.
"Now, good luck once more to you and health from all the boys of the
public school of Prussian Battau, especially from the captain.
"HEINZ SKROHN."
The following reply was received by Heinz in due time:
"DEAR HEINZ: His Excellency Major General von Hindenburg wishes
me to thank you very much for your letter and the pictures. His
Excellency will have a picture sent to you, and hopes that you will
always be industrious boys, despite the war.
CAEMMERER,
"Captain and Adjutant.",