Prelude to the Second Weltkrieg - Part 2: Commune of France

March 13, 1937

March 13, 1937 – Near Dijon, France

Dear Margeurite,

There is almost too much to write about here. I received your first letter only two days ago, and your second just today. The army post was backed up, apparently. Let mother know I am fine. We are preparing for war though. Everyone is both excited and nervous. But we are ready for it if it needs to come.

I loved hearing all about your friends, to be truthful. I have to go to sleep soon though so I will keep my responses to your stories short.

First, for Claire – I will find Marc and punch him in those stupid glasses of his. If I can't come back soon though, perhaps either you or Claire can do it instead.

Second, for Uncle Robert – I'm glad everyone back home is thinking of the war too. It will take all of the Commune to defeat the Germans if it comes. Especially since it sounds like some of their socialist policies are working and their economy is beginning to recover.

Third, for your Raymond – I am so glad for you sister. He sounds like a man of good balance: smart but not too smart. Strong but not flashy about it. I hope you continue seeing him and you two continue to get along well.

Fourth, for Simone. Sadly, you were quite right sister. She has broken my heart. We were all so busy during the redeployment and doing drills here we rarely saw each other. When we did though it was wonderful. Like you and Raymond, the conversation just flowed so well, I thought we were on the same path. Then we had one night together – the commander even gave me a pass to go into Dijon with her, I swear he's becoming my favourite ornery old man in the army – and after that she pretends she doesn't even know me! I can only assume she always felt it would be a short fling. I have tried confessing my love to her but she just ignores me. There are times I am upset they let women serve in the armed forces, because frankly I can't be trusted around them. It's my own fault, but that doesn't take the pain away.

Now though I must finish this letter and post it immediately. We have another few days of training, then we go on standby to move if war does break out. The alps are beautiful, but the roads are small and hell for a driver like me to move our tanks on. Big targets too, and it's easy to mine the road for us. All things to keep me up at night. But for now just know that I love you and mother both, and I look forward to seeing you both again.

Your loving brother,

Henri

P.S. If this is my last letter to you, know that I died happily for my country, my syndicate, my brothers and sisters around the world. We can never let what happened to mother's generation happen to anyone else. No more wars just for Empires and nationalism. We fight for the survival of the worker, for an ideal greater than any one country or people. Workers of the world, unite!