Eyewitness Testimony Bruno Tomasi

--- Source: Translations_Bruno_Tomasi_Volume_01_1944-03_to_1944-05.md # Bruno Tomasi: German Translations of Correspondence ## Volume 1: March to May 1944 Work status: August 28, 2026 ## Editorial Note The following texts are source-close German working translations of the handwritten Italian postcards. The historical scans remain the authoritative source. Words that are not clearly readable and damaged sections are marked with `[unreadable]` or `[?]`. Spelling and punctuation have been gently normalized for readability. Pure image pages are not separately translated; address and postmark data are only included if they are relevant to the content. --- ## March 3, 1944 – Milan, Milan Cathedral **To:** Family Giulio Tomasi, San Maurizio d’Opaglio, Novara With you is your Bruno, who is doing very well. As you can see, I am at the Temple of Victory or rather at the monument for the fallen. The cold has disappeared. Warm greetings and kisses. Your Bruno **Note:** The middle sentence is only rendered in meaning due to the cramped handwriting. --- ## April 1, 1944 – before departure Dear Parents, Today I am leaving. I am sending you the address of a friend of mine who, like me, works as a draftsman. Let us hope that we will continue traveling together. In any case, you can ask his family about me if you do not receive any news from me yourself. Warm greetings and kisses from your Bruno **Additional address on the card:** G. Branca [?], Via A. Giovannotti 18, Cambiago – Lago Maggiore [?]. --- ## April 3, 1944 – Sesto San Giovanni, Card A Dear ones, I have happily arrived in Sesto. I have taken care of everything. Today at four o’clock I depart. Greetings and many kisses to you all. Bruno --- ## April 3, 1944 – Sesto San Giovanni Station, Card B Dear ones, As I already wrote to you on an earlier card, I am now on the train. I am with my friends in a beautiful place; we are having a pleasant journey. As soon as you receive this message, please accept a dear greeting and a warm kiss from your Bruno --- ## April 4, 1944 – Bolzano Dear ones, I am in Bolzano. The journey is still going well. Kisses. Bruno --- ## April 4, 1944, four o’clock at night – Trento Station It is four o’clock at night. I am at the station in Trento. My friends and I are well. Kisses. Bruno --- ## April 4, 1944, nine thirty – Brenner I have happily arrived at Brenner. Everything is going well. Warm greetings to Fiorenzo, Mimma, Mama and Papa and a big kiss to all. Your Bruno All comrades are also well. --- ## April 18, 1944 – Kahla Dear ones, I hope this message reaches you and brings you great joy. Sorry that it is only a short card. This is because my exact address is not yet fixed. As soon as it is certain, I will send it to you along with more detailed news in a long letter. For now, I can tell you that I am in a small, very quiet town that has not yet heard the noise of enemy airplanes. My health is [very good]; likewise, my friends who came to Kahla with me after distribution or transfer are well. At the moment, we do not yet have our final workplaces. We are all working on a large and urgent construction project and are waiting to be assigned our actual professions. For the time being, I am working at “Siemens” as an electrician. As you can imagine, this is very interesting work for me. It is not particularly hard, although we work many hours daily. On Sundays there is no work – let us hope it stays that way. We are expecting more Italians. [Passage about leisure or football unclear.] Dear ones, always be reassured. My health condition is excellent, and the cold is not very strong. Many greetings to you and to the dear relatives. [Names unreadable.] Kiss them for me. Your Bruno --- ## May 3, 1944 – Kahla, especially to Fiorenzo When I think of you, dear Fiorenzo, I wanted to write you this card to ask you – or better: to encourage you to study. It is already May and thus, I believe, the end of your school year. My dear brother, you are young and cannot yet understand that the sacrifice you make today will be richly rewarded later in your life. What you acquire today will undoubtedly serve you. Even if it is difficult for you, study with willpower and do not postpone it until tomorrow. The saying goes: “Learn a trade and keep it for later.” I give you a personal example, because it is true: You know that I have been passionate about electricity, although my actual profession is that of a draftsman. It is precisely this passion that has made me one of the luckier ones in the camp here. If I am satisfied today, it is not because I am practicing my actual profession, but because I was able to show that I understand something about a field that I did not think would ever be useful to me. [On the address side, partly unreadable advice follows due to stamps and cramped writing.] It is necessary that you learn and acquire knowledge. Do not be discouraged. Greetings to Mimma and Mama and kisses to all. Your Bruno **Source value:** Bruno here explains himself that his actual profession was draftsman and that his additionally acquired electrical engineering knowledge enabled his comparatively favorable use in the camp. --- ## May 13, 1944 – Kahla Dear ones, Unfortunately, I must inform you that the address of my camp has changed again. This is a great inconvenience because I cannot receive your messages as a result. Only the fact that my many letters and cards have not been returned consoles me. I hope that at least some have arrived. In any case, I can tell you again that my living conditions have greatly improved. Today our inspector gave me permission to stay at home or in the accommodation so that we could clean. I am very satisfied. It is a wonderful spring day. After I cleaned and ate, I went for a walk in a nearby forest. [A difficult-to-read passage about potatoes and cooked meat follows.] In the morning I was, as usual, at my workplace. The work is becoming less and less and is therefore increasingly boring for me. In this small town, life is [passage unreadable]. I will write you more about it in a long letter. Please use the new sender address until then. Many greetings and kisses. Bruno --- ## May 18, 1944 – Kahla My dear ones,First, I must say a little about my dear mother, who gave me the great joy of finally receiving your messages again after fifteen days. Mama, as I have already hinted above, I received your eagerly awaited letter. It gave me great comfort. I was very surprised to learn that during the journey you received my messages through one of my many cards. My friends have also written to me that their relatives received my greetings. Rino and Piero [surname or place reference unclear] are, as far as I know, still in the same place. Many of my comrades were distributed to different locations. I am one of the luckier ones because after the first distribution I was first sent to Rosengarten and then here to Kahla. Kahla is a small town that has been spared and has never experienced bombings like other places. The inhabitants seem reserved or indifferent towards strangers. Nevertheless, I manage. Some of my comrades have gone to Weimar. I do not regret being here, even though it does not bring me any closer to our Italy. This is an agriculturally shaped area. [On the address side, partially over-stamped information about accommodation, food, and the currently valid address follows.] You should not worry about me. Greetings to all and many kisses. Bruno --- ## May 28, 1944 – Kahla My dear ones, following my card number 1, I want to tell you that I owe a lot to dear God, who protects me in an extraordinary way. This family has become like a second mother to me. She has found in me the former wandering or absent son, as she tells me, and gives me food. For me, this is a great providence. She almost always lets me take what I want, and I accept this with great gratitude. Nothing is withheld from me. Fifteen days ago, I helped slaughter her pig. The meat was very good, and the next day she prepared a meal for me, about which I want to tell you: approximately one kilogram of good bread and a dish prepared with a large piece of meat. On other days, I always get a plate of potatoes, sometimes with a piece of meat, an egg, or potatoes with boiled or fried meat. [Individual dish names uncertain.] Once I even got a pot with two liters [contents illegible] and a piece of bread. Dear ones, among the approximately 800 Italians who are here, I am probably the luckiest. From the beginning, I have found much kindness from everyone. [Continuation on the address side heavily over-stamped.] The woman treats me like a son and says roughly that I should come to her and eat. I respond to her affection with gratitude. So do not worry about me. Many greetings and kisses. Bruno **Source value:** The card clearly documents an individually exceptional additional care by a German family. Bruno’s comparison with about 800 Italians also shows that he himself understood his situation as a special case. --- ## May 30, 1944 – Kahla Dear ones, with great joy I received today your second very dear letter. I am very happy to know you are in good health, as I myself am. In two or three days I will write you a long letter, because I owe you a detailed answer. My work is developing better and better. Regarding food, you need not worry about me. If you received my Sunday cards from the 28th, you can roughly imagine with what real joy your relatives or acquaintances prepared me an unforgettable meal with such good sweets as I could only taste here in Germany. Do you have the addresses of the acquaintances who are in Vienna? Please send them to me. My address is now as indicated on this card. I am very happy about your nice idea to invite [me or my acquaintances]. [The continuation on the address side is partially illegible due to stamps.] I always think of you, of Mama, Papa, Mimma, and Fiorenzo. Warm greetings to the relatives and many kisses. Your Bruno --- ## Interim assessment March to May 1944 The cards show a recognizable development: 1. At the beginning of April, Bruno documents the stepwise journey north and reassures his family with brief signs of life. 2. On April 18, he first mentions the urgent large construction near Kahla, the initially not final work assignment, and his provisional activity as a Siemens electrician. 3. On May 3, he explains retrospectively that he was actually a draftsman and that his electrotechnical knowledge gave him a better position in the camp. 4. In mid-May, he reports changing camp addresses, Rosengarten and Kahla, and the distribution of his comrades to various places. 5. At the end of May, he describes exceptionally good additional care by a German family. He explicitly calls himself one of the luckiest among about 800 Italians. This positive self-portrayal must be read critically. The cards served to reassure the family and were possibly subject to postal censorship. The described relative advantages did not change the integration into the forced labor system. --- Source: Uebersetzungen_Bruno_Tomasi_Band_02_1944-06.md # Bruno Tomasi: German Translations of the Correspondence ## Volume 2: June 1944 Work status: August 28, 2026 ## Editorial note Source-close German working translations of the handwritten Italian cards. Uncertain or postmark-covered readings are in square brackets. The detailed letter of June 1 and the letter of June 16 exist as separate transcription and translation files and are only mentioned here chronologically. --- ## June 1, 1944 – Letter to the family Already fully transcribed and translated separately as a working version. --- ## June 7, 1944 – Kahla My dear ones, as usual, I do not fail to send you news from me. I hope that before this card you have already received one of my letters in which I told you everything that is especially interesting for you. Now I ask you to write to me immediately as soon as you receive this card I am talking about today. After that, I hope to be able to organize my mail better and send you further news.My health continues to be excellent. The work is almost enviable. Every day I go to eat with my German [acquaintance or German family]; besides that, I work in the technical office. As always, it is my ambition to show goodwill at work. My good inspector has increased my wage by six lire daily. [The text breaks off at the bottom edge of the card; the card from June 8 probably supplements this message.] --- ## June 8, 1944 – Continuation or short card Dear ones, [Beginning difficult to read due to stamp and tight handwriting.] You see that your Bruno is by no means sleeping or idle. I am well, and I do not miss any opportunity to send you news. Greet everyone for me. A thousand kisses to each one, especially to Mama. Greetings also to the relatives. Your Bruno --- ## June 14, 1944 – Kahla My dear ones, I am writing you this card to tell you that, as always, I am well. I have received your sixth letter. The addresses you put on my correspondence have ultimately arrived correctly or have reached me. I am very happy to know you are all healthy, and I thank you above all for the first letter, which contained many very interesting news for me. My dear ones, I will respond to that with another detailed letter. Many greetings to all our dear relatives. Today I answered your letter from June 3, 1944. Warm greetings and kisses. Your Bruno --- ## June 16, 1944 – Letter to Giulio Tomasi and the family Already separately processed as a preliminary Italian transcription with German translation. --- ## June 21, 1944 – Kahla Dear ones, With great joy I have received your, I believe, seventh very dear letter, dated June 9. I am sorry to hear that you still believe my mail does not reach you. Dear Mama, two letters are on the way or should reach you. The first from June 3 arrived at your place after you apparently changed your mind. The other [detailed letter] will hopefully follow soon. I hope to receive more dear news from you quickly and to find in it the answer you wanted to give to my last long letter. Regarding the employment of my dear friends, I do not envy them at all. Here I am at least respected and can carry out my tasks with a certain degree of independence. At the same time, I am constantly on the move because of my work. As you see, I am well. My health is, as always, excellent. I am very satisfied with my work. Many greetings and kisses to all. Your Bruno **Source value:** The statement about respect, independent work, and constant traveling fits his later documented courier and procurement function. It describes a relative special status, not the abolition of his forced laborer status. --- ## June 22, 1944 – To Maria Ida Tomasi Dear little sister, I want to write you this card because I know it will give you great joy. Already two days ago I replied to the last dear message that came from our dear Mama. I hope you received my reply before this card. In any case, I want to ask you, Mimma, how your work is going and whether you are already a help to Mama. My dear Mimma, have you and Fiorenzo finally stopped arguing about the cherries? When you answer me, please do me the favor and start helping Papa with the harvest. Also tell me roughly whether the fruits will be good this autumn. My dear Mimma, I hope you are always well. Do you sometimes go to work? Please greet again from me our dear relatives, the neighbors, and everyone else. Pass on to them the greetings I send you. Kiss Papa and Mama for me. I kiss you very warmly. Bruno --- ## Interim assessment June 1944 The June correspondence confirms and consolidates Bruno’s previously visible special status: - He names the technical office as his workplace. - He reports a wage increase of six lire daily. - He describes himself as respected, comparatively independent, and frequently traveling due to his job. - At the same time, he is strongly concerned about unreliable mail delivery; he counts the letters and repeatedly asks for confirmation of receipt. - The tone remains deliberately reassuring: health, work, and provision are almost formulaically presented positively. These self-statements must be compared with the Siemens certificates and later memories. In particular, the expression of freedom or independence clearly refers to his concrete task performance compared to other camp workers and must not be understood as general personal freedom. --- Source: Uebersetzungen_Bruno_Tomasi_Band_03_1944-08_bis_1944-12.md # Bruno Tomasi: German Translations of the Correspondence ## Volume 3: August to December 1944 Work status: August 28, 2026 ## Editorial note Source-close German working translations. Blacked-out place names, missing card parts, and words obscured by censorship or postal stamps are indicated in square brackets. The long Christmas letter from December 26 is fully reproduced in content, but at some difficult-to-read places translated in sense rather than literally. --- ## August 25, 1944 – New location, mail via Weimar My dear ones, Yesterday I received two of your dear registered letters dated August 7 and 10. I understand your concern that you have not received any news from me. As you can imagine, I had to move. As soon as the move was officially communicated to me, I wrote to you immediately. I hope you have received this message by now. From your two previous letters, I already see the sad news about the death of our cousin Riccardo. Let us pray to the dear God that he may rest in peace with Him. Dear Mama, you must do me the favor of informing me about the arrival of the money from Germany and the respective exchange rate, that is, how many Italian lire you receive for each [transferred unit]. Please let me know. My dear ones, I am well as always. I am busy with the new situation and, due to the change of my workplace, almost [passage illegible]. Please write me registered letters and use the new address. A warm greeting and many kisses to all. Your Bruno **Address:** Tomasi Bruno, [blacked-out camp/service designation], Weimar, Germany. --- ## October 6, 1944 – Weimar My dear ones,For over a month now, I have not had the pleasure of receiving news from you. I do not know what to make of it. In any case, I keep my hope and pray that in the end everything will turn out well; please do not worry either. In one of my many letters, I asked you to send me several registered letters in the future. Since I now see this silence and registered mail gives me more security, I ask you again to send the letters as registered mail and preferably by airmail. Rest assured that I do not torment myself impatiently just because no mail arrives. For me, the important thing is that you are all well and the mail is on its way. You should therefore not think of anything bad if my messages fail to arrive in the future. My health is still excellent; otherwise, I am well. Many warm greetings and kisses. Your Bruno --- ## October 1944 – Nina to Bruno, Name Day Dear Bruno, Yesterday Fiorenzo wrote to you, but what does that matter? Today is your name day, and we can do nothing but talk about you incessantly. Does it matter if our wishes reach you so late? On behalf of all our loved ones, I send you the best wishes and the heartfelt hope to have you here next year so that we can present you with the traditional bouquet. Dear little brother, last night we were lucky to receive your dear card from September. We always pray to the Lord that He grants us the grace at least from time to time to receive news from you. We are glad that you are well. We are all very well too. Now we show your card to acquaintances who will be happy that you think of them. I now leave you, dear brother, with a kiss, because Papa also wants to write. Your Nina [Short greetings from other family members follow.] --- ## 11 October 1944 – Weimar My dears, As usual, I begin by telling you that I am very well. I work in a post office or postal station. Because of this, I have been a little distracted or very busy for some time. I learned from a friend from Borgomanero that he fortunately received a letter from his mother after seven months. She was very worried and even went to Borgomanero to find out something about him from his friends. This makes me think of you and that you might also be worried. Dear Mama, you should know that I think of you and carry you in my heart. I want to tell you all important news. I am well and feel comparatively comfortable here. I am treated kindly; because of my duties, I have more opportunities than before. I hope to receive letters from you again soon. Meanwhile, I send you all warm greetings and many kisses. Your Bruno --- ## 15 November 1944 – damaged card from Weimar Dear ones, Last week I received news from our Nina. She told me that she had received a letter from you. [A friend or acquaintance] wanted to go to Vienna but decided to wait before leaving. It is true that [name illegible] had suggested that I submit an application. However, I immediately told him that I [cannot or do not want to do this at the moment]. I assure you that I continue to work well. Fortunately, my superiors treat me kindly, and I manage well in my daily work. [Large parts of the card are missing.] Many greetings and kisses. Bruno --- ## 26 December 1944 – long Christmas letter from Weimar My dears, Here is one of my long letters that you like so much. This one is about Christmas—the Christmas I spent here far from my family. I want to tell you that I still felt comfortable. I imagine that you received my letter from 20 October; at the same time, I do not want to anticipate anything and hope to hear from you again soon. You can hardly imagine how great and unexpected the three-day Christmas rest here was. As in Italy, Christmas is an important celebration not only at home but also at work and in the offices. Even in our barracks, small Christmas trees were set up and decorated. On Sunday, the 24th, all my comrades from the accommodation were away because they had been invited by various people. Christmas Eve was also very nice for me. The family that invited me treated me like a son. There was a special meal, and they gave me gifts and everyday items: a pair of new socks made of pure wool, a new undershirt, tobacco, two small green soap cloths or washcloths, and a football made of good leather for our team. On the first day of Christmas, we got up around ten o’clock, washed, and prepared for lunch. As on the previous day, my second family had prepared everything and welcomed me warmly. In the evening, there was another invitation and a nice meal. I actually wanted to spend the day in the barracks to enjoy the peace and help this good family, to whom I owe so much, with various tasks. The following day I was out again and washed my things, among other things. I wanted to make good use of the three free days. Life and work here are certainly no paradise; nevertheless, I can only tell you that during this time I experienced more than ten celebrations or invitations. Around half past eleven, I went to an extraordinarily good lunch. Later I visited other people, although I did not really want to eat more. Everywhere I was kindly received. In addition to various gifts, I also received a large package, which I opened: inside were a small white rabbit or a rabbit figure, a packet of sweets, and other good things. The many small gifts showed me again the great affection of the people I deal with here. After this distribution of gifts, you can imagine how happy I was. Overall, this Christmas was very nice for me despite the distance from you. I hope that you also spent the holidays as well as possible. With the warmest greetings and heartfelt kisses Your Bruno **Postscript:** Write to me soon and stay healthy. Greetings to Nina, Pina, and Rino [?].**Source value:** The letter shows an exceptionally close integration into private German support networks. Bruno simultaneously makes a clear distinction between the friendly personal relationships and the fundamentally difficult life and work: "Life and work here are certainly no paradise." --- ## December 27, 1944 – damaged card My siblings, Yesterday I wrote you a long letter in which I told you and our loved ones that I had a good Christmas. I hope and sincerely wish that you also spent the holidays just as well and peacefully. As I have already told you in my letters for some time, I no longer have the great joy of receiving news from you. I hope to receive something again soon. If I have to wait a little longer, I will nevertheless not become impatient or discouraged. [Continuation on the address side partially destroyed.] I think of you, of Mama and Papa and all the relatives. Warm greetings and many kisses. Your Bruno --- ## December 31, 1944 – Weimar Dear ones, So the last day of the year has come. This morning, when I got up, I was surprised to see that it had snowed heavily. The white snow covers the whole area. At this moment, as I stand behind the windows of my office, I see that large flakes are still falling. We cannot complain about the weather. When we speak here of this year, we must say that it has been all too eventful. The first snow fell already at the beginning of November; now it shows itself again in all its strength. Dear ones, I spend the last hours of the year in comparatively pleasant spirits and am almost happy when I think back on the year 1944, which has been so [changeful or significant] for me. I wish you health and peace for 1945. Hopefully the new year will bring us together again. Many greetings and kisses. Your Bruno --- ## Interim report August to December 1944 - Between June and August, Bruno was transferred to a new place of deployment addressed via Weimar. - He reports money transfers to Italy and asks for information about the exchange rate. - In October, he names a post office or postal bureau as his workplace. - The lack of family mail becomes a central issue. He recommends registered mail and airmail. - The Christmas letter documents numerous invitations, gifts, and a close bond to German private individuals. - At the same time, he explicitly does not describe life and work as a paradise. The material special status therefore remained a relative and personal privilege within the coercive relationship. --- Source: Uebersetzungen_Bruno_Tomasi_Band_04_1945-01_bis_1945-04.md # Bruno Tomasi: German translations of the correspondence ## Volume 4: January to April 1945 Work status: August 28, 2026 ## Editorial note German working translations of Bruno’s cards from the last phase of the war. Several cards are heavily over-stamped or only preserved on one side. Such texts are rendered in sense and without invented additions. Siemens certificates and other German-language originals are listed for chronological classification but not "translated." --- ## January 4, 1945 Dear ones, As usual, I give you my news. My work continues to develop well. My inspector even hired a Russian woman about 38 to 40 years old who relieves me in the mornings for about half an hour with cleaning or small auxiliary tasks. She is a strong and friendly woman. The only problem is that she does not understand a word of German. With a lot of goodwill, I still manage to make her understand what is needed. My health is good. Do not worry about me. Many greetings and kisses. Bruno --- ## January 5, 1945 Dear ones, This morning I had to go to Kahla or another workplace for a matter concerning my office. There I visited an acquaintance who had worked during the night and now received some days off because he had been on duty over Christmas. Like me, he mainly suffers from not having received any news from home for a long time. Since November, he knows nothing about his family. He spends his free time in the camp and tries to keep busy. I could not stay long with him because I had to continue to my work. I think of you and send you many kisses with great affection. Bruno --- ## January 8, 1945 Dear ones, This morning I was on an errand for my inspector. I came to a small, very picturesque area near a large mountain or hill. There is an old castle there that is said to be many centuries old. When I learn the name and more details, I will let you know. These trips allow me to see a little of the area despite the work. I am still well. Warm greetings and kisses. Bruno --- ## January 10, 1945 Dear ones, Today it has been a month since [a certain event or change at work] began. At first, communication was very difficult. I had to make myself understood with signs and my little German, and it often took a long time until the others understood what I needed. I must confess to you that this was not only annoying but sometimes also funny. After all, I am a foreigner here. Meanwhile, my good little dictionary helps me; mostly I also communicate with the dialect or the few words I have learned. I am well. Many greetings. Bruno --- ## January 13, 1945 Dear ones, By chance, I met a group of newly arrived Italians. They had only left Italy last Sunday. Of course, I asked them many questions and wanted to hear news from our homeland. From the short conversations, I had to conclude that life in our poor Italy cannot be particularly peaceful, especially not for young men. When I think about it, I am repeatedly comforted by the thought that for me it was perhaps the better decision or the lesser evil to come here and get by with as much goodwill as possible. I sincerely hope that you are all well. Many greetings and kisses. Bruno **Source-critical note:** The wording about the "decision" to come to Germany cannot be read without the Italian war context, the looming persecution of young men, and the lack of real alternatives. --- ## January 28, 1945 Dear ones,As usual, I am well. My health is excellent. I lack nothing except your dear news; the last I received was dated October 20 of last year. However, do not worry about that. Stay calm, as I always remain calm. My work continues to progress well. Receive my warmest greetings and kisses. Your Bruno --- ## February 1, 1945 My dear ones, January is now over. The cold was really severe in the second half of the month. However, last night it became milder, so snow and ice are slowly beginning to thaw and there is a lot of water flowing on the streets. This winter is unusual for me. Nevertheless, I am healthy and managing well. I often think of you and hope that you are also well. Warm greetings and kisses. Bruno --- ## February 12/13, 1945 My dear ones, today I took the opportunity to clean thoroughly and put my things in order. When you get up early for twenty days in a row, wash, and prepare yourself for work, even this daily routine becomes somewhat burdensome. Therefore, I was glad to have more time once again. In the afternoon, I went as usual to the people you already know and with whom I find moral support and friendly reception. I spent the evening with good friends. Write soon. Warm greetings and kisses. Bruno --- ## February 11, 1945 – Addendum to a family letter from January 3 My dear ones, besides the other matters I have already replied to, you mention in your dear letter of January 3 also Paffoni, the cousin of [name unclear], as well as Evelina. Recently, I wrote several letters asking for news. Please ask Mrs. Evelina if she has learned anything in the meantime. If so, she should send me the news again along with the address. The previous address must apparently have been changed; however, I cannot explain why. Many greetings and kisses. Bruno --- ## February 14, 1945 – Nina’s birthday Dear ones, we have already reached the middle of February. In the first half of this month, the climate was very mild. Even the frostbite that formed in mid-January has almost completely disappeared. I can say that here it was at times hardly colder than at our place in Pianelli. Today’s date reminds me of our Nina’s birthday. Dear little sister, I send you the most beautiful and heartfelt wishes that your brother Bruno can offer you. My work continues regularly and well. My health is always good. I hope that all of you are well too. Write to me. Greetings to our relatives and many kisses. Hoping to see you again soon, your Bruno --- ## February 20, 1945 – short card Dear ones, I am well, and my work continues satisfactorily. As always, I am waiting for your news. Stay calm and do not worry about me. Warm greetings to Mama, Papa, Nina, Pina [?], and all relatives. Many kisses. Your Bruno --- ## February 26, 1945 Dear ones, here again are my always good news. I am well, my health is excellent, and my work is steadily improving. The cold is now over. For fear of getting sick, I bought myself [a garment or something for protection against the cold]. Dear Mama, because you can no longer give me your advice up close, I only now realize how valuable it always was and still is. I hope the mail will soon function more regularly again. Do not worry about me. We both live in the expectation of hearing from each other. Many greetings and kisses. Bruno --- ## February 27, 1945 – Newspaper and air raids Dear ones, while reading the “Camerata,” a newspaper distributed weekly in our camp with news from our Italy, I learned with dismay that several places were barbarically bombed. This worries me because I have to think of our valleys and villages. I hope that our area hidden between the mountains will not be hit by enemy attacks. You need not worry the least bit about me. As you already know, I am in a comparatively favorable position. Our camp or our accommodation lies protected on a mountainside [further description illegible]. I hope you are healthy and safe. Write to me as soon as possible. Your Bruno --- ## February 27, 1945 – Siemens certificate German original, no translation required. Siemens certifies that Bruno Tomasi must carry out errands and food purchases between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. inside and outside the REIMAHG construction site. The document confirms his special messenger and procurement function. --- ## March 5, 1945 My dear ones, today I was unexpectedly informed that a letter from my homeland had arrived for me. In a few leaps I was there and, after thanking, held your dear and long-awaited letter in my hands. It was a great comfort for me to finally hear from you again. Because of the long delivery time, I had feared the shipment was lost. Now I learn again something about Mama, Papa, and my dear siblings. Do not worry about me. I lack nothing, and my work continues well. I will answer your questions more fully. Many warm greetings and kisses. Bruno --- ## March 6, 1945 – Siemens certificate for canteen access German original, no translation required. It confirms Bruno’s role as messenger and in food purchasing for German employees and requests that he not be denied access to the canteen. --- ## March 14, 1945 – short card My dear ones, as always, receive my warmest greetings and kisses. I hope to be reunited with you soon. May God keep you healthy. Your Bruno --- ## March 18, 1945 – to Fiorenzo Dear Fiorenzo, in the last dear letter I received from home, there were many things that gave me great joy and satisfaction. However, there was hardly anything that directly concerned you dear siblings. I am sure that in the earlier letters, which have not yet reached me—the last received was from March 6 or was sent on November 22 from San Maurizio—there are also news that particularly interest me. Fiorenzo, I would like to know if you are working again, where you are employed, and how things are going there. I am very sorry that I cannot help you or advise you.Here one lives in the hope of a true peace. It will bring us all the greatest joy and comfort to be reunited. Do not worry especially about me. I am well. Many warm kisses to you all. Your Bruno --- ## April 2, 1945 – Kahla Dear ones, here in this romantic little place there is the calm you wished for me. Today I must leave you because I am to visit a hill or carry out an assignment at the foot of a beautiful mountain. Tomorrow is Sunday. Nevertheless, I will work in the morning; in the afternoon I want to take a walk or a small hike. I hope to be able to tell you more about it soon. --- Source: Uebersetzungen_Bruno_Tomasi_Band_05_Familienbriefe_und_Nachkriegszeit_1945.md # Bruno Tomasi: German Translations of Correspondence ## Volume 5: Family Letters and Immediate Postwar Period 1945 Work status: August 28, 2026 ## February 23, 1945 – Giulio Tomasi to Bruno My dearest Bruno, we have not had any of your dear messages for three and a half months. I write to you every week, but who knows if you even receive anything from us. And apparently nothing comes from you to us either. How painful that is! That was exactly what I was always so afraid of. Do you remember that evening when you told me you had decided to go to Germany? I immediately told you: What I fear most is having to remain a long time without news from you. And now exactly that has happened. A small consolation is that no one is receiving mail. Therefore, I convince myself that the cause really is the non-functioning postal service. German soldiers who came to our home during a raid or inspection – I have already written to you about this – said that one of them lives only about twelve kilometers from your location. He wanted your address and said he had been here for fifteen months, would stay only one more month, and then return to Germany. He wanted to visit you. The German soldiers also said they received mail every week or at least every two weeks. Therefore, I do not understand why it works so badly for us. I hope, Bruno, that you are healthy and still doing your usual work. We are all well. The cold is easing, and the snow has almost completely melted. Papa has resumed work, and Fiorenzo is back at school. Our thoughts are with you, Bruno. We hope to see you healthy again. --- ## March 1945 – Mother or Family to Bruno My dear son, here I am again to write to you as every week, although we have not received any news from you at all. I always hope that at least you receive our letters and are therefore reassured about us and our health. What else can I say? I want to see you again so much. Who knows when I will be granted that. Only God can return to poor mothers their sons scattered all over the world. I pray fervently to Him and am convinced that He will grant me this precious grace: to get my Bruno back healthy and unharmed. Uncle Duilio is now in Bolzano and is serving at the Brenner. They say he was sent there to work, but we do not know for sure yet because we have not received any news from him. We hope, dear Bruno, that you still have your good office work, are healthy, and that the calm you wrote to us about still prevails there. Have you ever been bombed? How beautiful it was when your dear messages arrived frequently. You always knew how to reassure me. Have you at least received one of my many letters in which I told you that your two money transfers have arrived? Poor boy, you must sacrifice so much to send us this money and may not even know if we received it. Take care of yourself. We manage, and Papa works. Your last received messages greatly lifted our spirits. I hope to receive newer ones in time. You always write to us, but the letters do not arrive. Still, I am glad that at least your last card arrived, even if it was already two and a half months old. May God grant us in this year 1945 the grace that the situation settles and you can return healthy and unharmed. I imagine that you also do not receive mail from us. Be reassured anyway: there is no immediate danger here. Our only worry is you. --- ## March 18, 1945 – Fiorenzo to Bruno My dear brother, [The received or readable text is heavily fragmented.] We have received your cards dated November 25, 27, 29, and 31 December and are waiting for more. We want to write to you and hope you receive our messages. We are well. We often think of you and hope you return soon. Your Fiorenzo --- ## Undated Letter from Father to Bruno Dear Bruno, today it is raining, and therefore I am at home instead of on the heath or outside working. So I also want to write you something. But you know, this time we want to talk about serious things. My work, which I thought would bring nothing this year, was instead quite fruitful. Besides the calf, we also sold the young cow or calf. Altogether we were able to pay off the debt that had burdened us for a long time. You will be happy about that too, won’t you? Be reassured, Bruno: we now also have something to get through the winter and to pay Fiorenzo’s expenses. Even if I can work little in the cold season, we will still not lack the essentials. If only I did not have the worry about you! You write that you are well, but I cannot see you. I hope everything will be over soon. Stay, as you always write to me, cheerful. Many kisses from me and from Mama. Your Papa --- ## June 6, 1945 – Notice from the Returnee Assistance Center Milan **C. L. N. Milan – Assistance Center for Returnees from Germany, Information Office** We inform you that your relative, student Bruno Tomasi, according to the lists or information available to us, is in Germany, in Erfurt. He is in good health and is waiting for his return home. --- ## January 9, 1945 – Card from Weimar (previously incorrectly dated July 9 in the filename) Dear ones, this evening I went to the barrack where various services for the workers are housed. There is, among other things, a barber, tailor, and shoemaker.I had several things to do. In the morning, I had my hair cut. They told me it had grown a bit long and needed to be shortened. Afterwards, I drank a good beer and returned to the barracks satisfied. I am writing you this card so that you can be reassured. I am doing well. Many kisses. Your Bruno **Dating:** The filename states July 9, 1945. However, the clearly legible Weimar postmark reads January 12, 1945; the content also fits the winter of 1944/45. Therefore, the card is most likely dated January 9, 1945. --- ## June 18, 1945 – Bruno to the family, on the way home Dear ones, I have already sent you some news from Erfurt. I am confident that it has reached you, and I am sure you have been very worried about my fate. In these letters, I already told you about the events and the joy we experienced upon the arrival of our liberators. For eight days now, we have been in a place that must once have been a small town. Only a few walls and the cathedral or the large church remain. We are about 120 kilometers from Switzerland and about 200 kilometers from the Brenner Pass. We are waiting for the opportunity to continue our journey and return home. I am well. I hope to see you again very soon and then be able to tell you everything in detail. Many greetings and kisses. Your Bruno **Note:** The received scan shows only one page of the letter; a possible continuation is not found in the archive. --- ## September 5, 1945 – Bruno to Dante Dear Dante, I received your comradely letter with genuine joy. I am glad to hear that you are striving with such strength to rebuild and forget the harsh fate we had to endure together. I admire your alert mind and your good will. You had promised to visit me. Unfortunately, you have not been able to fulfill this promise so far. I am still waiting for you. If you could come, it would be a great joy for me. At the moment, however, there are hardly any opportunities for steady employment here. Everywhere one sees the heavy consequences of the war. Railway lines and connections are destroyed or interrupted. They are being restored with great effort. Many businesses, however, remain idle due to lack of raw materials and poor transport connections. The mayor had the unusual idea to assign me the task of a secretary or organizational assistant. I had to accept because hardly anyone else was available. So I am now involved, among other things, in organizing a charity bank or a relief campaign. This is not my actual profession, but it keeps me busy with meetings, decisions, and practical matters. [A difficult-to-read passage deals with mutual comrades, misunderstandings during departure, and the wish not to continue old quarrels.] I want us to look at the matter without resentment and preserve our former affection as if nothing had happened. Please send me in your next letter the exact address of [name illegible], so that I can also write to him. At this time of year, there are many pears, grapes, chestnuts, and nuts here. If you were here now, we could enjoy them together. On Sundays, I often go to the mountains. In the clear air and among the green slopes, I think of my friends and our time together. Thank you again for your letter and your friendship. Write soon and come if possible. Your Bruno **Note:** The four-page letter is partly difficult to read. The working translation reflects all recognizable topics; names and some organizational details must be checked again on the original. --- ## Interim assessment The received family letters considerably relativize Bruno’s reassuring cards. While Bruno emphasizes health, work, and provision, parents and siblings describe months of uncertainty, failed mail, and the fear of never seeing him again. The CLN notification of June 6, 1945, is the first official proof for the family that Bruno lived in Erfurt, was healthy, and awaited his return. --- Source: Translations_Bruno_Tomasi_Volume_06_1946_to_1997.md # Bruno Tomasi: German Translations of Postwar Correspondence ## Volume 6: 1946 to 1997 Working status: August 28, 2026 ## After June 20, 1946 – Family Walter Große to Bruno, French letter Dear Bruno, We received your letter dated June 20, 1946, at the time. A letter we wrote to you some time before certainly did not reach you. It was written in German and contained [an enclosure or message; text illegible]. We are in good health and hope that you and your family are well too. We are very grateful that you still think of us and are happy to know that you are well. We would be very happy to see you again. When the borders reopen, we would like to make a trip. At the moment, however, this is not yet possible. We would have many things to tell you. If you were here, you would be surprised by the changes that have taken place in the meantime. As soon as it is allowed to send photographs by mail, we will also send you pictures. Please write to us again. Will you be able to visit us one day? Many greetings to you and your whole family. Family Walter Große **Note:** The French letter is linguistically faulty and spread over three damaged or difficult-to-read image pages. The translation conveys the clearly recognizable meaning. --- ## 1946, 1949, and 1959 – German-language Family Große letters The letters dated October 10 and December 17, 1946, March 11, 1949, and June 10, 1959, are German originals. They do not require translation but may need diplomatic transcription if necessary. Content-wise, they report on the family’s well-being, war damage, destruction or damage to former workplaces, and the wish to maintain contact with Bruno. --- ## June 30, 1959 – Bruno’s German draft to Erna Große The draft is already written in simple German. In essence: Dear Family Große, The photographs and your messages gave me great pleasure. For your family celebration or anniversary, I send my warmest congratulations. Thank you very much. I wish you all well-being always. Many kind regards Bruno Tomasi, San Maurizio d’Opaglio, Province of Novara, Italy --- ## March 1, 1994 – Bruno to Sandro Paffoni My dear friend,I would like to send you photocopies of some pages from the book-diary I wrote about Germany, also because on page 42 I mention my friend Sandro. I had the text typed by my daughter in 1972, shortly after she graduated. She was supposed to learn how to use the typewriter properly so that I could later employ her in my trading business. I paid her for every page she typed; that’s how she earned her first lire. Without really noticing it, this resulted in a typed book of 227 pages. I keep this book carefully. I have not portrayed the events in it exclusively as tragic, although, as you know, there were many unpleasant moments. From time to time I read it to remember. Apart from the fact that we were twenty years old there, those times were an experience no one should have to endure. You will see three postcards, which are originally in color. Unfortunately, the photocopies are dark. They show Kahla, that large place from which we fortunately escaped with our lives. If you want, I will show you the original cards, which are glued into the book, at the first opportunity. I remember that in the first days, on the way back from the inn “Gute Quelle” to the camp, I walked across the Brückenplatz. The square was paved with porphyry cubes. Among other things, there was a bakery there, which we were forbidden to visit—it was “not for us.” Later, we were no longer allowed to leave the camp at all because apparently someone had drunk too much beer and smashed the windows at the entrance of the pub. In the panoramic photo, you can see the main street leading from Kahla towards Großeutersdorf. If you remember, there were small apricot trees on the sides. You too, Sandro, try to gather courage and overcome your discomfort. That is certainly not easy. Sometimes it helps, however, to remember events from our earlier life; they can help at least to cope with the emotional difficulties. Many greetings and a heartfelt wish for your health. Your friend Bruno --- ## May 9, 1995 – Bruno to Rino and Piero Dear friends from Germany, Rino and Piero, I think you will be interested to learn what happened in those places after our departure. Hoping I have translated the German sentences correctly, I am copying a letter I received at that time. The Große family wrote on March 11, 1949, from Großeutersdorf near Kahla, roughly: > Dear Bruno, many thanks for your Christmas greetings. Where are you working? The old grandmother has died. The tunnel where you worked is destroyed. The whole village is damaged; windows and roofs are broken. Our house is not very badly damaged. They then reported a large explosion caused by war material. They asked if I had a wife, family, or fiancée, wanted to see me again, and asked me to write soon again. They waited daily for news and signed as the whole family: Walter, [name unclear], Ilse, and Erna. I did not continue the correspondence later. From another letter, I understood that they wanted to leave Germany because they no longer felt comfortable there. At that time, I had no possibility in Italy to take them in. Warm regards Bruno Tomasi --- ## November 5, 1996 – Bruno to the editorial office of “L’Ideale” Dear editorial team, I have read the article intended for publication carefully and give my consent. At the same time, I want to offer the author my sincere compliments. With unusual patience and skill, she has succeeded in summarizing the difficult moments of my odyssey in Germany from the 227 pages of the diary that I worked on together with my daughter Wilma. I also thank you on behalf of my friends who lost their lives. I especially think of my fellow sufferer, Ritter Sandro Paffoni, who has since passed away and who was very keen to make the harsh life in that place publicly known. To document the terrible events even more credibly, I enclose a photocopy that I did not attach to the diary at the time because I considered it private. It shows how terrible the atmosphere was at that time. The newspapers reported daily about atrocities and especially intensified the terror against deserters. As the document shows, they were threatened with harassment and mistreatment of their families. The great fear of being shot during an arrest, as well as the fear that our relatives—who themselves gave up even the bare necessities to feed us—would be mistreated, were significant reasons for our decision to go to Germany. After a strict investigation, the National Liberation Committee and the Aid Center for Returnees from Germany established that I was a forced laborer, indeed that I had to perform forced labor or work under coercion. After five days, the military district then issued me an early discharge from military service. Many have wondered why Tomasi was not rehired at Bemberg, where he had held an enviable position as a draftsman in the technical office, but instead sold food for 28 years. The answer is simple: because of the great hunger I endured in Germany. On behalf of all of us who were not always understood, I thank you. With the greatest respect and best wishes for the success of your interesting magazine, I send you a warm handshake. Bruno Tomasi **Source value:** This letter is Bruno’s clearest own later classification as a “lavoratore coatto” – forced laborer. At the same time, he explains why the journey to Germany took place under the pressure of the death penalty, persecution, and threatening reprisals against relatives. --- ## February 18, 1997 – Bruno to Alessia Zeffiretti, cover letter Dear Ms. Zeffiretti, Since you have so patiently become acquainted with my experiences in the diary, I would like to enclose photocopies of what I had communicated at the time to my fellow sufferers. This includes the letter from the Große family from 1949 about the tunnels and their end. In these facilities, the “Sturmvögel” were produced for the Luftwaffe. Out of curiosity, I am also enclosing a photocopy of a presumably rare banknote of 200 billion marks from the inflation period after the First World War. If it were still valid, its value could hardly be converted into lire without difficulty. With kind regards Bruno Tomasi --- ## February 18, 1997 – Thanks and Kahla porcelain Dear Ms. Zeffiretti,After a long wait, only in these days has this pretty product made of Kahla porcelain arrived with me. It was made from white kaolin, which was extracted in those tunnels where, as a nineteen-year-old during the last war, I experienced my odyssey. You have created an article with admirable mastery from the notes of my diary, whose presentation has an extraordinary effect. I believe only a few would have been capable of this. As a sign of my sincere thanks, I ask you to accept this small memento. I wish you luck for your future. With highest respect Bruno Tomasi --- ## July 1, 1993 – Notes on the Badoglio Monument Here we stand before the monument of the Marshal of Italy Pietro Badoglio. I do not quite know what to say about this person. In my youth, he exerted a certain influence on us. As a very young person, I heard his name with admiration because he was at the head of the Italian army in the war against Abyssinia, which was conquered in a little more than six months. On the radio at that time, one continuously heard reports like “Marshal Badoglio telegraphs …” During the Second World War 1940–1945, he was apparently not in agreement with Mussolini. After the fall of fascism on July 25, 1943, he was appointed head of government by King Victor Emmanuel; with the armistice of September 8, 1943, the situation changed fundamentally. I did not enlist in the army of the fascist Republic of Salò under Marshal Graziani. Because of this, I was considered a conscientious objector or deserter. The Germans treated us under coercion. Under these circumstances, Badoglio remained closely connected in my memory with the decision to avoid conscription and with my path to Germany. On the onward journey towards Asti, in the area of Portacomaro [?], we asked for directions to Callianetto, the place of origin of the Gianduia praline [?]. --- ## Postwar objects not treated as translations - Photographs without text or only with names and dates. - Already German-language letters from the Große family. - The newspaper article “Lavorare all’inferno” is an Italian editorial excerpt from the already German-available memoir manuscript. Its new or editorially condensed statements are covered in content by Bruno’s accompanying letter of November 5, 1996; a complete separate new translation would largely duplicate the manuscript. --- Source: Uebersetzungen_Bruno_Tomasi_Nachtrag_1944-03_bis_1944-06.md # Bruno Tomasi: Supplement to the Translations March to June 1944 Work status: August 28, 2026 These four letters were not visible at the first Drive folder view due to the 100-file limit. They are added here chronologically. --- ## March 31, 1944 – Letter from the collection center Sesto San Giovanni Dear Mama, dear Papa, I hope you have already received my card, in which I informed you that I arrived safely in Milan and that my cold has disappeared. Now I will tell you how I am doing here in the collection center. First, I can say that I am much better than I had imagined. I will describe to you my day yesterday, March 30: Around six o’clock in the morning I arrived at the beautiful Milan station, checked in my luggage, and got myself a good recommended cappuccino. Together with friends from San Maurizio, I wrote postcards. Afterwards, we picked up our suitcases. In front of the station, we took a tram and went to Sesto San Giovanni, about three kilometers outside Milan. There, a porter showed us the collection center. We were assigned a room and beds. When noon came, we received a very good meal: a good soup with grated cheese, bread, a piece of cheese, a large apple, and a glass of wine. You must know that we are free to go out and return whenever we like. We visited many sights in Milan, including the cathedral and the Sforza Castle. But we also saw the ugly sides: damaged houses and factories. In the evening, we ate soup again, bread, cheese, an apple, and drank wine. Afterwards, we went for a walk. Back in the room, we read and talked and went to sleep. In the morning, we got up around half past seven. After washing, we received coffee and a very good wheat pastry. Then we visited the Breda airfield and watched some planes take off and land. After lunch [soup, cheese, apple, bread, and wine], we watched others dance while I wrote to you. Angelo has probably already told you how I am doing here. The departure is apparently scheduled for Saturday, that is tomorrow. Please excuse that I did not come home again. Since I am doing very well, as described, it would not have been worth going home for only one day and then coming back here on Saturday. Stay healthy and happy. As soon as I reach my destination, I will write to you immediately – you see that this is very important to me. Warm greetings to Fiorenzo, Marida, and all our loved ones. A big kiss from your little Bruno **Postscript:** Do not write to me yet, because I do not have a fixed address. --- ## April 22, 1944 – Letter from Kahla Dear ones, I hope you have already received my card, in which I informed you that I have arrived at the destination and that I am well. While I write these lines, I think of my quiet camp and the work I do daily with great passion. This evening I returned to the accommodation after work. I had a good portion of [dish unclear], a nice piece of white bread, and a good piece of salami. Now I am sitting in this quiet and elegant restaurant with a good sweet beer, thinking of you, my dear parents, and imagining that you might be worried about me. That would sadden me very much, because you have not the slightest reason for it. As soon as my secure address is fixed, I will write you a long letter and tell everything in detail. Please let me know if [the friends or acquaintances] are already back home and send me their addresses if necessary. How is [name unclear] doing at work? Does he still work at Eleza [?]? Is Fiorenzo studying diligently? How is Maria and the family? And you, dear Mama – are you well? Are Piccando [?] and the others still calm? Is everyone in the family well? I heard that some age groups have been conscripted again in Italy. Is that true? Now I light a cigarette with good tobacco. You must not think badly of me. My health could hardly be better under the present circumstances.In the hope of seeing you again, I send you a thousand kisses. Your Bruno --- ## May 1, 1944 – Letter from Kahla Dear ones, I want to give you more news. After the distribution in Erfurt, I stayed together with Paffoni Sandro, Vittorino, and Ferrara Piero from Pogno. We are in a small, very romantic town. The peace is complete; there is not even a shadow of bombing here. That is exactly what we wished for, isn’t it? One cannot particularly complain about the food. Since it is a rural area, some additional things can be obtained. My work is not hard. I practice the profession of an electrician. My task is to install small lamps or lighting in a tunnel. You know that this has always been one of my passions. I work for Siemens. As we have been told, we may later be brought to our actual destination and then be able to practice our real profession. Today is the first of May, and therefore the festival of labor is celebrated here in Germany. I climbed a hill and visited an old castle. There I looked at many very old objects. Now I want to answer some of your questions. First, I would like to know if the others from Pogno have already left. Please write me all the news and the addresses of our acquaintances. My health is excellent. Do not worry. Many greetings and kisses. Bruno **Source value:** This is so far the clearest contemporary description of his early work: installation of lighting in a tunnel on behalf of Siemens. --- ## June 3, 1944 – Postcard from Kahla Dear ones, Today, on Saturday, I finished work at four o’clock as every Saturday. I immediately went to the camp to get the letter addressed to you and to be able to send it. I have just come from the post office and have sat down in this restaurant to write you this message. After drinking this good beer and smoking this enviable cigarette, I will slowly go to that dear family about whom I have already told you so much. My work is going better and better. My health has never been so excellent. Tomorrow I will work until [time illegible] so that I have Sunday off. The weather here is still wonderful. In about two weeks the hay will be cut. How did the hay harvest turn out at home? Did the water from Pasul [?] help with it? I expect your nice news soon. As soon as [continuation missing or illegible], I will answer you. Warm greetings and kisses. Bruno