MvR writes his mother

We had news of both sons. Lothar is already on his way to Paris with the cavalry division. Manfred is outside Verdun. He's already been through a lot. He only brought back four men from his baptism of fire - on a reconnaissance ride against the enemy entrenched in the forest. Now he has been entered for the Iron Cross. Lothar also wants to put his ambition into winning this honour. He has only received a single card from home. All our letters, our chocolates and packets of cigarettes have not arrived. How can that be? - But we have no reason to complain. Our sons have got through all the dangers safe and sound, and Lothar has just become a lieutenant. We read about it in the newspaper, which was a pleasant surprise - I received a card from Manfred's landlady saying that his flat was being rented out elsewhere; I would like to come there soon to dispose of his things...