Battle for Aachen
		The time period from Sept. 9 to Oct. 10 1944
			Chronicler G. Muehlenmeister

[note: dates in US order, i.e., month/day/year]

9/10/44	Even before 9/10/44 rumors were circulating in Aachen about an
        impending evacuation of the city, which caused a giant uproar
	among its residents.

	They were temporarily revoked only to pop up again, causing
	an extreme level of fear and uncertainy among the population.
	Many were plagued by doubt: what to do?  Evacuate? Or stay in
	the city?

	In either case danger was in the offing, an uncertain future
	which had us shaking in our boots.

	Fantastical rumors about what could come to pass in either
	case flitted like poisonous insects through the city.

	Carpet bombing of the Siegfried Line, the city, the bunkers,
	exactly as happened at the Atlantic Wall, then firing by our
	soldiers at the enemy troops moving through the city - a city
	wihout lights, gas and water, with no food deliveries, were
	prophesied for those who remained.  For the evacuees attacks
	on trains, the misery as refugees, loss of all goods, of their
	livelihoods.  Many thought that the Siegfried Line could hold
	out for months, but Aachen would then be under attack from
	both sides.

	At the behest of the Fueher Himmler inspected the defenses
	today.

	Late in the evening I enter our bunker area and find persons
	there who have fallen prey to helplessness and inner conflict
	as a result of their fear and uncertainty.

	Suddenly we sit up and take notice.  A leading personality,
	who is in contact with the Mayor, makes a consoling speech.
	The Mayor informs the citizens of Aachen that for the time
	being an evacuation is not being considered.  Himmler was
	here and asserted that the release of the german troops from
	the pocket near Antwerp was grounds for new hope.

	The graveyard humo[u]r disappeared as if blown away by a wind
	storm and was replaced by good humor (Fidelitas).  The mood
	was improved by a cup of (real) coffee and the bread and
	butter was once again eaten with good appetite.