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The available reports unambiguously emphasize the great seriousness expressed… by the population. A considerable depression [Bedrückheit] exists, especially with respect to the continued air terror, the hard fighting on the eastern front, and the threatened invasion in the West. But confidence frequently is expressed, supported by a recognition of the necessity of our victory and trust in our fighting forces and in our leader. Even if an absolute certainty of victory does not exist, the view prevails [among the population] that we have to ‘ clench our teeth’ and keep our nerves steady. At the same time, fearful expressions of doubt about our further ability to hold out have become loud. Nevertheless, the population generally shows an unconditional will to hold out, which as before remains unshaken.
From a secret report by the SS security service (6 Jan. 1944)Evacuation and self-preservation
Although both the German war fortunes and the home front had deteriorated steadily throughout 1943, the worst was yet to come. The winter of 1943/44 was marked by military defeats and bombing raids, as well as by ever-increasing pessimism. Moreover, the German nuclear power project experienced yet another administrative purge. Hermann Goring and Rudolf Mentzel were coerced by Albert Speer into letting Abraham Esau go.
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