The foolishness of not communicating the news

The anonymous note below was written in the days leading up to the surrender at Stalingrad on February 2, 1943. So it may well have been written today 72 years ago.

It's interesting to note how little communication there is between the men and their superiors. A lesson for our time?

"I was horrified when I saw the map. We're quite alone, without any help from outside. Hitler has left us in the lurch. Whether this letter gets away depends on whether we still hold the airfield. We are lying in the north of the city. The men in my unit already suspect the truth, but they aren't so exactly informed as I am. No, we are not going to be captured. When Stalingrad falls you will hear and read about it. Then you will know that I shall not return."

Anonymous German soldier