WWI 1914 Historical French military record book classe 1895 (carnet militaire)

Details:

Class: 1895

Service Number: Matricule 6977

Unit: 3rd Battalion, 11th Company, 115th Infantry Regiment

Name: Chirac, Antoine Barnabé Édouard

Rank: Sergent

Location: Marseille, département of Bouches-du-Rhône

Contents (+40 Pages):

Travel Orders (Ordre de route)

Enlistment Dates (Date d'entrée)

Vaccinations

Successive Enlistments and Registrations (Incorporations et immatriculations successives)

Military Training (Instruction militaire)

Target Shooting Records (Tir à la cible)

Successive Records (Enregistrement successif)

Inventory of Issued Items (Désignation des effets, équipements)

Legal Texts and Regulations that soldiers must have at hand (Lois ou règlements dont les militaires doivent avoir incessamment le texte sous les yeux)

Health Service Records (Service de santé)

Additional Items Included:

Envelope found in the book: Sent to La Baronne 4 rue Bretonnerie Orleans (Loiret). Orléans and the Loiret department were significant during World War I, with Orléans serving as a key logistical center due to its location on the Loire River. The city was far from the front lines but was involved in mobilization efforts, medical services for wounded soldiers, and as a point of departure for troops.

The period around 1915 in France saw a mix of aristocratic remnants and the rise of new social structures due to the war. The term "baronne" refers to a female baron, a title within the French nobility.

Postmark indicating it was from the "Cabinet du Président," suggesting official correspondence or recognition.

Military Postal Card: 

Date: Marseille, 8 March 1915

Message: "Mon cher, voilà déjà très longtemps que je ne reçois pas de tes nouvelles. As-tu reçu ma dernière carte? N'ayant pas reçu de réponse, je présume qu'elle s'est égarée. Ici nous allons tous bien et je désire que la présente te trouve de même, ma femme se joint à moi pour t'adresser ses meilleurs sentiments. Amitiés, Chirac"

Translation: "My dear, it has been a very long time since I've received any news from you. Did you receive my last card? Not having received a reply, I presume it got lost. Here we are all doing well, and I hope this finds you the same, my wife joins me in sending you her best regards. Best regards, Chirac."

Condition: The record book and associated items show signs of age, including yellowing pages, wear on the covers, and ink fading. The condition of the envelope and postcard would reflect their use and journey through the postal system during wartime.

Historical Significance: This military record book provides a comprehensive view of a soldier's life during WWI, from training to service, offering insights into the military administration, health care, and personal communications of the era. The additional items personalizes the historical narrative, connecting us to the individual experiences of soldiers.

Note: This item is a rare piece of WWI history, not only documenting the bureaucratic side of military service but also capturing the personal stories and connections maintained through the war. It's an invaluable addition to any collection focused on military history, personal narratives, or the socio-political context of WWI France.