Message: A heartfelt letter from a soldier to a priest:
"Monsieur le Curé, je vous remercie beaucoup pour votre lettre que m'avez envoyée et pour tout ce que vous avez fait pour moi, j'ai encore toujours la médaille. Votre enfant, Cemer Verlies."
Translation: "Mister Priest, I thank you very much for your letter that you sent me and for everything you have done for me, I still always have the medal. Your child, Cemer Verlies."
Recipient Details:
Name: J. Vende, Curé de Combrand
Address: "par Berizai (Deux-Sèvres)," indicating the letter was sent to a priest in the Combrand area of the Deux-Sèvres department in France.
This card is a testament to the personal connections maintained during the war, showing how soldiers sought comfort, support, and spiritual guidance from figures like priests. The mention of a medal could imply a personal item of significance or a military decoration.
Given its age and wartime usage, the card exhibit signs of wear, including possible fading of the photograph, ink smudges, or postal marks.
Historical Significance: Valuable for collectors of WWI memorabilia, particularly those interested in the human aspect of the war, the role of religion, or French postal history.
Offers a unique perspective on the personal lives of soldiers, the impact of war on communities, and the support systems in place during the conflict.
Note: This WWI postal card not only documents the physical conditions of war but also the emotional and spiritual support networks that soldiers relied upon. It's a poignant reminder of the individual stories woven into the tapestry of the Great War.