WWI French Postal Card - "Soldier by the Train"

A photograph of Soldiers in line close to a train during the pivotal period from "12 October - 29 Nov 1918," which includes the final weeks of the war. This image symbolizes the mobilization, demobilization, or movement of troops, reflecting the strategic and logistical aspects of WWI's conclusion.

Handwritten Message: Dated "12 October 1918", the message reads: "Souvenir de respectueuse affection" ("Memory of respectful affection"), a poignant note suggesting the sender's farewell or remembrance to someone dear.

Address: "1635 France. Monsieur Abel Vende, Cure de Combrand par Cerizay, Deux-Sèvres." Indicates the card was sent to a priest, Abel Vende, in Combrand, near Cerizay in the Deux-Sèvres department of France.

This card captures a moment where soldiers were possibly being transported back from or to the front lines during the last months of WWI, encapsulating the transition from war to peace, and the personal gestures of affection amidst the larger military movements.

Condition: The card shows signs of wear typical for its age, including fading of the image or writing, postal marks, or handling damage.

Historical Significance: An essential piece for collectors interested in WWI's final stages, French military history, or the postal service during wartime. It embodies the human side of demobilization or troop movements.

Offers insight into the logistics of war, the emotional connections soldiers maintained, and how the end of WWI was experienced at a personal level.

Note: This WWI postal card is more than a piece of mail; it's a snapshot of the closing chapter of the Great War, capturing the blend of military duty with personal sentiment. It serves as a reminder of the individual stories that make up the tapestry of this monumental historical event.