WWI French Red Cross Envelope - "Société Française de Secours aux Blessés Militaires"

Sender: "Société Française de Secours aux Blessés Militaires. Croix Rouge Française" (French Society for Aid to Military Wounded. French Red Cross), indicating it was sent from this organization. "7 rue Auguste Lyon", the location from which the envelope was dispatched.

Addressee: "Monsieur le commandant du dépôt du 64 d'infanterie Ancenis, Loire Inférieure", translating to "To the commander of the depot of the 64th Infantry Regiment in Ancenis, Loire-Inférieure" (now Loire-Atlantique).

Postmark: "Hôpital Auxiliaire 17 nov 1915 Lyon", showing it was sent from an Auxiliary Hospital in Lyon on November 17, 1915.

The French Red Cross played a significant role during WWI, providing medical aid, transport for the wounded, and support for soldiers and their families. This envelope likely contained correspondence related to the health, transfer, or administrative details of soldiers under the care of the Red Cross or being sent back to their unit.

Condition: Given its age, the envelope exhibit signs of wear such as creases, fading, postal stamps, or slight tears, indicative of its journey through the wartime postal system.

Historical Significance: A valuable piece for collectors of WWI memorabilia, particularly those interested in medical services, humanitarian efforts, or the French Red Cross's contributions to the war effort. It's a tangible link to the behind-the-scenes work of support and recovery.

Provides insight into the collaboration between military and civilian organizations during wartime, the logistics of medical care, and the postal system's operation under the constraints of war.

Note: This envelope is not just a piece of postal history; it's a testament to the compassion and organizational prowess of the French Red Cross during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. It encapsulates the story of care, recovery, and the human aspect of warfare, where even in conflict, there were efforts to save lives and tend to the wounded.