WWI French Military Envelope - "Hopital Depot N:27 à Troyes"

Addressed to: "S.M Messieurs les Membres du conseil d'administration du 139 Régiment d'infanterie à Angers" ("To His Excellency, the Members of the Administrative Council of the 139th Infantry Regiment in Angers").

Postmark: "Troyes Aube 15 Hopital Depot N:27 à Troyes - Le Médecin Chef 20 region Centre d'expédition Médico Légales", indicating it was sent from Troyes in the Aube department on December 15, 1915, from Hospital Depot No. 27, by the Chief Doctor of the 20th Region, also mentioning a Medical-Legal Dispatch Center.

Back: Postmark, "Angers 8 20 12 Indre et Loire", showing it was received or processed in Angers on December 8, 1915, in the Indre et Loire department, which might suggest a redirection or additional processing.

This envelope highlights the administrative and medical communication channels during WWI, particularly between medical facilities and regimental administration. The mention of a "Centre d'expédition Médico Légales" points to the complexity of medical evacuations, legal medical issues, or perhaps the processing of soldiers' health for administrative purposes like pensions or discharge.

Condition: Given its age and historical journey, the envelope exhibits signs of wear such as fading, creases, or minor tears. The condition reflects its passage through wartime postal systems.

Historical Significance: A significant artifact for collectors of WWI memorabilia, focusing on French military health services, administrative logistics, or postal history. It illuminates the bureaucratic support system behind the front lines. Offers a window into the organizational efforts to manage soldiers' health, the legal and medical aspects of warfare, and the operational coordination necessary in wartime France.

Note: This WWI envelope is not just mail; it's a testament to the vast support network that was essential for the French army's functionality during the Great War. It captures the intersection of medical care, legal considerations, and military administration, providing a concrete piece of the puzzle in understanding the comprehensive impact of WWI on France's military and society.