Captioned "Français Souvenons-nous! 1799. La France reconquise (1917) Le Christ de Passel Oise Reste intact au milieu des ruines Phot Express Vide Paris", it depicts an image of the Christ statue in Passel, Oise, remaining undamaged amidst ruins, symbolizing hope and the enduring spirit of France. Handwritten: "Joseph Tremblais 2 Août 1917", personalizing the card with the sender's name and date.
Marked as "Carte postale" for correspondence.
Message: A handwritten note, partially difficult to decipher, conveying a soldier's experiences and feelings:
"Je suis dans la forêt ... Tracy le Val .. Mon cher Pasteur il y a déjà longtemps que je vous .. de vous écrire et je vous écrivais... et on avait pas vu une si belle église comme à ... mais j'ai bien prié quand même. C'est un caporal qui est dernièrement arrivé à ma compagnie.. tous les dimanches .. à bientôt votre ami qui vous oublie pas. 60 d'infanterie 34 e compagnie 9 bataillons 1880" Translation Approximation: "I am in the forest ... Tracy le Val .. My dear Pastor, it's been a long time since I wrote to you... and we had not seen such a beautiful church like in ... but I prayed a lot anyway. It's a corporal who recently joined my company... every Sunday .. see you soon, your friend who does not forget you. 60th Infantry, 34th Company, 9th Battalion, 1880."
This postcard serves as a reminder of French resilience through history, paralleling the Napoleonic era with WWI. The image of the Christ statue amidst ruins symbolizes the hope and faith in the nation's recovery and spiritual strength during the war. The personal message adds a layer of the human experience, capturing the soldier's longing for home, the continuity of faith, and the camaraderie in the face of adversity.
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: An essential item for collectors of WWI memorabilia, French history enthusiasts, or those interested in the intersection of religion and warfare. It provides insight into how soldiers maintained their morale and identity during the conflict. Offers a narrative on the cultural, spiritual, and emotional resilience of France and its people during WWI, highlighting the personal stories behind the war's statistics.
Note: This WWI postal card is not merely a piece of mail; it's a historical narrative that intertwines personal stories with national pride and faith, serving as a bridge between the past and the tumultuous present of the Great War.
