WWI 1914 French Postal Card - "Cavaillon La Mairie"

A black and white image titled "17 Cavaillon La Mairie," showcasing the town hall of Cavaillon, providing a peaceful scene from this French town in the Vaucluse department.

Marked as "Carte postale".

Message: Written on August 20, 1914, it reads: "Cavaillon le 20 Août 1914. Le bonjour à tous ... 2 jours chemin de fer. Cordialement. Jean Constant." Translation: "Cavaillon, August 20, 1914. Greetings to everyone ... 2 days by train. Cordially, Jean Constant."

Address: "Monsieur Constant Chef comptable, Maison le Voulet, Pyrénées-Orientales" Translation: "Monsieur Constant, Chief Accountant, Le Voulet House, Pyrénées-Orientales"

Postmark: "44 Regt d'inf Coloniale, Franchise Postale de réserve. Cavaillon 21 1914 Vaucluse", indicating it was sent from the 44th Colonial Infantry Regiment, with a special military free post mark, dated August 21, 1914, from Cavaillon, Vaucluse.

Early Days of WWI: This postcard was sent just days after France's mobilization for WWI, capturing the very beginning of the war's impact on French society. The date signifies a pivotal moment when the country was transitioning from peace to war.

Military Mobilization: The mention of the 44th Colonial Infantry Regiment in the postal process underscores the rapid mobilization and the use of existing military structures for communication during the initial stages of the conflict.

Colonial Troops: The involvement of colonial regiments from the outset of the war highlights France's reliance on its colonial forces, reflecting the global dimension of WWI from the start.

Cavaillon: As a town in Vaucluse, Cavaillon would have been far from the initial front lines but was part of the logistical and human mobilization for war, with many local men likely being called to service.

Jean Constant's message to his family or colleagues reflects the personal and emotional dimensions of mobilization, where individuals were suddenly thrust into a new reality of war, yet still attempting to maintain personal connections.

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 invaluable artifact for collectors of WWI memorabilia, particularly those interested in the initial stages of the war, French military history, or the personal stories of soldiers. It provides a snapshot of the transition into warfare. Illustrates the mobilization process, the role of colonial troops, and the human aspect of entering WWI, offering educational insights into how war affected individuals and communities at the very beginning of the conflict.

Note: This postal card not only serves as a collector's item but also as a poignant reminder of the personal lives caught in the upheaval of the Great War's onset. It's a tangible piece of history that captures the last moments of normality before the world changed forever.