WWI French Military Postal Card - "Crapouillot Mortier (Trench Mortar)"

Displays an "image of a mortar with a couple of soldiers around", showcasing one of the key weapons of trench warfare, the trench mortar, often referred to as the "Crapouillot".

Marked as "Carte Postale".

Message: A personal note from the front, dated and written as:

"Bourges 22, Chère Marie, aujourd'hui deux mots pour t'envoyer un modèle du crapouillot Mortiers de tranchée, tu vois que ce n'est pas bien conséquent et pas dur à manœuvrer. Ils en arrivent encore en abondance. Je vais encore passer 4 mauvais jours. Enfin je me porte bien et j'espère que ma carte vous trouvera tout de même et je vous embrasse tous, sans oublier la petite." Translation: "Bourges 22, Dear Marie, today just a few words to send you a model of the crapouillot trench mortar, you see it's not very significant and not hard to operate. They keep arriving in abundance. I'm going to go through another 4 tough days. Anyway, I'm doing well, and I hope this card finds you all well, and I hug everyone, not forgetting the little one."

Trench Mortars: The "Crapouillot" was a French 58 mm trench mortar used extensively during WWI, known for its effectiveness in close combat and its relatively simple operation, as mentioned in the message.

Soldier's Life: The card provides insight into the daily life of a soldier, including the anticipation of tough days ahead, juxtaposed with moments of connection to home through such correspondences.

This postcard serves as a medium to share both the technical aspects of warfare, like new weaponry, and personal experiences, maintaining morale through familiar bonds.

Artillery in WWI: The focus on mortars reflects the war's reliance on artillery, with innovations like these changing the nature of combat.

Condition: Given its age, the card might show signs of wear including fading, creases, or postal marks, adding to its historical authenticity.

Historical Significance: An essential piece for collectors of WWI memorabilia, those interested in military technology, or the personal stories of soldiers. It ties together the technical and human aspects of the war. Provides a narrative on the use and impact of trench mortars, the soldier's experience at the front, and how they communicated about their roles and the war's machinery to their families.

Note: This WWI postal card is not just a piece of mail; it's a direct link to the battlefield and the personal lives of those who served, capturing the blend of war's harsh realities with the warmth of personal connections.