Historical information

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home, 1917. Mentioned in postcard George Buse 2208 born Yarraville who enlisted on 10/9/1914 aged 21 years 3 months. He embarked on 20/10/1914 and returned to Australia in 1919. He was a Driver with the 10th ASC,

Significance

Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back home

Physical description

White rectangular postcard with embroidered pink flowers, green foliate and blue winged butterfly decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.

Inscriptions & markings

Front: "To my dear Wife" (embroidered)
Back: "To Enid from dad xx / xxxxxx / France / Feb 26/2/1917 / My Dear Alice / Just a PC to let you I'm still well and hope are all the same I have not see Joe lately I may see him sometime or the other I hope you enjoyed yourself on your holidays they will do you good. I'm in a rest station I have not been too well I think I will be back with the battalion in a few days you can tell ??[ma]?? I met Pugger Loney he is in the 15 ambulance he looks well and it just as fat as ever I'm goin gover to see youn George Buse tomorrow well I have not much new to tell only all is well so I will now close with best love from loving husband Will xxxxxxxx"