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.

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 sailing boast with flying french flag and union jack. Also pink, blue flowers and green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.

Inscriptions & markings

Front: "To my dear Wife" (embroidered)
Back: "My dear Alice / France / Just a PC to let you know I'm well and hope you are all the same I have not see Joe yet over here but I believe he is alright so far well there not much news to tell you get more news over there than we do. I hope Jack and Father are working. I wrote to Jack he aut to have my letters by now well this all the news ???? as long as you know I'm well ?????? bye best love Will xxxxxx"