Postcard - Embroidered Postcard, c. 1917

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 yellow rising sun, crown, banner and foliate decoration. Handwritten message on back

Inscriptions & markings

Front: "FROM 5TH PIONEER BATTALION FRANCE" "KEEP SMILING" (embroidered)
Back: "To Enid best love from Dad xxxxxx / France June 28/6/1917"
"My Dear Mary / just a pc to let you know I'm still well and hope you are all the same I have not seen Joe yet is is still warm over here yet we have been out shooting to day I feel tired. I wish it was all over I full up of it. I seen Dexter the other night he is looking well on it ?? I'm beginning to think it is never going to end well this all at present love Will love from your loving husband xxx / xxxx "

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