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 (portrait orientation) with embroidered cross representing flags and colours of different countries. Flower and foliate decoration beneath. Handwritten message on back

Inscriptions & markings

Front: "THE CROSS OF THE ALLIES" (embroidered)
Back: "to Enid from Dad / best love little girlie xxxxxx"