Historical information

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in Egypt 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 foliate and flowers bordering a message. Handwritten message on back.

Inscriptions & markings

Front: "Remind / France" (embroidered)
Back: "1268 2 of 5 Pioneers Battalion" "Egypt / May 28 1916"
"My dear Alice just a PC to let you know I'm well and hope you are all the same I got a letter from you yesterday and Enid PC but I have not got the money yet did you ??? if you need not send enny more till I send for it well I have not seen joe since you say you are goin gto town for a trip it will not hurt you i wish I was going to will my eyes are a bit weak yet it is the sand and flys. well this is all at present. Best love to all from your loving husband Will xxxxx"