Two imperial Postcards

[James N]

Here are a couple of Imperial postcards I recently purchased; the one of the soldat is blank and unsent on the reverse, but the other showing members of the Central Powers has an interesting inscription and a military cancellation.

[AndyM35]

These are two very nice examples James. I’m staring to find Imperial postcards more and more interesting and recently purchased some more for the collection which I will post up when they arrive. Always amazes me how small and neat the writing generally is. I also wonder with some of the sweetheart cards, where we see a soldier with wife or girlfriend, how and when the images were taken. Some appear to be during the middle of of the war when the soldier was on leave.

[Wolf]

Hello James N,

nice postcards, typical examples from World War I. The postcard with the soldiers of the Central Powers bears the slogan "Seid einig, einig, einig! / Be united, united, united!". It is a "Deutsche Kriegerkarte. Serie 1: "Vorm feinde" Karte Nr. 6: Seid einig, einig, einig! / German warrior card. Series 1: "In front of the enemy" Card No. 6: Be united, united, united!" from the "Kunstverlagsanstalt Gerhard Stalling, Oldenburg i. Gr. / Art publishing house Gerhard Stalling, Oldenburg i. Gr.". The abbreviation "i. Gr." stands for "im Großherzogtum / in the Grand Duchy".

On the back it says:

"Feldpost (Stempel: K. D. Feldpost 38. Inf. Div. 17.07.16 4-5 N)

Herr Hermann Rönstuld Maler
Großbreitenbach / Thür (Thür: Abkürzung für Thüringen)
Hauptstr. N. 142
versand an Buchbindern Otto

Ausstellung v. 17/6

Liebe Eltern und Geschwister,
Sende euch Allen die herzlichsten Grüße.
Soweit bin ich noch Gesund was ich auch von Euch hoffe.
Gruß euer Sohn Alfred."

In English that means:

"Field post (stamp: K. D. Field post 38th Infantry Division July 17, 1916 4-5 N)

Mr Hermann Rönstuld painter
Großbreitenbach / Thür (Thür: Abbreviation for Thuringia)
Main street No. 142
Sending to bookbinder Otto

Issuing from 6/17

Dear parents and siblings,
Send my warmest greetings to all of you.
So far I am still healthy what I hope from you too.
Greetings your son Alfred."

Judging by the Field post stamp, the author was a soldier in the 38th Infantry Division, a major unit of the Prussian Army. It was part of the XI. Army Corps. It was built on April 1, 1899 and had its headquarter in Erfurt. During World War I, the division was predominantly on the Western Front and from September 1914 to October 1915 on the Eastern Front.

In 1916 the division took part in the following battles:
- until March 14, 1916 - fighting on the Aisne
- May 13th to September 8th - Battle of Verdun
- May 18-29 - Fight for hill 304
- October 18 to November 17 - Battle of the Somme
- November 18 to December 17 - Trench warfare on the Yser
- from December 18 - trench warfare on the Somme

I hope I could help you with this.

Best regards
Wolf

[James N]

Wolf, thank you so much - I hoped someone would comment, but the translation is certainly more than I hoped possible; thanks again!

[Wolf]

Hello James N,

you are welcome. I am happy that I could help you.

Best regards
Wolf