Summary

Black and white postcard showing a parade of men in uniform, watched by crowds. The scene seems to be a farewell to German soldiers going to war, which at that time was a regular occasion. They are accompanied by drummers.

During World War I around 11 billion letters or postcards were sent from the front free of charge through the German Army Postal Service. Millions more letters were sent to the front by families and friends at home. From 29 April 1916 onwards postal service stations were set up at every army command station in order to monitor the content of the mail and to create reports on the content. The transmission of classified military or rebellious and discouraging information was prohibited.

It is not known how this particular item came to be in Australia.

Physical Description

Black and white postcard depicting a parade of men in coats and hats standing in the middle of the road. In front of them is a music band. The group is surrounded by men, women and children, all facing in the same direction as if posed for the photograph. The edges show some wear.

Significance

This black and white postcard from the First World War is an invaluable pictorial record of German soldiers going to war. Through its iconography it is a record of everyday life during war.

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