Summary

Black and white postcard showing a German soldier in uniform in a photo studio. The soldier is depicted in standing pose with one of his hands resting on a chair. The soldier's regimental shoulder strap, inscribed '20', indicates that he is a member of Regiment no. 20 of the Third Royal Saxon, stationed at Garnison (Garrison) Bautzen in Germany.

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

This black and white postcard captures a portrait of a German soldier in uniform. The young man stands next to a chair and is resting his right hand, which holds white gloves, on the chair. His left hand is behind his back giving view to a dagger that hangs from his belt. The regimental shoulder strap on his jacket is numbered '20'. The background is a landscape on canvas. It looks like the picture was taken in a photo studio. The postcard shows some wear.

Significance

This black and white photo 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 military uniform.

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