World War One, The Great War, was the photographers’ war. The camera had been perfected to the point that moving pictures could be recorded. The photographers’ risked life and limb to bring all the horrors of war to the screen and newspapers. The public could not get enough. The camera focused and recorded for all time the destruction and demise of millions of military and civilians. The photographers’ pictures were also transformed into postcards for the world to see.

I was attracted to this postcard that shows a French policeman in a war damaged town. Turning the card over I could see that it was written in German. Cards from ‘the other side’ tend to be scarce, so I had it translated. It was from Cambrai, a town in northern France, March 19, 1916. It reads,

My dear Frieda,
I inform you with thanks that I received your dear letter and dear card. I gather from your writing that all is going well. The same may be written about me. You are somewhat resentful that I do not write more often. You must excuse me. I am at least writing more often dear Frieda. Today is once again Sunday. But unfortunately of the many who here (not able to translate) yet one must remember that half of them have no peace. I too am beginning to believe it will never have an ending. Many hearty greetings and kisses sends your dear Emil.
 
The card was not mailed. As was the custom, it was possibly hand delivered by another soldier on leave. Had it been mailed, it most certainly would have been censored as no negative thoughts were permitted on either side.

The battle of Cambrai started November 20, 1917 and ended December 7, 1917. There was a huge loss of life on both sides. Unfortunately we do not know Emil’s last name. I wonder if he survived the war or the devastating flu epidemic that followed.

Ken Kristjanson

September 2014