First World War Silk Postcard

First World War silk postcard belonging to Bert, a soldier from Weybridge. (150.1976.13)

During the First World War, homesick soldiers on the front lines sent beautiful, hand-crafted silk postcards to their loved ones back home. Embroidered with sentimental phrases such as “Yours Forever” and “For My Mother”, the colourful flowers, flags and symbols of peace and hope concealed the appalling conditions faced by soldiers living in the trenches. They allowed servicemen to send simple messages of longing to their families whilst protecting them from the reality of a brutal war that killed so many.

However, these exquisite souvenirs are also examples of craftsmanship, mass production and industry. The designs were hand-embroidered by women living in towns near the front lines in France and Belgium. Although the postcards were handstitched, they were produced en masse. Patterns were repeatedly embroidered on long strips of silk mesh. Once completed, they were sent to factories in the cities to be cut into individual pieces and mounted onto postcards. They were sold to soldiers at army camps and shops.

Back of First World War silk postcard belonging to Bert, a soldier from Weybridge. (150.1976.13)

Lots of these postcards survive in family collections and have subsequently been donated to museums as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of war. Many in our collection were belonged to Bert and were sent by him to his family back home in Weybridge.

Throughout the war over 10 million cards were manufactured. Very rarely do they indicate the true horror faced daily by the soldiers on the front line. Yet their simple messages reveal how loved ones were never forgotten. These treasured keepsakes remain invaluable in helping us understand the human experience of war and the enduring importance of Remembrance Day.