Two pieces of souvenir ephemera from the 23 Battalion, A.I.F.
France: unknown, 1918. Postcard measuring 90 x 146 mm., printed on both sides; with a string tied folding Christmas card containing two leaves, 113 x 143 mm. A few ink spots affect the postcard, yet both items are in good condition. Two pieces of ephemera from the 23rd Battalion, A.I.F., created just after the armistice of 11 November 1918.
Raised in Victoria in March 1915, the 23rd Battalion served at Gallipoli between September to December of that year before redeployment to France. In July of 1916 the battalion suffered a horrific casualty rate over ninety percent during the battles of Pozieres and Mouquet Farm. By mid-1918 the 23rd was rolling back the German line at Amiens and Hamel, a precursor of defeat and the armistice.
The postcard reads "Just a Plane Good Wish I am Dropping" and is inscribed by one Frederick to Martha and Dad. Dated November 16th, the card was sent just five days after the armistice was declared. The Christmas card contains two printed leaves, depicting Mont de Cats in France opposite gum trees in Geelong.
Instances of quality First World War ephemera are becoming increasingly scarce on the market. Item #4144
Price (AUD): $275.00