1918 Our Lady of Hope Basilica Mézières France Postcard
About This Vintage Postcard
This postcard captures a firsthand glimpse of World War I history at the Rue Saint Julien entrance to the Basilica of Notre Dame d’Espérance in Mézières, France. Built between 1499 and 1611, the basilica is an architectural masterpiece. The image shows visible damage to the façade, a reminder of the city’s strategic role during the war. Mézières was captured by German forces in September 1914 and later served as a headquarters for the German High Command. On the back, a handwritten message adds a personal touch, noting that the basilica was not badly damaged overall and was “saved” by the arrival of French forces and the Armistice of 1918.
Details
Era: Era: Divided Back (c. 1918–1920)
City: Mézières (now Charleville-Mézières)
State or Region: Ardennes
Country: France
Topic: Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Espérance, Saint-Julien Church, WWI History, Gothic Architecture, French Landmarks, WWI Aftermath, German Occupation, French History, Military Interest
Condition: Circulated
Postage: None (Sent under cover or hand-delivered)
Address Side: undivided back
Orientation: Vertical (Portrait)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Unknown (Numbered 27)
Printer: Unknown
Print Type: Collotype
Additional Information
The sender’s message provides a firsthand historical account of the Great War. Mézières was a strategic site during WWI, falling to German forces in September 1914 and serving as a headquarters for the German High Command.
The handwritten message on the back of the card is written in English, most likely by an Allied soldier (such as American, British, or Canadian troops) stationed in France during or immediately following World War I. While image shows some damage to the facade, the writer notes "Not very badly damaged by the Germans, particularly fortunate just in time to save Mézières and Charleville. The Germans had just gotten out and the French in, when the armistice came and they were saved."
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