{"product_id":"3072","title":"1918 Our Lady of Hope Basilica Mézières France Postcard","description":"\u003ch3\u003eAbout This Vintage Postcard\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetails\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEra: Era: Divided Back (c. 1918–1920)\u003cbr\u003eCity: Mézières (now Charleville-Mézières)\u003cbr\u003eState or Region: Ardennes\u003cbr\u003eCountry: France\u003cbr\u003eTopic: Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Espérance, Saint-Julien Church, WWI History, Gothic Architecture, French Landmarks, WWI Aftermath, German Occupation, French History, Military Interest\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Circulated\u003cbr\u003ePostage: None (Sent under cover or hand-delivered)\u003cbr\u003eAddress Side: undivided back\u003cbr\u003eOrientation: Vertical (Portrait)\u003cbr\u003eArtist \/ Photographer: Unknown\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Unknown (Numbered 27)\u003cbr\u003ePrinter: Unknown\u003cbr\u003ePrint Type: Collotype\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove it ♡\u003cbr\u003eGet it ☆\u003cbr\u003eGet Lucky 💋 Vintage\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"-","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46733347324093,"sku":"3072","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/4818\/1181\/files\/3072.jpg?v=1777852898","url":"https:\/\/www.getluckyvintage.com\/products\/3072","provider":"Get Lucky Vintage ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}