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Three World War I photos related to archives 2011.005.0231.01, Soldiers' Mail postcard, 1918.

Photograph
Three World War I photos related to archives 2011.005.0231.01, Soldiers' Mail postcard (see notes) from Corporal James Darling, 1918. Not dated or captioned. Remains of album mount paper on reverse. Photo 1, 2-3/8" square: sepia-tone image of Corporal James Darling (?) posed alone in uniform; he is saluting while standing outside an apartment house, possibly New York City, circa 1918; probably on leave prior to being shipped overseas from Hoboken. Photo 2, 3-1/2" x 5-5/8": Unidentified U.S. Army officer in uniform seated on a park bench, no place or date; relation to Darling unknown. Photo 3, 2-1/2" x 4" high: view of tents at a military camp, no place, no date. (Terrain and placement suggests overseas, probably France, rather than a training or embarkation camp in the the U.S.)

2011.005.0231.02

2011.005

Lukacs, Claire

Gift

Museum Collections. Gift of a friend of the Museum.

n/a

1918

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Notes: Description of archives 2011.005.0231.01 Postcard: Soldiers' Mail, postmarked Hoboken, sent by Corporal James Darling to Mrs. John Wiley, NYC, notifying recipient that he arrived in Europe, 1918 (arrived April 17, 1918.) Printed card, 3-1/4" x 5-5/8" wide issued by American Red Cross. Hoboken cancel. Remains of album mount paper on address side. Hoboken served as the main Port of Embarkation for U.S. troops shipping to Europe in World War I. This card is typical of ones used to notify family or friends about the military member as part of volunteer services of the American Red Cross. Wartime security was a necessary concern (ship is not named), but the morale of the soldiers as well as homefront morale made this communication important. Message side imprinted: I HAVE ARRIVED SAFELY OVERSEAS. [blank line] This card will be held until safe arrival of the boat on which I sailed. Holographic pencil entry by soldier: Cpl. James Darling will write later, regards to John and the kids. In faint pencil beneath printed text "This card will..." is "Arrived 4/17/1918" Addess side: Imprinted upper left: Soldiers' Mail Imprinted in red at top center: [cross symbol] with "American Red Cross" below. Addressed to Mrs. John Wiley, 686 Third Ave., NY City. Original or Copy: Original Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2011-11-28

photo 1, enhanced: Corporal James Darling (?)
Left: photo 2; top right: photo 1; lower right: photo 3; condition