Switzerland (1918) Postcard / Orzens to St. Jean

Description: An evocative historical picture postcard depicting the Church of Orzens, sent during the final months of World War I. The item illustrates the internal logistics of the Swiss military and humanitarian mobilization during the 1918 European conflict.

• Stamps: Franked with a multiple of three 2½ centimes brown “Tell-Boy” definitive issues, totaling a 7½c domestic postcard rate.
• Cancellations: Tied by original, clean circular town datestamps from Orzens (Vaud) dated July 31, 1918.

• Military Cachet: Features a prominent, struck violet/blue rectangular military marking on the front reading: “Caserne de Genève – Poste Militaire”.
• Manuscript Redirection: Due to the recipient being redeployed, the original address was struck through and manually redirected in traditional purple/indelible pencil to St. Jean (Geneva).
• Arrival Markings: The reverse shows a partial, lightly struck Geneva arrival postmark, faint but confirming final transit delivery.

• Addressee / Recipient: Addressed to a mobilized soldier serving in the “Colonne de la + rouge” (Red Cross Column) stationed at the Geneva Barracks.
• Historical Significance: Excellent social and military history item documenting the Swiss Army’s support network for the International Red Cross humanitarian transport columns during the twilight of the Great War.