Description

1917(Jun 4) Plain envelope with some colour fading to Basel, Switzerland marked Via Belfort bearing Sower 15c & Pair 10 tied Thann cds & with on reverse CONTROLE POSTAL MILITARE label tied violet oval OUVERT / 52 with Star / Par I’AUTORITE MILITAIRE & Basel/Brieftrager (16 Jul) arrival cds…. Alsace Lorraine was ceded to Germany by the Treaty of Frankfurt in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian war, with the French remaining resentful of this throughout the years. No opportunity was lost & the 1st Feb 1915 French occupied and took Military control of several areas starting with the French P.O.s at Moosch & Wesselring with more to follow. After the defeat of Germany & under the aspises of the Treaty of Versailles Alsace Lorraine was reunited & ceded back to France in 1920.