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German History in Documents and Images
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Tree Ravaged by War (December 4, 1915)
The First World War saw destruction on a scale that was previously unimaginable. For professional and amateur photographers alike, ravaged trees in barren landscapes were poignant symbols of the plight of nature in the face of industrialized warfare. It is likely that this photograph was taken by an amateur photographer in uniform, possibly the sender, Jakob Günther.


The postcard reads as follows:

3. Dec. 1915 (Postmark December 4, 1915)

Dear Aunt!
Wanted to write you a couple words again. I am doing very well. I was even on vacation for a couple of days. We must now prove ourselves brave Swabian Schippner (meaning: those who work with shovel and spade) in the Argonne forest as well. No longer in the fort. We’ve been here since November 11. The weather is very rainy. See you soon, Jakob Günther