French Soldiers and Their Correspondence: Towards a History of Writing Practices in the First World War (original) (raw)

This research explores the practices and implications of letter-writing among French soldiers during the First World War, emphasizing the extensive postal censorship implemented by the French High Command. By examining the archival records of the Commission de Contrôle Postal and soldiers' correspondence, it seeks to understand the social grammar, conventions, and purposes behind letter-writing, rather than merely analyzing the content for morale or political sentiments. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of écriture ordinaire and the historical context of written communications in conflict.