A couple walking in eastern France discovered a small jar, inside containing a letter from a Prussian soldier, dated more than a century ago.
The message was delivered by a carrier pigeon, according to AFP.
Dominique Jardy, curator of the Linge Museum in Orbey (province Haut-Rhin, Grand Est region, eastern France), said the message was sent by an infantryman stationed in Ingersheim, in the same province of Haut-Rhin.
The handwritten German letter was difficult to read. The content details the course of combat seemingly during World War I and is addressed to the senior officer.
The date on the letter is dated July 16, but the year is not clear. It seems the number is 1916 or 1910. World War I started between 1914 and 1918.
The letter sent by pigeon during World War I was found in Eastern France. (Photo: AFP).
“Potthof’s (infantry) platoon was shot when they reached the western border of the range. Potthof’s platoon was set on fire and withdrew shortly after,” the letter read.
“In Fechtwald, half the platoon was neutralized. Potthof’s platoon withdrew with heavy losses.”
At the time, Ingersheim – now in the Grand Est region of France – was part of Germany.
Museum curator Jardy raved about the “super rare” find. He said the couple found a well-preserved small letterbox with the letter inside in September of this year in a field in Ingersheim.
They took it to the nearest museum in Orbey. This is a museum that keeps the remains of one of the bloodiest battles of World War I.
Mr. Jardy asked a German friend to decode the message. The small piece of paper and the letterbox have become precious artifacts on display at the museum.