C. D. Thomson (“Dick”) was a soldier in northern France or Belgium; he makes mention of “D-day down south”.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauts-de-France
Sometime after that invasion, Dick sent a beautiful example of French postcard art to his friend, Cpl. J. A. Griffin (“Jeeves”).
Corporal Griffin was stationed at Fort Bragg (recently Fort Liberty – now renamed again as Fort Bragg in honor of a WW II soldier named “Bragg”) in North Carolina.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Bragg
Postcard postage was free for servicemen, but Dick notes about this odd-sized postcard “(Had to stick this in an envelope)”.
The face of the postcard is a lovely and evocative gouache depicting a rite that occurs in coastal communities of Catholic Europe (and in some parts of the United States)
The custom seems to have originated in 15th century Italy as a rite celebrated on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15).
The practice invoked both safety at sea for sailors, fishermen, and travelers and also an act of thanksgiving for the bounty that the sea provides.
Here, a priest stands on point above the shore, flanked by crozier and religious banners, and raises his hand to bless the waters.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=1365
The padre appears to be using an aspergillum – the instrument used to sprinkle holy water.
A group of religious figures, and some devout laypeople, attend the ceremony.
The work is signed by the French artist, J. H. Bonnefoy – who is Jacques Hubert Bonnefoy (1887-1976).
J. H. Bonnefoy was celebrated for his depictions of rural life, and for his mastery of gouache work.
His work is available at numerous galleries and auction houses.
The postcard was printed in France.
On the reverse, Dick acknowledges, “have received beautiful mail from you lately” and apologizes for sending only a “mere card”.
Since D-Day in the South, Dick has been “practicing my H. S. French”.
Fortunately, Dick finds “things okay so far”.
France, and the women, Dick finds “indeed gorgeous”.
Corporal Griffin (Jeeves) saved the postcard throughout his life.
I wonder if the nickname reflects a shared love of P. G. Wodehouse whose novels were best-sellers since the 1920’s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeeves
One hopes that Dick and Jeeves returned safely from the war and that they maintained their friendship and correspondence for many years.
