The European craze for collecting and sending picture postcards arrived in New Zealand in the early 1900s, reaching its peak in popularity just prior to the outbreak of World War I.

Although wartime restrictions led to a decline in postcard traffic, picture postcards remained a popular and convenient means of communicating news and images from afar.

The following selection of postcards from Puke Ariki's collection were produced during World War I and depict scenes relating to the war and wartime life. 

Although many of these cards were not used for correspondence, the picture postcard provided a valuable vehicle for disseminating positive news and propaganda to fuel the war effort at home.

More World War I picture postcards are available for viewing through Puke Ariki's Taranaki Research Centre.

A Gallipoli Souvenir
Rotary Photographic Series

[+] Click here to view larger image

132. King George Greets Wounded Officers
On the British front, the King spent hours in the casualty clearing stations.  He is seen greeting two wounded officers whose beds are laid in the open air.
Daily Mail Official Photograph

[+] Click here to view larger image

72. A British Sentry in Flanders.
Lonesome sentry duty, as well as  the comradeship of the trenches, falls to "Tommy's" lot in the dreary landscapes of Flanders.
Official War Photographs / Daily Mail Battle Pictures

[+] Click here to view larger image

Belgian Soldiers Entrenched Guarding Railway

War Photogravure Publication

[+] Click here to view larger image

Christmas Greetings
Inscription on reverse: Hope you will have a happy Xmas love & kisses from all at Shewdry [?]  XXX.

Sent to Master Ivor Webb of Elstead, England

Donald McGill artwork for Inter-Art Co., "Xmas Gift" Series

[+] Click here to view larger image

Hats off!!
Inscription on reverse: Tell Madam Dysterynek that this is what we all feel we should like to do.  You will be able to teach Una French when you come back.  I hope your cold is alright now.  I am glad you have been helping Granny furnish the house.  Best love and kisses from us all.  From Daddy.

Sent to Master Ivor Webb of Walton-on-Thames, England

Donald McGill artwork for Inter-Art Co., "Patriotic" Series

[+] Click here to view larger image

Each of 'em doing his country's work

Inscription on reverse: With Xmas greetings & love from Aunt Margaret... this is designed by some one I knew.

Sent to Blanche Turton (later Halcombe)

[+] Click here to view larger image

We are expecting to leave this place at any moment

J. Forder artwork, W. B. Postcards

[+] Click here to view larger image

120.  Observation balloon ascending
A British observation balloon of the familiar "Sausage" type at the moment of its ascent.  Air service men are seen releasing its anchor ropes.
Official Photograph / Daily Mail Official War Pictures

[+] Click here to view larger image

112.  Clearing the way the way through Contalmaison

These "Tommies" are clearing the road through Contalmaison after its terrible bombardment by our guns.

Official Photograph / Daily Mail Official War Pictures

[+] Click here to view larger image

From your soldier Boy

Inscription on reverse: France, 9 October 1916.  Dear Frances. Just a few lines to let you know that I have not forgotten you.  I am not sure if I answered your last letter, I have not wrote [sic] that many & I forgot who I have sent them to.  All my mates that I came into camp with have gone away.  I could write a good letter about this place if it was not for censoring them , so I have to be carefull [sic] what I do.  It looks as though I am not even going to get away to the line.  Some of my mates are back in camp wounded.  This makes one wish he was back in N. Z. having a good time.  Well Frances, I don't think I can tell you anything more.  I can't write anything about this place.  So I think I will come to close with good luck & heaps of love from your old pal Bernie XXXXXXXX

Embroidered postcard sent to Francis May Blizzard (later Tarrant) from "Bernie".

[+] Click here to view larger image

The War-Dog of New Zealand

Inscription on reverse: Hawera Feb. 2nd 1915.  This is a rather fine P. C. [postcard] isn't it?  I wonder who thought of tattooing the corrugated brow of the bull dog – it looks quite natural though.  Many thanks for your letter with good new year wishes – I will answer it some day soon.  With love from Olive Turton.
New Zealand Postcard

Sent to Blanche Turton (later Halcombe)

[+] Click here to view larger image