Field post through the ages: The importance and development of military communications

Field Post Then and Now

Historically, field post was provided by the national postal organization and was integrated into the military structures. Letters and parcels were often the only connection between soldiers and their families for a long time.

Even though modern means of communication have partially replaced field post, it still exists in many countries today - including the German Bundeswehr. Other examples are the armies of the USA, Great Britain, Switzerland, Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Allocation of Field Post
A challenge is the correct allocation of mail, especially with frequent troop relocations. In the past, this was done using special field post numbers and stamps. Today, the letters are usually addressed to specific field post offices and distributed from there.

Handling Field Post of Fallen Soldiers
A sad chapter is the handling of field post whose recipients have fallen in the war. In the past, these letters were returned to the senders with the note "Return to sender", sometimes with a handwritten note that the recipient had fallen - a terrible message for the relatives. Today, the letters are usually destroyed and the families are notified by other means.

Conclusion - Maintaining Communication and Morale of Troops on Deployment
Field post has a long tradition and was invaluable for soldiers and their families, especially in times of war. Even though it has lost some of its importance due to modern technology, it remains an important service for maintaining communication and morale of troops on deployment. At the same time, field post letters are valuable historical documents that provide deep personal insights into times of war.