Family postcards 1913 to 1917, page 2

During my research two ‘errors’ came to light, the first may simply be attributed to poor memory on Isabelle’s part, the second a patriotic lie by Edward or a clerical error.

Double click on an image for a larger view.

The first error.
Isabelle always stated to family and friends that Eva was three months old when Edward enlisted and that Eva was born in 1917. However records show that Edward enlisted in 1916. I know from conversations with my mother that there has always been a ‘discrepancy’ over Eva’s age.

The second error.
How old was Edward when he died? The Culling family tree shows that Edward Culling was born on 7th August 1889 and died on 7th July 1917 making his age 27 years and 11 months exact. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission states that Private 23935 Edward Culling died on Saturday 7th July 1917 aged 26 years. The c.21 month’s discrepancy could simply be that Edward was considered to old to go to war at the grand old age of 26 years and 7 months, so he lied about his age like so many others of the time and claimed he was 24 years of age.

Card 2

A sweetheart card, no publishers or printers name, the only identifiers are: Made in Germany, Imp, 1246.

From Edward to Isabelle dated August 10th 1913

Dear sweetheart,
Just a few lines to let you know that I have landed home all right ½ x12 train Saturday night. Hoping you are in good health. So no more at present from your sweetheart.

Edward Culling, 18 Camebridge St, Preston, Lancs.

In lower right corner of the card the following:

2 sweetheart, I will let you know more before week end. If I do not come myself. But I will try and come if I can.

From Ed.

In the lower left corner:

Let god look down appon us both until

we meet again, sweetheart, Ed. xxxxxxxx

Card 3

Sweetheart card printed in Saxony, series 1933. No publishers or printers name on card.

From Edward to Isabelle, card dated August 15th 1913.

Dear sweetheart,

Just a line to you hoping you are like this postcard and to tell you that I will try and come on the first train so you will have to come and meet me at the station. I have been working nearly night and day. I am coming to stay all night if your mother will let me and come home on Sunday after noon or els on Saturday after noon and go to the Empire. So no more at present.

From yours,

Sweetheart xxxxxxxx

Edward Culling, 18 Camebridge St. Preston. Lancs.


Hoping your mother & all is keeping in good health for I am all right. (Ed)

In a heart of hand drawn crosses in the lower left corner of the card:


Let heart be for both of us and be constant & true and let god stand over us both until we meet again.
From Ed.

Card 4

Sweetheart card by Holmfirth & Bamforth & Co, Publishers (England) and New York, Series 2069, Printed in England.

The card is from Isabelle to Edward, no date. The content of the text suggests that Edward and Isabell were still courting and would thus place the card in either 1913 or early 1914.

Dearest,
I received your pretty card, and I liked it very much, But oh I do miss you so much. Sunday was such a dreary day and so long I never went out till I went to a church and when we came out I came straight home. I could bear to for a country walk without you. I could not help thinking of last Sunday when I was with you. Love I dream of you then thou art with me till I wake and find it all a dream.

Always your loving sweetheart. Bell.