They still give so much pleasure at this time of the year….Christmas cards. Often with a message from friends we only hear from once a year.

But consider a time, more than a century ago, when the cards came from a loved one proving that, at the time, they were still alive.

Eastern Daily Press: When the War is Over, Mother DearWhen the War is Over, Mother Dear (Image: Derek James' Collection)These cards were works of art with moving messages sent from those fighting in the living hell of the First World War.

Take the card mentioning the savage battles with the date 1917-1918, sent to a family I knew in Norwich which said: “With love from Tom. 21/12/17.” Along with a little picture inside which underneath said SMILE.

Eastern Daily Press: The inside of the card sent by Tom to his family in Norwich before he was killedThe inside of the card sent by Tom to his family in Norwich before he was killed (Image: Derek James' Collection)

Written on the back are the words: “Thomas Wyatt. Killed just before war ended 1918.”

Heartbreaking.

Eastern Daily Press: The card from Thomas Wyatt of Norwich who was later killedThe card from Thomas Wyatt of Norwich who was later killed (Image: Derek James' Collection)

So many of our soldiers sent postcards if they could and they took pride of place in homes. Proud family members hoping that one day soon their husbands, sons, brothers and friends would return home.

The well-known message was often: “From Somewhere in France”

Eastern Daily Press: One of the beautiful embroidered cards sent home by soldiersOne of the beautiful embroidered cards sent home by soldiers (Image: Derek James' Collection)

And the cards sent back were often very moving and we can imagine the impact they must have had our soldiers. A beacon of light in a dark and bloody world.

The beautiful embroidered cards were often made by civilians in France and Belgium for the soldiers. The designs were made on rolls of silk, sent to Paris and other cities to be made up, and then sent to the troops.

Eastern Daily Press: A moving message to a “Dear Boy” – fighting in the First World WarA moving message to a “Dear Boy” – fighting in the First World War (Image: Derek James' Collection)

The First World War was one of the most popular time to send cards, the only way people could keep in touch with each other, with a large team of postal workers delivering them to homes in Norwich and across Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: A postcard of the postmen heading off on their Christmas deliveriesA postcard of the postmen heading off on their Christmas deliveries (Image: Derek James' Collection)They were first published in 1894 and then in 1902 the standard size was introduced and new Post Office regulations permitted one side of the card to be used for an illustration and the other for the message and address.

Today our thoughts are with those still being killed and wounded at conflicts around the world.