[Hugh]

Here's another find from a fifty-cent box. It's not in great condition, but that's the fun thing about postal history. The condition is not as important as the information you can tease out of what IS there.

   

It's a French military postal card from what looks like a solider named A. Chasson in the 99th Infantry Regiment in Vienne, Isère. He is writing to a friend, Captain L. Usher(?) in West Kensington, London.

I assume it's 'A' Chasson. I suppose if you squint, it MIGHT be Lt. Chasson. Overall the handwriting is very legible but it has its moments. As for Captain Usher, there were 13 Ushers with the rank of Captain in the British Army in WW1 ... one of which was named Leonard Usher, a captain in the East Kent Regiment.

Vienne, in the Isère department, is just south of Lyon. The town has hosted many military units for over a hundred years. A cavalry regiment was initially stationed there in 1875 and the last regiments did not leave until 1990.
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There are two postmarks. One, in blue ink, is a Military franchise postmark from the Depot of the 99th Infantry Regiment  It seems to be dated October 26. There is a '19' to the right of the date which I assume is a timestamp. The year, which I assume is underneath the date, is unreadable. However, there is also a CDS from VIENNE / ISERE that is superimposed on the other one. It is dated October 28, 1914. The handwritten date on the other side appears to be October 25, [19]14. In summary, IMO it was written on October 25, given a military handstamp on October 26 and put in the civilian international post on October 28, 1914. I welcome other opinions or corrections.

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According to a regimental history his regiment was based in Vienne in 1914 and was part of the 55th Infantry Brigade, the 28th Division and the 14th Army Corps. [Source: www.chtimiste.com/batailles1418/divers/historique99.htm

The message on the card is in English, my transcription is:

Vienne 25th Oct. 14.
Dear Captain
I apologize for being late answering
your last letter. But when you know I am sure
you will excuse me: My father died a fortnight ago
I got three day's leave, and so was able
to settle things at home.
I am still at Vienne, but I think
I won’t stay much longer here.
Thank you very much for the
papers. I can't tell how happy
I am to get them. It seems
to me I am still in England
When I come back I'll make
it up with you. Kind regards
to Chris and M. Waring and
Smith too, if you happen to
meet him
I hope you are in good health.
Every best wishes(?)
from your friend
A Chasson
99e d'infanterie, 29 compagnie
de depot. Vienne, Isère

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The writer was correct about not staying in Vienne. Shortly after the card was written the regiment was fighting in the Vosges - the mountains in Eastern France on the border with Germany. 

Cheers, Hugh