Service du Travail Obligatoire

Learn more about the book "Marcel's Letters" and the font P22 Marcel Script, which is based on the handwriting of conscripted WWII laborer Marcel Heuzé

Carolyn Porter, Marcel Heuzé, Marcel's Letters, Handwritten Letters, World War II, P22 Marcel, Typography, Love Story, Reunion, Daimler, Berlin, Marienfelde, STO, Forced Labor, Service du Travail Obligatoire, WWII

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December 21, 2018 In France, Handwriting, Service du Travail Obligatoire, World War II

December 21, 1943: “tender kisses that I form very far from you but are no less sincere.”

December 21, 1943

My beloved little darling,

I was happy this evening to read your letter of December 6, learning that you received your money order and yes, my darling, so far I have had a good amount on pay day but believe me, your words of thanks touched me also this evening. READ MORE

November 10, 2018 In France, Germany, Handwriting, Service du Travail Obligatoire

November 10, 1943: “I’m still afraid for you”

This is the first letter I’ve found that was mailed from France to a French laborer in Germany. The letter was addressed to Serge Brodig, who was in a lager (a barrack) in Berlin. The postage stamps bear Petain’s profile.READ MORE

July 18, 2018 In France, Germany, Handwriting, Service du Travail Obligatoire, World War II

July 18, 1944: “I still have a little supply [of food] for snacking.”

A.Grillot
Stöckenerstrasse 351, Stube 43 [351 Stöckener Street, Room 43]
Stöcken-Hannover

Hannover, July 18, 1944

To all of my very dear ones,

I’m sending these few lines to you this evening, Tuesday, to give you my news, which is still as good as possible. READ MORE

June 4, 2018 In France, Germany, Handwriting, Service du Travail Obligatoire, World War II

June 4, 1944: “…it’s only hope that holds us together”

Thorn, the 4th of June, 1944 Carte

My little adored Marie,

I see, my love, that you have received good news from Jeannot (Johnny). I’m happy about that, darling. READ MORE

June 4, 2017 In France, Germany, Handwriting, Service du Travail Obligatoire, World War II

June 4, 1944: “It is with sadness that we hear every day about the deadly bombings on France!”

Detmold, June 4, 1944

Good old Georges,

Really, what’s new with you? Still no news from you. Unfortunately, the mail doesn’t work very well, and I get very few letters.

May 23, 2017 In France, History, Service du Travail Obligatoire, World War II

1943 French Compulsory Labor Service Census Certificate

In one of the letters Marcel mailed from Berlin, he mentioned having to show his papers to the German police. My guess is that he showed them his arbeitskarte (worker card) which likely included his photo and listed basic biographic information. The arbeitskarte might have also been inked with his fingerprints.READ MORE

April 4, 2017 In France, Germany, Handwriting, Service du Travail Obligatoire, World War II

April 4, 1944: “If Pentecost sees me back with you, I’ll be glad…”

Vienna April 4, 1944

My very dear parents,

I come for a moment to give you some news from me which are very good for now. I am still in good health. I hope it is the same for you.
READ MORE