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WWII 131st General Hospital & Red Cross Clubmobile Postal History Grouping
Soldier: Cpl. Joseph L. Gibson (Warren, PA)
Unit: 131st General Hospital (European Theater) & Woodrow Wilson General Hospital (VA)
Up for sale is a documented World War II personal paper and postal history grouping tracking the service of Cpl. Joseph L. Gibson. This collection includes a complete historical record from his deployment to his homecoming, anchored by an original April 1946 company homecoming publication containing his portrait and military biography.
📜 Historical Highlights
131st General Hospital History: Records show Cpl. Gibson spent a year attached to the 131st General Hospital at Camp Blandford in Dorset, England. His included biography notes his unit treated 7,019 soldier-patients during his tenure.
Red Cross Clubmobile Card: Features a sharp black-and-white photo of an American Red Cross Clubmobile truck (\"Fuelling Up\") alongside soldiers and a military aircraft. The reverse features a handwritten message detailing \"sinkers and coffee\" (ARC donuts).
Postal & Official History: A deep run of personal correspondence, postcards, and official mail featuring clear postmarks, military censorship stamps, and original addresses to Warren, PA. Includes his official War Department Notice of Change of Address form explicitly linking him to the 131st General Hospital.
📦 What is Included:
Original April 1946 \"Procession\" Newspaper Page: Features Cpl. Gibson’s portrait and printed wartime biography layout.
Original Red Cross Clubmobile Postcard (with handwritten wartime message).
Winston Churchill Quote Card.
Winston Wilson General Hospital (VA) Programs: Original post-war programs from where he was stationed upon returning to the US.
Bulk Postcard & Cover Lot: Featuring both European views from his deployment and stateside mail.
Official Military Ephemera: Change of address cards, hospital programs, and War Department correspondence.
🔍 Condition Note
This is a raw, estate-fresh military grouping. Items show minor edge wear, toning, and handling consistent with 80-year-old wartime paper. Handwriting remains fully legible; photographs are crisp. Please review the gallery photos for an exact look at all included pieces.
Photographic Documentation: Every piece included in this lot has been thoroughly photographed and cataloged prior to listing to ensure accuracy.
Archival-Safe Packaging: Shipped flat, secured with moisture-resistant barriers, and reinforced with heavy, rigid cardboard to prevent bending or creasing during transit.
Shipping & Tracking: Full tracking and insurance are included.
Return Policy: Any requested returns must include the complete grouping in its exact, original as-sent condition. Partial returns for individual cards, letters, or newspaper pages will not be accepted.
