Rare 1939 Military French Army New Year / Christmas card for 1939–1940, 

from the Intelligence Office of the 1st Military Region, 

headquartered at Lille. 

Signed by Commandant Louis Christiaens, Chief of the 2nd Bureau [Intelligence Service].

Features include the attractive tricolour ribbon, French text, fleur-de-lis shield, 

Adrian helmets and Lille architectural scenes. The 1st Region was headquartered in Lille.

Commandant Louis Christiaens later became involved in the Resistance, headed the Navarre network, commanded French fighting forces in the Nord region, was arrested by the Gestapo in December 1943, imprisoned at Fresnes and deported to Buchenwald.  He became a French deputy for the Nord and was appointed Secretary of State for the Armed Forces and Air in 1953.

The French text translates as:

The General commanding the 1st Military Region,
the Chief of Staff,
and the officers of the Staff,

with their best wishes
for the New Year.

1939–1940

Very respectfully,
Commandant L. Christiaens,
Chief of the 2nd Bureau.

The card measures 18 x 12 cm and is in very good condition.