How long did mail take during world war 1
During World War I, mail delivery times varied depending on the route, mode of transportation, and military circumstances. However, here are some general guidelines on how long it took for mail to reach its destination:
- Within Europe: Mail within Europe typically took around 1-3 days to reach its destination, depending on the distance and mode of transportation. For example, mail sent from Paris to London might take around 2-3 days, while mail sent from Berlin to Vienna might take around 1-2 days.
- Across the Atlantic: Mail sent from Europe to North America took around 5-14 days to reach its destination. This was due to the slower speed of steamships and the need to clear customs and military censorship. For example, mail sent from London to New York might take around 5-7 days, while mail sent from Paris to New York might take around 7-10 days.
- Within the United States: Mail within the United States typically took around 1-5 days to reach its destination, depending on the distance and mode of transportation. For example, mail sent from New York to Chicago might take around 2-3 days, while mail sent from San Francisco to New York might take around 5-7 days.
- Military mail: Mail sent to and from military personnel was often delayed due to military censorship, transportation disruptions, and security concerns. Mail sent to soldiers at the front lines might take weeks or even months to reach its destination.
Some notable examples of mail delivery times during World War I include:
- The first transatlantic airmail flight, which took place in 1918, delivered mail from New York to London in just over 2 days.
- The British Royal Mail introduced a special "War Mail" service in 1915, which prioritized mail delivery to soldiers at the front lines. This service took around 2-4 weeks to reach its destination.
- The United States Postal Service (USPS) introduced a "War Mail" service in 1917, which prioritized mail delivery to soldiers and military personnel. This service took around 1-3 weeks to reach its destination.
Overall, mail delivery times during World War I were slower than they are today, due to the limitations of transportation technology and the challenges of military censorship and security concerns.