1920 Nieuport, Belgium – Ruins of Newport-Town – Postcard

This historical postcard captures a haunting scene from Nieuport (Nieuwpoort), Belgium, showing the ruins of a church with a damaged crucifix standing amidst the destruction. The devastation seen in this image is a direct result of World War I, during which Nieuport, located near the front lines, was heavily bombarded. 
Nieuport, a Belgian coastal town, was a strategic location during World War I. The town and its surroundings saw extensive fighting, particularly during the Battle of the Yser (1914), when Belgian forces flooded the lowlands to halt the German advance. Many of Nieuport’s historical buildings, including its churches, were severely damaged or completely destroyed in the war.
The reverse side of the postcard includes a handwritten message sent from The Grand Hotel, Ostend, dated August 13, 1920. The letter describes the aftermath of war and the emotional impact of witnessing such destruction. The sender notes that many places were still recovering from the devastation and that this photograph shows one of the churches left in ruins by bombardment.
Handwritten Message on Reverse:
"Dearest Leslie,
What do you think of this morning’s trip? But I was warm together. So I gave my coat & waistcoat, such a terrible consequence. How are you both, dear? Well, I hope. We are here for a holiday but like all most other places, war has very much ruined this.
This is a photograph of how one of the churches looks after the bombardment! There were thousands of lives lost, very few were spared. We have been to this one."
The postcard is addressed to Mrs. Smith, Middleton Vicarage, Wirksworth, Nr Derby, England, and features a Belgian 10-cent stamp postmarked in Ostend on August 13, 1920.
Front Text:
"Ruines de Nieuport-Ville – Ruins of Newport-Town. Le Christ devant l'Église – The Christ before the Church."
Size ±: 14 cm x 9 cm
Please review the images as part of the description.
Authenticity is guaranteed!