**

321

 

COVER FROM GIZO TO MELBOURNE: 1942 (7 April) env. from the Rev. J.R. Metcalf, Methodist Mission, Gizo, New Georgia Islands carried by missionaries evacuating Bougainville, N. Guinea in a mission vessel that called at Gizo to take additional evacuees. The cover is franked with ‡d & 1‡d tied with fine "PAQUEBOT/SYDNEY" c.d.s. and was censored at Sydney. Fine. This cover was lot 1065 (front cover illustration) RL 10 Mar 1976 & Lot 455 RL 27 Nov. 1984.

£280

**

322

 

THE ONLY RECORDED COVER FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FORCES IN THE SOLOMONS: 1942 env. from a member of the 1st Australian Commando Co. Section 2 to N. Zealand franked with Australian 3d tied by a ten bar obliterator with m/s "OHS" and Sydney censor h.s. The Australian Commando unit comprised 17 members spread from New Guinea to the Solomons. The base they occupied was on the Island of Gavutu, two miles from Tulagi. Believed to be the only recorded cover from the Australian forces in the Solomons.

£250

**

323

 

USE OF THE TULAGI CANCELLOR AT AUKI: 1942 (28 April) env. from Auki carried by Henry Joslyn from Auki on the "Hygeia" to New Hebrides and thence to N. York. Franked with 2‡d x 2 cancelled with the "TULAGI/BRITISH SOLOMON IDS" c.d.s. censored three times. Believed to be one of only three recorded examples. Ex W.H. Bullen correspondence.

£400

**

324

 

COVER FROM SISTER M.S. FARLAND ONE OF TWO MISSIONARIES TO REMAIN AFTER THE EVACUATION:: 1942 (7 April) A large env. from posted from Vella Lavella by Sister M.S. Farland (one of two European missionaries who remained after the evacuation/invasion) to N. Zealand. The letter is franked with a pair of 1‡d adhesives overpaying the 2d rate and was carried out on one of the evacuation schooners to Sydney where it was censored.

£160

**

325

 

DETAINED MAIL TO THE SOLOMONS: 1941 (4 Dec.) env. from Addington, NZ to Miss Lina Jones, BSI with a lightly applied "NOT TRANSMISSABLE/SERVICE SUSPENDED" re-directed to Auckland, censored in Australia.

£80

**

326

 

DETAINED MAIL TO THE SOLOMONS: 1942 (13 Jan.) env. from Parkes, Australia to Sister Elizabeth Common, Bougainville, S. Islands franked with th 2‡d showing a good violet strike of the large "NOT TRANSMISSIBLE/SERVICE SUSPENDED" h.s. and censored in Australia. The addressee had been evacuated on the ketch Fauro Chief on the 26th Jan. reaching Brisbane on the 13 Feb.

£80

**

327

 

RETURNED MAIL: 1942 large piece franked with Australian 4d to Bilua with a violet "NOT TRANSMISSABLE/SERVICE SUSPENDED" h.s. The piece was part of a parcel that contained a saw frame.

£60

SOLOMON ISLANDS - THE TULAGI PENCIL CANC

**

328

 

THE EARLIEST RECORDED "BLUE CRAYON" COVER: 1942 (16 March) env. from Gizo to Auckland via Auki, Vila and Sydney, franked with 1d (2), 1‡d & 4‡d adhesives cancelled with blue crayon "Post Tulagi/ 16/3/42" the earliest recorded date, doubly censored. This cover was intended to be placed on the SS "Morinda" leaving Tulagi on 8th February but was left on the wharf. The mail was taken to the Commisioner's office at Auki where it was cancelled and despatched on an unknown evacuation vessel to Port Vila, it was then placed on board the SS Morinda bound for Sydney and onward transmission to N.Z. Believed to be the earliest recorded use of the blue Tulagi m/s cancellation. PHOTO PLATE 4

£200

**

329

 

COVER FROM ONE PUSA: 1942 (25 March) env. from Rev. K. Griffiths at One Pusa on Malaita Island via Auki per the Hygeia to Vila and per the HMAS "Manoora" to Sydney to Kew, Victoria. Franked with 2d tied by m/s "Post Office/Tulagi/ 25/3/42" with censor tape and h.s. Ex R.A. Baldwin. PHOTO

£200

**

330

 

RARE EXPRESS LETTER FROM ONE PUSA: 1942 cover from K Griffiths at One Pusa, Malaita via Auki and Vila to N.S.W. and redirected to Kew. The cover bears a 2d adhesive tied by m/s "EXPRESS/Post Office/Tulagi 28/?/42" plus an uncancelled Australian 4d. added for the express payment. Ex. R.A. Baldwin. Believed to be one of two recorded "blue pencil" express covers.

£240

**

331

 

THE BLUE TULAGI MANUSCRIPT CANCELLATION: 1942 (6 April) env. from Bishop W.H. Baddely, to his wife in Adelaide franked with 2d tied by a blue crayon "Post Office/Tulagi 6/4/42" with boxed "PASSED BY CENSOR" alongside. One flap partly missing. This cover was lot 20 in the R. A. Baldwin auction at which time the contents were present.

£400

**

332

 

THE ONLY RECORDED BLACK MANUSCRIPT TULAGI: 1942 (8 April) env. from Rev. R.E. Reynolds at Florida Island via Auki & Vila to Sydney, franked with a m/s cancelled 2d with "P.O. Tulagi/8/4/42" in black ink alongside plus a lightly applied boxed "PASSED BY CENSOR" h.s. The cover was pen cancelled by District Officer C.N.F. Bengough (the vendor had this verbally verified by Colonel Martin Clemens who worke d with C.N. F. Bengough). Believed to be the only recorded use of such a notation. PHOTO PLATE 4

£240

SOLOMON ISLANDS - THE DEFENCE FORCE

**

333

 

TWO COVERS SENT THROUGH A.P.O. 43: 1943 env. franked with 6c air from Munda, New Georgia Island sent through A.P.O. 43 to Guadalcanal for forward delivery through A.P.O. 709 to Melbourne. 1943 captured Japanese rice paper env. sent through A.P.O. 43 to Guadalcanal, thence through A.P.O. 709 to Noumea and onward through A.P.O. 502 (Noumea) to USA for forwarding by sea mail to its destination of Bedford, England.

£120

**

334

 

MAIL SENT THROUGH A.P.O. 709: 1943 env. franked with 6c air used from A.P.O. 709 to Perth, WA and a similar 6c airmail cover. Both are censored.

£80

**

335

 

MAIL SENT THROUGH A.P.O. 709: 1943 6c airmail env. from the Native Labour Corps A.P.O. 709 to "Special Services", Los Angeles. Fine.

£100

**

336

 

MAIL SENT THROUGH A.P.O. 709: 1943 env. from Capt. R. Taylor BSIDF, a radio operator and coder at Auki via A.P.O. 709 to Brisbane. 1944 env. from A.P.O. 709 to Sydney with a fine "PASSED BY CENSOR" h.s. (2 covers).

£80

**

337

 

MAIL SENT THROUGH A.P.O. 709: 1943 6c airmail env. from Capt. Larkin of The Native Labour Corps, self censored and sent via A.P.O. 709 to Sydney. Also a similar env. from A.P.O. 709 to Sydney.

£80

**

338

 

MAIL SENT THROUGH A.P.O. 709: 1944 6c airmail env. from A.P.O. 709 at Guadalcanal to Sydney with "PASSED BY CENSOR" h.s. 1944 6c airmail env. sent by the Catholic Bishop of the Solomon islands from Malaita via A.P.O. 709 to N York. with censor h.s. and tape.

£80

**

339

 

COVERS FROM A.P.O. 709: 1944 6c airmail env. sent by Major D Kennedy BSIDF from A.P.O. 906 Guadalcanal via Espiritu Santo to Sydney with a fine "PASSED BY CENSOR 2" h.s. A similar cover with circular "PASSED BY/BASE/2421/ARMY/EXAMINER" h.s.

£80

**

340

 

COVERS FROM "TULAGI PETE" - USE OF F.P.O. 145 AND 152: 1943 envs. (2). sent by W/O Maj. ("Tulagi Pete") Harper from F.P.O. 145 via SCAT marine air transport to N. Hebrides for onward transmission to Sydney, both with naval censors. W/O Major (Tulagi Pete") Harper was a former resident of BSI (Mandoliana Island) assigned to Amphibious Corps for sea duty in BSI. 1944 env. registered from the Bishop of Melanesia, Navy 152 (Tulagi) via Navy 145 (Guadalcanal), Navy 134 (Brisbane), Navy 145 (Sydney) to R. A. Baldwin. Franked at the 20c registration plus 6c airmail rate. (3 covers).

£120

**

341

 

COVER CENSORED AT TENARU: 1944 OAS env. sent by Lt. Col W.H. Baddely, Bishop of Melanesia from Guadalcanal via A.P.O. 709 to Sydney with "PASSED BY CENSOR 2" h.s. of Tenaru and "PASSED FREE/OF POSTAGE" violet h.s. of Sydney. Walter Baddley DSO & MC with bar received his rank during WWI & was the BSIDF Chaplain.

£100

**

342

 

COVER FROM THE FIJIAN FORCES AT AOLA: 1943 OAS env. from Capt D Trench (later Governor of Hong Kong) attached to the Fiji forces at Aola to The BSI Treasurer, Sydney censored with a good violet triangular "SERVICE/CENSOR/F11" h.s.

£140

**

343

 

COVER FROM TENARU: 1943 large env. from Maj. M. Clemens at Tenaru to Melbourne with a fine "PASSED BY CENSOR 2" h.s. The cover was self censored. Some edge faults.

£80

**

344

 

COVER FROM THE FIJIAN FORCES AT AOLA: 1943 OAS env. sent by Capt. D. Trench (later Governor of Hong Kong) at Fiji Camp on Guadalcanal by diplomatic pouch to BSIP Government Offices, Sydney, fine triangular SERVICE/CENSOR h.s. in violet.

£140

**

345

 

COVER FROM THE FIJIAN FORCES IN AOLA: 1943 env. from Lt. Cress assigned to the Fijian forces at Aola by diplomatic bag to The Treasurer BSI, Sydney with violet triangular "SERVICE/CENSOR/F11" h.s.

£140

**

346

 

COVER FROM THE FIJIAN FORCES AT AOLA: 1943 Air Mail env. from Lt. Cress assigned to the Fiji Labour Corps at Aola to The Treasurer BSI, Sydney with triangular "SERVICE/CENSOR/F11" violet h.s. and again censored on arrival.

£140

**

347

 

COVER FROM OCCUPIED TERRITORY: 1943 large env. sent by Sub-Lt D.C. Horton RANVR (who was behind the lines at the time) at Vella Lavella Island to BSIP, Sydney with m/s "FREE" and violet "PASSED FREE/OF POSTAGE" h.s which was applied at Sydney on servicemen's mail received under unusual circumstances. D. Horton was a BSI District Officer who joined the Australian navy returning with the US invading forces to Tulagi as a guide to the 1st Marine Raider Battalion.

£120

SOLOMON ISLANDS - JAPANESE OCCUPATION

**

348

 

THE ONLY RECORDED ARMY CARD FROM GUADALCANAL: 1942 Army card from a member of OKI 170 the 8th Tank Regiment under the command of Capt. Maeda from Guadalcanal, given to a member of a departing warship for onward transmission to Rabaul & Japan. The 8th tank regiment was reassigned as OKI 9810 the 1st independent tank regiment (12 tanks). The unit arrived at Guadalcanal on 14th Oct. 1942 only to be destroyed during the battle ten days later. Believed to be the only recorded ARMY item from Guadalcanal.

£300

**

349

 

CARD FROM A MEMBER OF THE 13TH CONSTRUCTION UNIT: 1942 Japanese naval card sent free by a member of the 13th Construction Unit on Guadalcanal via Tulagi by Launch & by air via Rabaul to Japan. Censored by Ichikawa Ijn. The 13th unit was stationed on Guadalcanal from 1 to 5th July 1942 where they were almost totally annihilated. A rare survivor. PHOTO PLATE 5

£300

**

350

 

CARD FROM A MEMBER OF THE 13TH CONSTRUCTION UNIT: 1942 Japanese Naval card from a member of the 13th Construction Unit based on Guadalcanal sent free via Tulagi & Rabaul to Japan, with censor chop. Fine.

£300

**

351

 

CARD FROM A MEMBER OF THE 11th CONSTRUCTION UNIT: 1942 half of a special two part naval card sent free by a member of the 11th construction unit at Guadalcanal, sent by air from Tulagi utilizing the Guvutu flying boat to Rabaul and onward by AT2 two engined transport to Japan. The card was censored by Ichikawa, IJN and bears his chop. Usual faults. PHOTO PLATE 5

£250

**

352

 

CARD SENT BY A MEMBER OF THE 81st GUARD UNIT: 1942 half of a special two part naval card sent by a member of the 81st Guard Unit (U129 - ENDO Batai) from Guadalcanal via Rabaul to Japan. The 81st Guard Unit (U129) reached Guadalcanal on 1 July 1942 and returned to Rabaul on 7th August but was destroyed whilst on route back to Guadalcanal when the Meiyo Maru transport was sunk by USS S-38.

£240

**

353

 

MARINE MAIL - THE TWO EARLIEST COVERS FROM TULAGI DURING THIS CAMPAIGN: 1942 (16 Aug.) env. from Lt. Boardman, the D-2 Japanese language officer on the day of his arrival at Tulagi from New Hebrides with Unit 245 to his parents in Wisconsin. 1942 (30 Aug.) env. sent by a member of 1st Bn. 2d Marines Unit 250 from Tulagi to USA Both with Naval censor marks.

£100

**

354

 

MARINE MAIL - VARIOUS UNITS AND A.P.O.'s: 1942-43 selection of covers (10) sent from various marine units on Guadalcanal to USA inc. numbers 425, 570, 650, 960 and 200. A "V" mail env. sent by a member of ther 25th infantry division through A.P.O. 25. All have been censored. (10 covers).

£200

**

355

 

MARINE MAIL - FIRST DAY USE OF A.P.O. 709, ETC.: 1942 (13 Dec.) Navy Department printed env. used from A.P.O. 709 (first day useage) to USA. Also two envs. using the A.P.O. sevice from members of the USMC Unit 125 and 250. A fine trio.

£80

**

356

 

MARINE MAIL - THE USE OF A.P.O. 709: 1942-43 selection of envs. (8) from various marine units showing the use of A.P.O. 709; three have examples of the "SAN FRANCISCO CALIF. U.S. Army Postal Service Br./A.P.O. 709" c.d.s. All have been censored.

£140

**

357

 

MARINE MAIL - THE ONLY RECORDED USE OF THE "CACTUS" RETURN ADDRESS: 1942 (7 Oct.) large env. from 1st division HQ to Washington with the return address as "First Marine Division/ CACTUS". Fine and believed to be the only recorded example of this return address. Also another large env. from the same origin with an incorrect return address.

£80

**

358

 

MARINE MAIL: 1942 env. sent free by a member of the Intelligence section at Guadalcanal to Chicago with only a censored h.s. 1942 plane envs. (2) captured from the Japanese and used by members of Unit 730 at Guadalcanal to Chicago with MCPO 730 cancellations. 1942 cover with MCPO 730 machine cancellations used by members of Units 115 & 235. 1942 A large env. from a warrant officer at HQ 11th Marines cancelled with a "U.S. NAVY" c.d.s. normally used on registered mail. (6 covers).

£120

**

359

 

MARINE MAIL: 1942 env. with the scarce "UBB return address with m/s "Sailors Mail/Postage Due .06c". 1942 env. from USMC Unit 690 to USA with m/s "Postage Due/No Stamps/Available". 1943 env. franked with 6c air used from USMC unit 1320 on Tulagi Island to USA. 1942 env. from unit 450 to Washington with violet "USMC/PO 200" violet duplex. 1942 (Oct.) env. from unit 330 to N. York. All are censored. (5 covers).

£100

**

360

 

MARINE MAIL - USE OF HOME MADE ENVELOPE: 1942 (30 Aug) env. made from salvaged BSI Government stationery sent free by a member of the 3rd battalion., 2nd marines (unit 265) at Tulagi to Oregon, circular framed "PASSED BY NAVAL CENSOR" h.s.

£70

**

361

 

MARINE MAIL - SALVAGED JAPANESE STATIONERY: 1942 Japanese stationery env. recovered from a deceased member of the 7th regiment, 28th infantry after the battle of Tenaru and sent by a member of the 2nd battalion 2nd marines, Unit 690 from Guadalcanal to USA. Also an unused Japanese env. 1942 Japanese Naval postcard sent by a member of the 2nd battalion, 1st marines, unit 690 from MCPO 775 at Tenaru to USA. 1943 Japanese Army postcard franked with USA 6c airmail and sent by a member of the 2nd marine division from Guadalcanal to N. York. A good quartet.

£140

**

362

 

MARINE MAIL - COVER SENT BY AMERICAS MOST DECORATED MARINE: 1942 env. franked with 6c airmail sent from Guadalcanal by Lt. Col. Lewis B. ("Chesty") Puller the CO of the 1st Battalion , 7th marines (Unit 100) to his wife in USA, self censored . The cover was sent on 28 October, two days after the finish of the Japanese 17th army ended a second major offensive against the marine perimeter. Puller was awarded a 3rd Navy Cross after this battle; later he was to win a 4th. He retired Lt. General with 51 decorations.

£100

**

363

 

MARINE MAIL - "V" MAILS: 1942 (17 Nov.) Christmas "Mail" from 1st medical battalion (USMC Unit 195) to San Diego processed at San Francisco. Believed to be the earliest recorded "V" form from this campaign. 1942 (3 Dec.) "With the Eclipse of the Rising Sun" V mail sent from USMC Unit 900 via New Caledonia to USA. 1942 (1 Dec.) Christmas "V" mail from USMC Unit 450 via A.P.O. 502 (Noumea), Hawaii & Hamilton Field to Tacoma. 1943 (23 Jan.) Valentine "V" mail sent from USA via N. Caledonia to USMC Unit 750 (Marine Fighter Sq 121) with original env. with violet "USMC REPORTS UNDELIVERABLE/RETURN TO SENDER" h.s. and various unit m/s notations. All have been censored. (4 "V" mails + one env.).

£200

**

364

 

NAVY MAIL - THE USE OF UUB CODE AT TULAGI: 1942 "IDLE GOSSIP SINKS SHIPS" printed env. sent by Ens. G.W. Polk CO CUB-One using a specially coded transient address UUB at Tulagi to Fort Worth. The cover has a fine hand made violet "PASSED BY/NAVAL CENSOR" h.s. & circular "PASSED BY/NAVAL CENSOR" Ens. Polk and a group of 6th Seabees were at Halavo, Florida Island building a seaplane base.

£70

**

365

 

NAVY MAIL - THE USE OF CODE UUB AND NAVY 8040, ETC: 1942-43 selection of covers (8) to USA with various return addresses inc. Navy UUB (2) and Navy 8040 (4). 1943 env. from Navy 8140 the Naval Construction Battalion to Chicago. All are censored. An interesting group.

£120

**

366

 

NAVY MAIL - THE UNIQUE COVER FROM A NAVY AIR UNIT DURING THE CAMPAIGN: 1942 (16 Nov.) env. franked with 6c airmail used from Guadalcanal to USA with circular "PASSED BY NAVAL CENSOR" h.s. This cover was sent by the CO of the US navy scouting squadron which after the sinking of the carrier "Wasp" was transferred to the USAF CACTUS group. By the end of Nov. all the planes had been lost. Believed to be the only recorded cover from a NAVY AIR UNIT during this campaign.

£80

**

367

 

NAVY MAIL - THE ONLY RECORDED COVER FROM A US COASTGUARD ON THE ISLAND: 1942 env. franked with 6c air cancelled with a fine violet "NEW YORK. N.Y./CUB ONE BR." c.d.s. of 30 December, used at Guadalcanal by a member of the Coast Guard detachment using the Navy 224 senders address. Fine. Believed to be the earliest recorded use of the Navy 224 address and the only cover from a member of the US coast guards on the Island.

£100

**

368

 

NAVY MAIL - "V" MAIL: 1942 An early "V" mail from the campaign sent by the CO of the 6th NCB. The form was sent from F.P.O. 130 (Suva) to USA via A.P.O. 913 (Nandi). The return address uses the UBB code for Guadalcanal. Believed to be one of two recorded examples of a processed "V" mail form using the UUB designation. 1942 (28 Nov.) Another example from the same correspondence with the earliest recorded use of the Navy 8040 mailing address. 1942 an unprocessed ilustrated "V" mail form from the same correspondence using the UUB return address sent in thre normal military mails to USA. 1942 a similar unillustrated form. A fine a scarce quartet.

£200

**

369

 

NAVY MAIL - INWARD "V" MAIL - DAMAGED BY FIRE: 1943 much travelled "V" mail and env. from Hendersonville to FPO 130 (Suva, Fiji) then by Air to N. Caledonia and onward to FPO 145 Guadalcanal and Tulagi. The mail was then returned to Tulagi, N. Hebrides and USA. The cover bears many h.s. inc. "Damaged By FIRE AT/FAW 14" and m/s notes inc. "NR" (several). 1942 (20 Dec.) "V" mail without env. from the same correspondence as the previous item but addressed to "Navy V.V.V." in error for "UUB". This is believed to be one of two recorded examples to UUB.

£140

**

370

 

MISCELLANY: 1942 Large env. registered by Airmail from Lunga (MCPO 730) via Noumea to USA marked "No Stamps Available" with "POSTAGE DUE 56 CENTS" h.s. But correct adhesives applied on arrival as the money had been inc. in the mail bag. 1943 much postmarked env. from N. Orleans to various places inc. Carney Airfield and Noumea with h.s. "A.P.O. 502/NOT/IN/DIRECTORY/c/o P.M. San Francisco Cal". and m/s/ Present Address Unknown" 1943 env. by Special Delivery from A.P.O. 709 to N. York charged 12c + 10c special delivery fee. 1943 env. to a marine who had been killed at Point Cruz and with boxed "WAR DEPT. A.G.O./DECEASED" d.s. (4 covers).

£100

**

371

 

MISCELLANY: 1942 env. from A.P.O. 502 (Noumea) after A.P.O. 709 (Guadalcanal) was in operation to Chicago. Also an env. from the same correspondence with the correct A.P.O. 709 return address. 1942 covers (2) showing the incorrect use of the A.P.O. 502 on Guadalcanal. 1942 (14 dec.) env. from Washington to Navy UUB Button (Espiritu Santo) however the addressee had been transferred to CUB-ONE on Guadalcanal & the letter was forwarded to A.P.O. 709. 1942 env. from Columbus to Unit 960, however the addressee had died of wounds and the item was eventally returned. 1943 env. from Hendersonville much re-directed initially addressed to CUB ONE CACTUS. 1943 naval message regarding an unknown address. (8 items).

£100

**

372

 

ARMY MAIL - THE USE OF A.P.O. 709: 1943-45 The exceptional collection of covers (23) of A.P.O. 709 inc. a study of the machine cancellation dies (9 covers), the handstamp/cds (6 covers), 1945 forwarded letter with oval "A.P.O.-709/C/O P.M. San. Francisco. Cal." d.s. in violet. 1944 env. from the assistant postaster of the A.P.O. 1944 covers (2) from Bougainville routed through A.P.O. 709. (23 covers).

£300

**

373

 

ARMY MAIL - THE RARE BLUE ENVELOPE: 1945 (29 Jan.) An example of the special "blue" envelope used from A.P.O. 709 to USA with censor tape. The "blue" env. was introduced in WWI, the purpose being that an officer NOT a member of the writer's unit would do the censoring. Believed to be one of two recorded examples used from BSI.

£100

**

374

 

MARINE MAIL - THE COLLECTION: 1943-44 The collection of covers (21, inc. four opened out for display purposes) with various corps inc. 1st Marine Amphibious, 3rd Marine Division and 2nd Marine Raiders represented together with the A.P.O. and MCPO marks used. Six are registered and two are charged P. Due. A good lot which would hold together as a small display. (21 covers).

£300

**

375

 

NAVY MAIL - THE COLLECTION: 1943-44 The collection of covers (20) from various naval units showing a wide range of cancellations with some humourus types, eg. "HITLERS A HEEL/TOJOS A BUM" and various return address Navy numbers inc. 60, 609 and 707. A good lot. (20 covers).

£280

**

376

 

NAVY MAIL - SPECIAL DELIVERY AND BOOK POST: 1943 covers (3) from naval units franked with various rates (one registered) but all bearing the 10c Special Delivery adhesive. 1945 env. registered from the CB maintenance unit 572 to N. York bearing postage to inc. 4c for a return receipt. 1942 front sent book post from 47th Naval Construction Battalion, Guadalcanal to USA franked with $1 and 3c win the war adhesives x 2 to make the rate for a 12lb parcel. (5 covers).

£100

**

377

 

NAVY MAIL - RARE USE OF SOLOMON ISLANDS IN FULL RETURN ADDRESS: 1943 (26 May) env. franked with 6c airmail from a member of naval staff at Guadalcanal to USA. The return address contains the word "Solomons" which was unauthorised as Navy 145 should have been used. Believed to be the only recorded military cover sent in the clear with the word "Solomons".

£80

**

378

 

NAVAL MAIL - THE UNIQUE NAVY 145 CANCELLATION: 1943 (10 June) env. franked with 6c air used from a member of Carrier Group 11 to San Francisco with a clear "U.S./NAVY/145" duplex, nearby is a good circular "PASSED BY/NAVAL CENSOR" h.s. Believed to be the only recorded example of this 145 cancellation.

£80

**

379

 

AIR FORCE MAIL: 1943-44 envs. (4) sent by members of the 13th Air Force using return address code A.P.O. 719 to USA inc. one example from Espirito Santo and three posted through A.P.O. 709 to USA. (4 covers).

£80

**

380

 

COMMONWEALTH FORCES - NEW ZEALAND: 1943 env. from Capt. E.H. Densen of the Fiji Medical Section Commando Section on Guadalcanal through NZ A.P.O. 150 to Dunedin, self censored and a triangular "SERVICE CENSOR/F18" in blued applied. 1943 OHMS env. from a member of the 2nd NZ Expeditionary Force on Guadalcanal through NZ A.P.O. 150 to Reefton.1943 (12 Aug.) NZPO Telegram with env. to a member of the NZ forces. It was sent via the US services as the NZ Navy had no postal arrangements on Guadalcanal.

£80

**

381

 

COMMONWEALTH FORCES - NEW ZEALAND: 1943 small collection of envelopes (8) to NZ mainly from members of NZ units on Guadalcanal, all are censored. 1945 env. from NZAF P.O. 381 (Suva) via Espiritu Santo to NZAPO 366 (Henderson Airfield, Guadalcanal). A good group. (9 covers).

£200

**

382

 

COMMONWEALTH FORCES - FIJI COMMANDOS: 1943 (15 Nov.) env. from a member of the Fiji Commandos at Guadalcanal through the NZ Air Force A.P.O. to another member of the force in hospital on Tulagi. The cover has a fair strike of the rare triangular "PASSED CENSOR/F14" in blue and "R.N.Z.A.F./C/N.Z.A.P.O." c.d.s. Small faults but believed to be the only example of F14 used in the Solomons.

£140

**

383

 

COMMONWEALTH FORCES - NEW ZEALAND: 1944 Illustrated env. From Capt. W.J. McConachie of the Divisional Engineers attached to the 8th Brigade at Guadalcanal to USA franked with 6c air x 2. Also another illustrated env. from the same correspondence mailed at NZAPO 1/150 and transferred to US A.P.O. 709 for despatch and transmission to USA. A rare pair as NZ forces covers are difficult to locate.

£100

**

384

 

COMMONWEALTH FORCES - AUSTRALIA: 1943 (15 May) env. from Australian Navy coder T.J. Wright who posted the letter at Navy Fleet PO 145, censored by Lt. J. G. Shotter director security Intelligence Officer, Royal Australian Navy assigned to the Lunga Station. The cover was flown to Luganville Airfield and thence to Australia. Very scarce as only six Australian Naval ratings were on Guadalcanal at any one time.

£150

**

385

 

"V" MAIL: 1943 (5 Nov.) a "V" mail from a member of 37th division at Guadalcanal sent via A.P.O. 709 to Noumea, Nandi, Fiji, Canton Island, Hickham Field, Hawaii and onward to Hollywood. 1943 (29 July) An inbound "V" mail from a sailor on USS Weehawken to Navy 609 (Mobile Hospital No.8 Guadalcanal). Two 1943 unprocessed "V" mails addressed to Navy 609 from Noumea and Navy 60 (Russell Islands). Fine. (4 items).

£140

**

386

 

"V" MAIL TO AN INCORRECT ADDRESS: 1942 "V" mail from Clintonville to Capt. W. Williams at Guadalcanal but undelivered as the address appeared to have been fictitious. The env. h.s. "Return Unclaimed" and "NO RECORD OF ADDRESSEE" in violet. The "V" mail with m/s "Not listed at A.P.O. 502" and "Not Listed in RECORDS of A.P.O. 709" h.s. in violet. An unusual item.

£60

**

387

 

"V" MAIL - INBOUND TO AN UNAUTHORISED ADDRESS: 1943 "V" mail form from Berwick PA addressed to Bevy and Fold California with boxed "UNSUITABLE FOR FILMING/V-MAIL DIV. - SAN FRANCISCO/FLEET POST OFFICE" h.s. The code names BEVY and FOLD were material shipping addresses for cargo. BEVY was the code jargon for BSI and FOLD indicated Tulagi Island. A strange combination but the addressee received the item. Believed to be the only recorded use of this address.

£100

**

388

 

THE USE OF A.P.O. 1056 AT 20TH STATION HOSPITAL: 1945 Env. with the scarce A.P.O. 1056 return address which was used by the patients and staff of the 20th Station Hospital. Cancelled with A.P.O. 709 machine cancellation with inverted date plug. A scarce item.

£140

**

389

 

USE OF THE RARE A.P.O. 10567 RETURN ADDRESS: 1942 (18 June) US 6c airmail env. to New Jersey, cancelled by US A.P.O. duplex with m/s note at upper left inc. "513 Q.M. Laundry Det. A.P.O. 1056" and showing framed censor cachet. Scarce.

£140

**

390

 

THE USE OF THE SCARCE A.P.O. 1056 RETURN ADDRESS; 1945 (30 April) USA Red Cross env. with the scarce A.P.O. 1056 return address used via A.P.O. 709 to Washington.

£100

**

391

 

CASUALTY AND INBOUND MAIL: 1943 env from a civilian at Apia W. Samoa to a member of Battery "A" 283 CA at A.P.O. 709 and marked "inter island Mail. Fine and believed to be the only item of mail to Guadalcanal from Samoa during WWII. A much travelled env. registered from York to a member of the 756 Quartermaster Company at A.P.O. 709. with a large number of c.d.s. 1944 env. to a member of a medical detachment in Manila (A.P.O. 928) and flown back to A.P.O. 709 The env. is h.s. "VERIFIED RETURN TO SENDER" and with m/s "Deceased". (3 covers).

£70

**

392

 

BALLOT ENVELOPES: 1944 Absentee ballot envelopes sent from 48th Station Hospital posted through A.P.O. 709 to Hartford and another posted at A.P.O. 193 (Emirau Island) to Guadalcanal and onward through A.P.O. 709 to New London.

£60

**

393

 

CARD TO JAPAN: 1943 Japanese card sent by a member of the Kure 6th Tokubetsu Rikusentai at Munda N. Georgia Island via Buin, Bougainville by barge to Kolombangara Island and thence by air to Rabaul and Japan. Soiled and some creasing. PHOTO PLATE 4

£300

**

394

 

JAPANESE ARMY CARD: 1943 Japanese army card used from a member of the 9018 Butai, 13th Infantry Regiment, 6th division at Munda via Kolomgangara, Buin, Bougainville (F.P.O. 241), Rabaul and thence to Japan. Censored with the chop of 2nd Lt. Shiochi Sumida. Fine. PHOTO PLATE 4

£200

**

395

 

JAPANESE ARMY CARD: 1943 Japanese Army card sent from a member of the OKI 3185, 31st Field Artillery Company at Munda via Kolomgangara, Buin, Bougainvilla (F.P.O. 241), Rabaul and thence to Japan, with censor chop of Endoh.. Corner crease.

£200

**

396

 

JAPANESE CARD APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 1943 Japanese card depicting a small bird from a member of the Kure 6th Tokusetsu at Muda, picked up by a member of the US forces and given in to the intelligence section (D2) where the card was translated, recorded and marked with the blue "APPROVED FOR RELEASE/AUTHORITY.......DATE....." in blue h.s. It was then returned to the finder. Some faults. PHOTO PLATE 4

£300

**

397

 

JAPANESE NAVAL CARD: 1943 Japanese naval postcard from a member of the Kure 6th Toubetsu Rikusentai at Munda via barge to Buin, Bougainville & Kolombangara & Rabaul, thence to Japan. Fine and scarce. PHOTO PLATE 4

£300

**

398

 

COVER SENT BY THE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE: 1943 (7 Dec.) env. from Maj. Clemens BSIDF, the government representative on the island through A.P.O. 717 (the army's local sub P.O.) to Melbourne, self censored with oval "PASSED/CENSOR" h.s. Fine.

£80

**

399

 

COVER SENT AFTER THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CIVILIAN P.O. : 1944 (10 June) env. from Maj. Clemens, government representative at Muda sent through the re-established civilian P.O. to Sydney, self censored and with "PASSED FREE/SURFACE POSTAGE" machine cancellation.

£80

**

400

 

COMMONWEALTH FORCES - AUSTRALIA: 1944 env. from a member of the the Australian Infantry Bat. at Munda via RAAF No2 to Tasmania. Franked at the concessionary 3d rate with a good boxed "UNIT POSTAL STATION/AC 39" d.s. Also 1945 YMCA env. from a member of the 23rd Brigade on Mono Island via Sterling Island to Mono and thence to Tasmania. Franked at the 3d rate with "AUST UNIT POSTAL STN/373" c.d.s. (2 covers).

£100