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Lot# 1468 - Auction 284 - 290

  • Lot# : 1468 Madagascar

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    Diego Suarez: In 1942, the British High Command realised that Japan, already threatening Burma and with Japanese Battle Crusiers reported off Ceylon, could threaten the British route to India via the Cape. Madagascar and Diego Suarez, with its vital deep-water Port, were under occupation by French Vichy forces, and hence "Operation Ironclad" was arranged to secure the port of Diego Suarez, troops leaving the UK by convoy via Sierra Leone in March 1942. The Vichy forces fought against the Allies and did not capitulate, Diego Suarez feewll on 6 May 1942 but the French commander, General Annet, fought on in Madagascar until an armistice was eventually signed on the 6 November 1942. rnrn1942/43: "Operation Ironclad", the exhibit collection on leaves and loose with covers from soldiers in the convoy from Sierra Leoene and Durban (2 + a Telegram), Honour envelopes (4) and covers (2) from "Field Post Office / 226" (open 11 May 1942 in Diego Suarez after capture of Port, closed 10 June 1942), "Field Post Office / 596" covers (8) based at Diego Suarez, 'On Active Service' cover from Force 121 at Diego Suarez dated in October 1942 struck with "E.A. / APO 53" cds and violet Censor, green South African Honour envelope usage with same datestamp and violet Censor, Nov 1942 airletter from APO 59, further stampless usages from Jan 1943, July-August 1943 (5, one being a Kenya & Uganda 25 c. blue letter-card and two to UK with KUT 5 c. and 20 c. adhesives and another franked 30 c.), Xmas Greeting usage, 1944 usages from Force 121, incoming cover from India to 265 Squadron at Diego Suarez, further stamped frankings at KUT 25 c. rate to UK and Canada, Kenya and to the M.E.F; East African APO covers from APO 59 (Tananarive) one with GB/KUT mixed franking, APO 80 based at Tamatave, 1942 Airgraphs and 1944 "Salumu" Xmas Airgraph, Jan 1944 APO 64 of the 27th Northern Rhodesian Brigade, South African Brigade usages from Sakaramy (6) and Air Frop Propaganda Leaflets. A superbly reasearched and written up collection concerning a nasty 'side-show' of the Second World War (90 items). Ex collection Colin Spong FRPSL.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF