WESTERN AUSTRALIA AIRWAYS Ltd - AN EXCEPTIONAL COVER CARRIED...

Estimate

£500 - £700

WESTERN AUSTRALIA AIRWAYS Ltd - AN EXCEPTIONAL COVER CARRIED ON TWO PIONEER FLIGHTS - TOGETHER WITH EVIDENCE:4 Dec 1921 env to Sydney carried on the 1st flight from Geraldon to Derby and held until 7th April and carried on the 1st flight from Derby to Geraldon. Franked with 3d roo and KGV 2d tied by a fine central "DERBY/WEST-AUSTRALIA" c.d.s. of 22 Dec 1921, red m/s "5-12-1921/Via Geraldon & Derby Air Mail Service". There are no backstamps. AAC E56 & E62. Note/Explanation - Mr J H Smyth proprietor of the Australian Stamp Journal in Sydney requested one of his subscribers, Mr Blencowe living in Geraldton to place some mail addressed to him on this flight for his own collection. The postmaster in Ger alton refused to accept them as they were not addressed to a destination on the route. Mr Blencowe placed two covers inside another envelope addressed to the postmaster at Derby, together with a note requesting him to send them back by the 1st available return flight. As a crash prevented the mail being carried all the way by air, it was returned with the remaining mail and carried by sea to Derby. The postmaster in Derby A Thomas having mail to sort for delivery, placed all mail addressed to himself to one side to dealt with the next day. The mail to the South left on 21 st Dec. THIS COVER MISSED THE FLIGHT which also broke down and the mail was carried by sea.The postmaster as instructed by the sender held it until the 2nd return flight (which was the 1st flight to carry the mail all the way by air) on the 8 April 1922. With full supporting photo static evidence. Cross Reference: AUSTRALIA, AIRMAILS