WWII - "PAIFORCE" - THE "PERSIA AND IRAQ FORCE", 1942-46: A ...

Hammer

£360

WWII - "PAIFORCE" - THE "PERSIA AND IRAQ FORCE", 1942-46: A well presented study of the military & civilian mails associated with the allied occupation of Iran & Iraq during and just after WWII. The collection is accompanied by David Trapnell's definitive book on the mails and censorship of the period (Published 2019) with many of the scarce covers illustrated being present in this lot. Includes examples of mail from Polish Forces based in Iran, incl. Dec. 1942 OAS cover to Polish Embassy, London (illustrated on front cover of Dr. Trapnell's book). Also, Jul. 1942 censored, printed Postal Stat. env. of "HQ Tenth Army" to GB, 1945 'Blue Triangle' Air Letter of Indian Army Field Force from Shaiba to GB having RAF censor mark and printed 1944 Xmas card from US Military Mission, Moscow (APO 193) addressed to Philadelphia but missent to US Military Mission, Tehran (APO 523). Scarce thus. Other scarce items incl. letter from Italian POW working with PAIFORCE (very unusual to find such POWs so far East of Palestine), Aug 1943 Air Mail to Texas from US APO 816 (Basra) - the only American APO in Iraq and scarce thus. Good range of civilian censored mail showing combined use of Anglo-Soviet and Anglo-Soviet-Persian censor marks, etc. A comprehensive collection of this little known force, the main purpose of which was to protect the Middle East oil fields from Axis forces and to maintain supplies for the Russian war effort by providing convoys north through Iran to the Caucasus. A fascinating study. (c. 36 cards/covers plus a book) Cross Reference: POLAND, IRAN/PERSIA, IRAQ, MILITARY - CENSORED MAIL