Rare Postcard - "1st U.K. Aerial Post". 1911 (Plus Commem. Cover)
SOLD
Rare original postcard flown between Hendon Aerodrome and Windsor during the United Kingdom's first aerial post in September 1911.
This postcard was flown between Hendon (London) and Windsor on 15th September 1911. It is one of the cards specially produced to be used during this historical event. The front is printed with an attractive image of a Bristol "Boxkite" aeroplane flying over Windsor Castle and bears the following inscription, "Coronation - A.D. 1911 - First U.K. Aerial Post - By Sanction of H.M. Postmaster General - For Conveyance by Aeroplane from London to Windsor - No responsibility in respect of loss, damage, or delay, is undertaken by the Postmaster General. It has it's original halfpenny stamp and is franked with the official "Aerial Post" hand stamp. The left hand side of the reverse is printed with the relevant information and instructions. This postcard was sent to Mr Jack Mackay, who was one of the "Music Hall" troupe, "The Aggie Bros." and bears a nice inscription. Length : 140mm. Nice condition.
Included with this item is a "1st day cover" commemorating the 60th anniversary of the first U.K. Aerial Post. It was flown between Hendon and Windsor Castle on a special flight on September 9th 1971.
This event was to be the U.K.'s first official aerial post and was inaugurated to celebrate King George V's coronation. It was masterminded by Captain W. G. Windham who was one of the pilots involved in the world's first air mail service at Allahabad in India in February of 1911. The pilots chosen to fly the mail were Gustav Hamel and C.H. Greswell both flying Bleriots, the French pilot C.L.A. Hubert and the South African E.F. Driver, both using Farmans. The first flight was made by Hamel on Saturday 9th September 1911.
For more information on the U.K. First Aerial Post, please click on the link below :
Inventory No. A-80
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