The carriage of mail by air 1911-1939 by Laurie Farrell

The invention of the aeroplane introduced a new era into the method of carrying and delivering of mail by air. It is a fairly new phenomenon and most of it within living memory. It is a well documented fact that the first UK Aerial post took place between 9-16 September 1911.This took place from London to Windsor and return to commemorate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. Special printed cards and envelopes in various colours were carried and are relatively in expensive to buy even now adays.

The development of the aeroplane was somewhat retarded by WWI but the design, performance and range proceeded rapidly during this period as well as reliability. In 1919 it was possible to commence a service between Folkestone and Cologne (Germany) for Forces mail for servicemen still serving in Germany after WWI. The development of the airmail can be categorized into zones as thus - a) Internal and to Europe, b) to South Africa, c) to Australia and New Zealand, d) to Canada, America across the Atlantic.

In 1924 an experimental service to Ireland (Belfast to Liverpool) was made by that well known pilot A J Cobham. Nothing much more appears to have happened but for another experimental Airmail Service between Liverpool and Belfast and return during Civil Week. In 1929 an experimental flight was made from Galway to London to quicken up mail delivery of mail from the SS Karlsruhe from America.

Progress in aircraft design and performance enabled the Great Western Railway to start the first commercial Air Service between Cardiff and Plymouth and later extended to Birmingham. The use of a 3d Air Mail stamp for use on letters carried by this service was authorized by the Postmaster General.

During 1933-34 three companies attempted to create air mail services but these efforts were short lived and failed to last the course. An attempt by International Airways to carry mail between Croydon and Plymouth failed so did the one commenced by Imperial Airways between London via Southampton and Plymouth. A more successful service was operated by Highland Air Services to and from the Orkney Islands and an internal service was inaugurated by Railway Air Services in 1934. This operated between 13 towns in GB and Northern Ireland. Also in 1938 as things became more organized and reliable a service was commenced between Perth and London. This was operated by North Eastern Airways in a southwards direction only, mail being off-loaded at Newcastle and Croydon.

It will be seen that in the 1930’s the carriage of mail by air generally progressed at a steady rate dictated to a large degree by the improved design of the aeroplane. Anyone interested in creating an interesting sideline collection of airmail covers should commence now as material is becoming much more sought after than some years ago.