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WWII Emergency Air Routes 1939-1945
On the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 and the resultant domination of large areas of Europe and the Middle East by the Germans and Italian Forces, the Empire Scheduled Air Service inaugurated in 1937 to India, Burma, Australia and New Zealand became too dangerous to operate and was suspended. Sadly it was never to be resumed even on cessation of hostilities in 1945.
As it was imperative to maintain some quick method of communication between the UK and the Far East, a route was devised involving sea and air which became known as the ‘Horseshoe Route’. Mail was carried by sea to Durban (South Africa) thence by Empire Air Lines via Cairo, Sydney and Auckland. The cover above below was carried on the 1st Flight ‘Horseshoe Route’ UK to New Zealand 14th June 1940. It bears 1x1d and 1x2d Centenary stamps and 1/- KGVI (1/3 being the postal rate). It bears a red cachet showing the route taken to reach New Zealand, is backstamped date of arrival at Carterton 16th July 1940 having taken 33 days to reach the destination from the UK.
Laurie Farrell
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