FIRST BRITISH AIR MAIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21278, 3 September 1932, Page 12

FIRST BRITISH AIR MAIL

Sir,—l have in my possession n postcard that was Bent by the first aerial mail in the United Kingdom. This was despatched from Windsor and was carried by aeroplane to London and then onward by ordinary mail to Seaford. Sussex. The postmark bears the words, "First United Kingdom Aerial Post" and the date, September 16, 19i1,' Windsor. On the address side is a printed picture of Windsor Castle in the foreground, with the aeroplane overhead. To the left of the picture is the Thames, winding away toward Lon-. don, in the distant background. Over th« picture, at the top, is printed, "A.D. Coronation, 1911. First aerial post. By sanction of H.M. Postmaster-General.At the bottom is inset, "For conveyance by aeroplane from Windsor to London. No responsibility in respect of loss, damage or delay, is undertaken by the PostmasterGeneral." These cards were sold at th» rate of 6£d each, including postage. Envelopes, stamped and containing one sheet of special notepaper for Is Id. Net profit! were devoted to public charity. This event caused a great deal of interest and excitement at the time. It would be interesting to know if there are similar postcards or envelopes in the Dominion. • N.A.