Afternoon Team
Attached scan shows an intriguing item currently on a well known internet site.
From Russia in Feb 1915 to a seaman on HMS New Zealand, redirected to Chatham Naval Hospital. Anyone any thoughts please. I'm tempted.
Chris
Chris - get in quick otherwise our Russian expert Howard might be tempted!! ;) ;D
Mike
Hi Mike
Item will be with me in a few days. An interesting cover.
Chris
The New Zealand visited St. Petersburg in June 1914 so the addressee may have made a new friend there.
Thanks Howard
Item has just arrived, on the original post I showed the item, now shown as a scan
HMS New Zealand is crossed out in Blue with writing at top of envelope is same crayon I can make out --- Hospital ------ this is then crossed out in purple and redirected to Chatham in same crayon.
No indication where the cancel South Queensferry ties in, unless that's where HMS New Zealand was around that date, or port of landing from Russia? and the 'Hospital' markings stem from then onwards.
The little paper tags have sealed the cover after censoring.
Howard, Can you translate the Censor Marking please.
Chris
Chris,
The purple oval mark reads OPENED BY MILITARY CENSORSHIP.
HMS New Zealand was part of the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron, based at Rosyth. During 1915, she was part of a series of cruises into the North Sea.
South Queensferry is just the other side of the river estuary from Rosyth, linked by a ferry service.
Thanks All
Appreciated. Think I can write cover up now. I'm taking it that was the entry port for mail from Russia at this time.
One thing that does surprise me with incoming mails from this period, No Censorship evident on arrival in the UK. Whilst mails outgoing were subject to censorship. To my mind mail from Russia in 1915 to a crew member on a British Warship would have shouted 'Censor Me'
Thoughts anyone.
Chris