I have received the following query:

[color=maroon]Please find attached a cover with Received From Ships Postage Paid h/s.

Whitney states this was used in the 1980's Ref: 14/101.

I had an example in the past used in 1982 from the Falklands.
Has this mark ever been tied down to a particular conflict?
Any help would be appreciated.[/color]

I don't think it can be tied down to any particular conflict - it's too much of a generic cancel with no date.

Thanks, Mike  :)

Mike

This mark is listed in Mike Dovey's book THE MARITIME MAIL CANCELLATIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN published by the TPO Society in 2015, a book I recommended to members of our society interested in Naval marks at the time

Page 78. No. 182 with POSTAGE PAID at the base, recorded used 1982 - 1986 (possible Falklands usage)
No. 183 without the POSTAGE PAID at the base is known used for the same dates

Frank Schofield

Many thanks Frank - a perfect answer!

Mike  :)

Hi Mike,

I have seen five copies (those I have noted), none dated all on covers (Air Mail envelopes) with no postage or other postal marks. I do not think there is a Falklands connection, if so others would have picked this up by now and I am sure John Daynes, myself or others would have picked up during the Falklands Campaign, or subsequently. I would suggest used in the UK to designate free post... location unknown.

(Unless others prove me wrong).

Peter