Naval Contraband Control Base Gibraltar

[Michael Dobbs]

At one of my local philatelic societies I was asked if I knew anything about the following:

Red Cross Ship mv "Nagara"
Naval Contraband Control Base
Gibraltar

The owner has two covers to different people on the Nagara at the Naval Contraband Control Base Gibraltar.  Both were from Canada in August and September 1945 respectively.

I am sure that I have come across references to the Naval Contraband Control (Base or Service) before - either on this forum, at one of our meeting or in the Journal.  I cannot find a reference to this on the forum, possibly it was at one of our meetings.

I have found some information on the mv Nagara at http://bob.plord.net/Ships/MS-3/Sweden/Nagara.html  However, any further information gratefully received, especially why it had as its address the Naval Contraband Control Base Gibraltar !

I have attached a scan of the covers - not too good as it is from a black and white photocopy (the owner is not on the internet).

Many thanks, as usual, Mike  :D

[Peter Harvey]

Hi Mike,

Here is a great outline of the Contraband Control arrangements https://ww2memories.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/contraband-during-ww2/ - I assume the sender was aware that the ship would be required to stop and Gibraltar and declare her cargo, so this was used as an accommodation address for forwarding the mail - or trying to catch the ship on route.

Pete