FPO 30 August 1915

[Chris Grimshaw]

Morning Friends

First post for awhile but this one's a puzzle,

FPO 30 which served 30th Brigade 10th Irish Division cancelling a view card of Corfu on August 2nd 1915, Censored 2/2797, not allocated by FD, not signed by censor and addressed to Taunton, message which is undated reads "Still here baking in the sun, Expect a change very soon."

This cancel is not recorded in use prior to the landings at Suvla 7th August 1915

When 30th Brigade arrived at Lemnos mid July 1915, 6th & 7th Battalions Royal Munster Fusiliers landed at Mudros,
6th & 7th Battalions Royal Dublin Fusiliers remained on board ship and sailed for Mitylene 25th July, 3 Officers & 165 other ranks returned to Lemnos 29th July,

The reason for splitting the Brigade was lack of water at Lemnos. While at Mitylene they remained on board ship.

The puzzle is where was FPO 30 located? They didn't call at Corfu on the voyage out so card wasn't purchased there, I'd suggest they was more chance of picking up such a card ashore at Mitylene than Mudros.

Friends comments welcomed.

[Graham Mark]

Frank Daniel's work sheet (the top one on the board and therefore the most battered) records CM2/2797 at FPO30 on 25 July 1915.  A cryptic entry below this date, in a different ink, looks like AUS something.  Not very helpful and does not answere your "Where in the world?"
Looks like the War Diary of the FPO is needed  - Does the Divisional history or the Regimental history throw any light on the matter?
Regards to all,
Graham

[Chris Grimshaw]

Hello Graham

The 6th & 7th Battn Royal Dublin Fusiliers sailed on HMT ALAUNIA which left Mudros Bay 24th July and sailed for Mitylene 25th July 15, a recording on the 25th July suggests that FPO 30 and Brigade HQ was on this vessel.

The 6th & 7th Battns Royal Munster Fusiliers which comprised the remainder of 30th Brigade had sailed on the Mauretania and disembarked at Lemnos 19th July.

I'd suggest the note on FD's sheets is representing ALAUNIA and the two Battalions at Mudros would have used FPO 29 while there.

Friends comments welcomed.

Cheers

Chris