FPO 99

[Jim Etherington]

This query is possibly for Alistair.

Back in March in response to Ingo Egerlandt's query re FPO 97 Alistair noted that there is no record of use of datestamps 96, 98 and 99 (either in UK or in BEF).

I have a stampless OHMS cover addressed to the 'Regimental Paymaster, Royal Signals, 16 Friar St, Reading, England' bearing what appears to be an FPO 99 (or possibly 98, the digits are slightly smudged but still fairly legible) It is dated 13 AP 40, the date recorded in Proud. I note Daynes does not list 99 as being used by the BEF.

The fact that 'England' is included in the address suggests it has been sent from outside of the UK, but the cover bears no censor cachet which is unusual for BEF mail to the UK.

Any help in resolving this conundrum would be welcome.