No 2 Wing RNAS

[Chris Grimshaw]

Afternoon Team

Not quite sure what I have here,  any notes long lost I'm afraid.  Digging deep into my mount up material which I'm determined to clear. 

1 penny PS Cover uprated to 2 pence, why? cancelled -THIAM S.O. 4 February 1917  and LONDON 22 March 1917

Address as shown to Sub Lt R Forbes -Bentley RNVR No 2 Wing RNAS

Nothing on reverse of cover Re directed to Beckly, Sussex

I think No 2 Wing were on Imbros

He seems to have settled in Malta post war and became a stamp collector / dealer.

Any assistance appreciated please.

Chris

[Nick Colley]

Chris, yes, according to Gould's book on the RNAS, No.2 Wing was indeed at Imbros.

Given that it has been returned to Beckley in Sussex, I would say the postmark is of Northiam, a village about 3 kms NW of Beckley.

I regret to admit that I have no idea about the extra postage.

chrs
N

[Peter Harvey]

Chris,

Noted:  http://www.auspostalhistory.com/articles/1730.shtml


Two mentions in Forces War Records:

First Name:
Rupert
Surname:
Forbes-Bentley
Incident Date:
1918
Rank:
Observer Lieutenant
Naval War Medal Roll:
1914-1920 Volume 1
Service:
Royal Navy
Primary Unit:
Royal Naval Air Service
Archive Reference:
ADM171-89
Rank:
Sub Lieutenant
Additional Information:
Officer mentioned for Service in bombing attack
Service:
Royal Naval Air Service
Primary Unit:
Royal Naval Air Service
Archive Reference:
ADM171-85

[Frank Schofield]

Chris

R Forbes-Bentley listed in May 1917 Navy List but no unit
Not listed in Nov 1918 List
Not on casualty lists
? Wounded and invalided out??

Frank

[Frank Schofield]

Chris

In support of my wounded theory
There was a Military Hospital at Northiam during WW1 300+ beds
The extra 1d stamp was added there
He may have lived in Beckley

Frank

[Chris Grimshaw]

Thanks All

Can now attempt to write this cover up. 

Both 1 penny stamp and PS Envelope are cancelled 4 February17  so unlikely to be a redirection fee.

A mystery. 

Chris

[Peter Harvey]

Chris,

22 March and redirected 4 Feb, surely?

Peter

[Nick Colley]

I like your time machine, Pete  ;D. 22nd March in London on its return. The additional 1d stamp is strange - user-error?

chrs
N

[Chris Grimshaw]

You threw me there for a minute Peter. 

Chris