Free Postage to or from HM SHips in WW2

[Colin Tabeart]

I am struggling to discover when free surface postage was allowed to/from HM Ships in WW2. I appreciate that additional fees such as registration, air mail, express etc always (?) had to be paid, but fairly early on I think surface mail was allowed free.

As a supplementary question was introduction of free surface mail universal across all locations, or were, for example, overseas stations granted the privilege before/after say, the Home Fleet?

Can anyone please help this ignorant sailor?

[Michael Dobbs]

Colin

I think I owe you an apology - having seen this I seem to recall that you asked me this question some while back (either directly or it came via Nick Colley).  I cannot find that email at present, must have got mis-filed amongst the many Society-related emails I receive.

However, WW2 postage rates are not my field, sadly the one person who I could guarantee would have provided the answer is no longer with us (ALK).  My specialism is post-WW2 postage rates & services (despite 200+ pages to date there is still plenty to research and record!).

Mike

[Frank Schofield]

Colin

Just come across a note in my new stock

On 8th November 1939 Circular No.3574 was issued according free transmission of mail except parcels received from His Majesty's sea going ships on active service at home or abroad. Until these instructions were given normal double deficiency charges should have been made

Hope of some use

Frank Schofield

[Colin Tabeart]

Many thanks Frank - v useful as always. I wonder if it applied to letters TO HM Ships as well? If anyone can point me to a copy of this circular would be most grateful.
Colin

[Michael Dobbs]

Thank you to Frank for giving me the impetus to research this further at The Postal Museum archives - I am not able to answer Colin's additional query, but the research continues!

Please find attached what I have recorded to date.

Mike