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Mail robbery in military conflicts between 1745-1945

Introduction

This presentation was created by Dr. Steven J. Berlin, and is his property. However, he has offered to share this presentation freely with the public and members of the Military Postal History Society for educational and research purposes.

This presentation, given at BALPEX 2021, shows images, postal history, and information about philatelic material that was the subject of wartime mail robbery.

Historical Introduction

Mail Robbery postal history is very scarce, if not rare. Most of these postal history covers have been destroyed either by the robber or in the acts of war. Mail robbery is usually performed for the theft of valuables and/or during the act of war for intelligent information. Mail robberies during the 18th and 19th centuries were often punished by death. Perhaps that is why there are so few robberies recorded during these times

The U.S. Postal Museum in a previous exhibit indicated that there were as many as 3,000 mail robberies a year in the United States, with only 10% of the robbers being prosecuted.

The following are links to the general timeline sections of this presentation:

• Introduction and Showcase
• Second Boer War
• First World War
• IRA Rebellion
• Second World War

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Afghanistan (Benares, India), 1839

[Introduction -- Mail Robbed During the Indian / Afghan War]

5 May 1839 Benares, India Sent to Cheltenham, England via Bombay Folded Entire Paid 14 [Annas]

The Enclosed Letter Sent by George Ramsay, Brother of 10th Earl Dalhousie (and later Governor-General of India in 1848)

Ramsay notes in his letter to his sister the “robbing of the mail by the Arabs” and is an early acknowledgement regarding the occurrence of mail robberies. The letter also mention details associated with the Afghan War. The entire was sent via “Overland Dispatch” and per first Steamer via Bombay. For foreign mails, a framed oval hand0-stamp in red ink is noted on the top right.

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Mails Robbed in Zanesville Ohio, 1840

[Introduction -- United States]

3 February 1841. A cover from Zanesville, Ohio to London, England

3 February 1841. A cover from Zanesville, Ohio to London, England discusses several covers sent since 25 April 1840 and 26 October 1840 were not received. This cover, sent 3 February 1841, was received. In the letter it was noted that many letters were "miscarried" as the Eastern Mail was robbed on 14 November 1840. It was also mentioned that several other mail robberies took place also in November 1840. A black, "LIVERPOOL SHIP LETTER' marking was applied on reverse of the letter. A paid 25 cent note "via New York" "Blue Rock, Ohio/Feb 5th" is noted on cover front.

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Mail Robberies During South African War, 1900

[Introduction -- South Africa]

28 December 1900. A cover sent to Kidderminster

28 December 1900. A cover sent to Kidderminster, franked by 1881 1d. lilac tied by large violet “ARMY POST OFFICE/BERBERTON” datestamp, with original letter enclosed predicting “Those infernal Boers have collared another mail, hang them, so that all my letters of Nov. 24 won’t turn up”, and 1900, 1901 two Q.V. 2d. registered envelopes sized F, one to Natal franked by 1887-92 2d. (2) tied F.P.O. c.d.s’s, other to Manchester, franked by 1881 1d. lilac (2) and 1887-92 3d. tied by F.P.O. c.d.s’s.

Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/REX/Shutterstock.com Courtesy of Grosvenor Auction House Lot 1331

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Mail Robberies in Military Conflicts 1745-1945

The following examples are grouped by conflict and era.

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Jacobites Steal the Mail, 1745

[2nd Jacobite Rebellion Scotland]

A stamp-less cover sent from Edinburgh, Scotland to Alexander Hamilton

A stamp-less cover sent from Edinburgh, Scotland to Alexander Hamilton, a solicitor in London dated 24 October 1745. The cover was interrupted when it was broken open by the Jacobite rebels. A black straight line manuscript stating "Opened by the rebels". There are two circular Bishop markings dated 24 Oct. when the letter was sent and a black oval marking dated 30 October when recovered. Also, the original seal is missing and was in black. It was evidently recovered and resealed with a red wax seal. The 2nd Jacobite War was beginning at this time. The contents of the letter had nothing to do with the war between Scotland and England. It was from a friend in Scotland that spoke about family and friends. Mail robbery is frequently seen during war times both for valuables and/or military intelligence. This is certainly the oldest known documented mail robbery since the establishment of the British Mail System and possibly throughout the free world. The marking "Opened by the rebels” was enlarged. The postal rate as of 1711-1765 was six pence from Edinburgh to London. There are currently three known covers from the same correspondence. One of three known covers from the same collection. One known at the Bath Museum in London, and one by a European collector.

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A Confederate Mail Robbery, 1863

[US Civil War United States]

22 January 1863. A cover sent from Cairo, IL to Wausau, IN

22 January 1863. A cover sent from Cairo, IL to Wausau, IN was delayed due to a black script notation; "Opened by the Rebels" was applied. A circular Cairo date stamp Jan. 23, 1863 may have been the recovery date. It is noted in Harper's Weekly, Saturday, January 24, 1863 mentions raids of the rebel guerillas upon our supply trains and railway communications out west that in time they will reopen the Mississippi River. If this robbery took place in Southern Indiana, it is possible that Morgan's Raiders may have opened the mails. In some instances, mail interruption was performed by the confederates to see what type of intelligence could be found or valuables. Only known documented cover from the Civil War.

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Shangani Rebels Rob Mail Coach, 1896

[Shangani Rebellion Rhodesia:]

21 March 1896. Cover with stamps lacking. sent from Umtali addressed to London.

21 March 1896. Cover with stamps lacking. sent from Umtali addressed to London. Endorsed in red ink "Recovered from Mail stolen by the Rebels at Shangani (initials) P O Bul. / Contents Missing”. The cover duly delivered to London with arrival back stamp dated 11th July. This cover left Umtali on the day the Matabele Rebellion broke out. The mail coach was attacked by rebels between Gwelo and Bulawayo and abandoned by the occupants near Shangani. The coach was looted by rebels and the mail scattered over the road. Six weeks later, the mail was retrieved and this cover, muddy and with the adhesive(s) washed off, was endorsed to this effect. The initials "CR" are those of C. Ross, assistant Postmaster in Bulawayo, the envelope eventually being delivered to the addressed in London. A remarkable and famous item, arguably one of the most important and characterful from the early and turbulent early settlement era of the country. This is the best one of two recorded covers!. Ex. Michael Knight.

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Second Boer War 1899-1902

Items that follow are from the Second Boer War.

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British Captured Mail, 1899

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

26 February 1899. A cover sent from Biesjesvallei/Z.A.R. to Kaffir Kraal, Nr. Klerksdorp.

26 February 1899. A cover sent from Biesjesvallei/Z.A.R. to Kaffir Kraal, Nr. Klerksdorp.

26 February 1899. A cover sent from Biesjesvallei/Z.A.R. to Kaffir Kraal, Nr. Klerksdorp. Several scarce backstamps as noted BIESJESVALLEI 26.2.99, LICHTENBURG 27.2.99, KLERKSDORP 28.2.99, POTCHEFSTROOM 28.2.99, HARTEBEEST 3.3.99 and ?BRANCH P.0.2 ?99. All backstamped with a very important manuscript notation also on the cover back stating "TAKEN FROM A BOER WAGON WHICH WE CAPTURED ON 10TH MAY 1901" Signed by J. Warburton.

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Boer Mail Taken by British, 1899

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

21 June 1899. A local cover sent from Volksrust.

21 June 1899. A local cover sent from Volksrust. A note shown on the back of the cover stating found at Standerton on a farm. This cover was picked up by a British soldier presumably whilst destroying a farm under Field Marshall Lord Robert's Strukagey. It was posted at Volksrust to ?? Stroom 22 June 1899. A photograph with a written note stating ”Another Moke". The property of a surrendered Berger Dalmanutha.

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Boer Mail Stolen by British, 1900

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

13 January 1900. A soldier's mail addressed to E. Knobel of Donkerpoort

13 January 1900. A soldier's mail addressed to E. Knobel of Donkerpoort

13 January 1900. A soldier's mail addressed to E. Knobel of Donkerpoort, Schoeman's Laager c/o Act. Veld Kornet Van Der Hoff at Colesberg Bridge. On reverse is penciled "Found in wrecked Boer wagon near Orange River, 25/3/00." Signed Sgt. ??? General Schoeman's Commando was in action at Colesberg when this item was mailed.

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Recovered Stolen Mail, 1900

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

27 March 1900. A cover sent to Private Pike 2nd Lins. Regt. South African Field Force

27 March 1900. A cover sent to Private Pike 2nd Lins. Regt. South African Field Force from Sgt. P.F. Ford at Kitchener's Horse, Deal Farm Bloemfontein. The rubber stamp is badly worded and should have read "Recovered from Mails Looted by the Boers on June 8". However, the actual date of this rubber stamp should be on June 7.

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Mail Looted and Burnt by Boers, 1900

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

20 April 1900. A cover from Bradford and addressed to a Private of the West Riding Regiment

20 April 1900. A cover from Bradford and addressed to a Private of the West Riding Regiment, African Field Force and readdressed to No. 7, General Hospital Pretoria. This letter was among mail captured by the Boers and shows signs of burning and has a manuscript entry "Found on Veld/From mails looted and/burnt by Boers, C.P.O. Pretoria 6/12/00"

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Boers Capture Mail, 1900

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

20 April 1900. A cover from S. Africa (Army British Field P.O. cancel) carried to England

20 April 1900. A cover from S. Africa (Army British Field P.O. cancel) carried to England. A cancellation with #22 in the circular date postal marking indicates this mail was captured at Roodewal by the Boers

10 May 1900. A similar cover from S. Africa (Army British Field P.O. cancel) carried to England

10 May 1900. A similar cover from S. Africa (Army British Field P.O. cancel) carried to England with #35 in the date stamp was also captured and detained by the Boers in Roodewal.

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Boers Loot the Mail, 1900

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

12 June 1900. A military soldier's letter sent from South Africa to Sussex, England

12 June 1900. A military soldier's letter sent from South Africa to Sussex, England was sent with no postage as "Stamps not Available On Active Service" was applied in blue ink manuscript. A Field-Post Office-British-Army-S. Africa circular cds JU12 also applied. A red, two-line auxiliary marking "RECOVERED FROM MAIL/LOOTED BY THE ENEMY" was also applied. A back stamp Army Base P.O. Cape Town 12 No is also applied.

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Looted and Recovered Boer War Mail, 1900

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

17 June 1900. A badly damaged cover front from the British army field post office to Hauts, England

17 June 1900. A badly damaged cover front from the British army field post office to Hauts, England. This cover being stolen by the Boers most likely from a train robbery. A two line, red auxiliary marking "RECOVERED FROM MAILS/LOOTED BY THE ENEMY" was applied.

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Boers Looted Military Convoy, 1900

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

20 August 1900. A cover from the British Field Office in South Africa to Natal

20 August 1900. A cover from the British Field Office in South Africa to Natal was stolen by the Boers. A black 3 line script notation "Recovered from the wreck of the looted/convoy by the Boers Sept 1st/at Klip River". A postal notation by H.N. was applied. An additional date notation 29/8/00 was also applied in the lower left corner of the cover. No back stamp applied. The 2nd Boer War started in the 1890's with minor fighting with Britain. Full scale war started in October 1899 and peace was signed May 31, 1902. A general amnesty for the Boer forces by the British military was given in 1910.

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Boers Capture Mail and Train, 1901

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

An APO cover mailed in 1901 to Scotland

An APO cover mailed in 1901 to Scotland was interrupted when the Boers raided and captured a Cape train and recovered on 24 July 1901. A magenta cachet “INCLUDED IN MAIL BAG LOST ON CAPE RAILWAY AND RECOVERED 25TH JULY 1901” was applied.

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Boers Rob Mail at Oudtshoorn, 1901

[Second Boer War South African Republic]

9 October 1901. A local cover from Prince Albert to Cape Town

9 October 1901. A local cover from Prince Albert to Cape Town was delayed and looted by the Boer's. Normal postal routes used by the Oudtshoorn post office were all subject to irregular service from August-October 1901 due to the activities of Boer commandoes in the vicinity. These routes were Oudtshoorn to George and Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay. This letter was therefore sent from Oudtshoorn via Prince Albert to Prince Albert Road only "open" route at this time. On October 10, 1901, this mail was looted by a Boer commando near Prince Albert Road. A printed GPO circular, sent with the damaged letter to the addressee, Messrs. J.J. Hill & Co. in Cape Town is also displayed. This letter is seldom seen from the postal authority.

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World War One, 1914-1919

The following covers are from 1914-1919

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Mail Robbery by Mahsud Tribesmen in North Waziristan, 1917

[World War I – Local Conflicts India]

This cover was dispatched from England and sent to Captain C.S. Phillips

This cover was dispatched from England and sent to Captain C.S. Phillips originally stationed with the North Waziristan Field Force in India, however, delivery was delayed due to a mail robbery by Mahsud Tribesmen. After a temporarily claimed peace, the letter was forwarded as noted with a manuscript native notation to Tulnau (sp?), then forwarded/redirected to Mirrnshah, Dalhousie, Dehra Dun and filially to Chakrata, India. On the reverse side of the envelope a manuscript note explains the manner in which the envelope was returned to the Indian mail system "Captured by Mahsuds but forwarded/by Mullah Budsurat Khan/of Razmak". The Mullah was most likely associated with the Uthmanzai Wazirs, archrivals to the Mahsuds in Waziristan. In early 1917, a large force of Mahsuds had begun to raid British convoys in Waziristan which prompted British Waziristan Field Force to take the field against them. As noted, the skirmish was short-lived until September 1917. Only known example from this hostility.

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Part of Mail Captured by Germans, 1915/1916

[World War I Poland & Denmark]

25 June 1915. A postal card from Warsaw to England and a similar cover dated 12 December 1916 going from Denmark to England

25 June 1915. A postal card from Warsaw to England and a similar cover dated 12 December 1916 going from Denmark to England were delayed by the Germans who captured this mail. Two distinct auxiliary markings applied. One in script the other in black three-line stamp stating "PART OF A MAIL/CAPTURED BY/THE GERMANS AND DELAYED".

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British Steamer Appam Captured by German Raider Mowe, 1916

[World War I Sierra Leone]

January 1916. A cover carried on the British steamer Appam from Sierra Leone to Manchester, England

January 1916. A cover carried on the British steamer Appam from Sierra Leone to Manchester, England when it was captured by the German raider Mowe. The steamer Appam was carrying passengers, bullion, general cargo and mail from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo posted in late December 1915 or early January 1916 endorsed "Per Appam'. She was detained by the raider as a prison ship and captured 60 miles north of Maderia on January 15, 1916. After this, was taken to Norfolk. VA, in charge of a German prize crew on I February 1916. A red MSS 766 notation is a prize court docketing number. A black MSS notation also describes this incident and afterwards the US Government handed the mail and ship over to the British.

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Mail Captured by Germans, 1916

[World War I Denmark & Holland]

11 February 1916 Denmark / 10 November 1916 Holland

Two similar covers from neutral countries such as Scandinavia were detained and the ships carrying the mail were sunk by the Germans. Both are censored covers and were sent from Denmark and Holland. Similar auxiliary markings one being a label the other a two-line purple marking "PART OF MAIL CAPTURED/BY GERMANS AND DELAYED" being applied.

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Germans Capture and Delay Mail, 1916

[World War I Russia]

13 April 1916. A cover sent from Russia to London

13 April 1916. A cover sent from Russia to London franked on the reverse with a 10k stamp. The cover has been censored by the Russian authorities. A two line "PART OF A MAIL CAPTURED/BY GERMANS AND DELAYED" cachet was applied. Mail was often seized from neutral ships during the war. The mail posted in 1916 would only have been delivered after the cessation of hostilities in November 1918.

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Russian Mail Captured by Germans, 1916

[World War I Russia]

22 April 1916. A cover from Moscow to London

22 April 1916. A cover from Moscow to London was opened by military censorship/N0111 (S&M 8a) circular hand-stamped in the middle and a two-line violet "PART OF A MAIL CAPTURED/BY GERMANS AND DELAYED" auxiliary marking. Buff censor label with black borders. Moscow Military Censor (S&M 15) seals on back flap. Two Moscow back stamps applied dated 22 and 24-4-1

21 July 1916. A post card from Kostroma, Russia to Edinburg, Scotland

21 July 1916. A post card from Kostroma, Russia to Edinburg, Scotland showing a 1914 War Charity adhesive in Esperanto, to The Esperanto Monthly was so rudely interrupted by the German Army. A violet, 2 line "PART OF MAIL CAPTURED/BY GERMANS AND DELAYED" auxiliary marking applied.

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Letter Sent from U.S. to Germany Delayed By The British, 1916

[World War I United States]

16 September 1916. A cover sent from New York to Germany

16 September 1916. A cover sent from New York to Germany was delayed and held by the British. A censor label was applied. A purple boxed cachet "RELEASED BY THE/BRITISH MILITARY AUTHORITIES" was also applied.

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Greek Letter Captured by Germans, 1916

[World War I Greece]

5 October 1916. A cover mailed from Greece to London

5 October 1916. A cover mailed from Greece to London was on the S.S. Erissos when it was captured by a German sub. A black, three-line auxiliary marking "Part of a Mail/captured by the/Germans and delayed." The mail was released and delivered on 12/3/19, approximately 3 years later, after the end of WWI. A German censor label was applied after its capture in Berlin 1917.

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SS Eryssos Captured by German Submarine, 1916

[World War I Greece]

6 October 1916. A cover sent from Greece to England

6 October 1916. A cover sent from Greece to England was on the SS Eryssos at Marseilles on 21 November 1916 with 118 bags of mail she carried including mail from Britain. A German censor label was applied on back. This cover was not received in England until 12 March 1919. This is believed to be the only Mediterranean seizure by the Germans in World War I. A three line auxiliary marking was applied ”Part of a Mail/captured by the/Germans and delayed.”

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German Submarine Captures Mail and Whatever Else Could be Stolen, 1916

[World War I England]

November 1916. A registered postal service cover from London to Copenhagen

November 1916. A registered postal service cover from London to Copenhagen with Arthur Type I label in Danish "KJOBENHAVNS/ OVERPOSTMEST EREMBEDE Den 30. Novbr. 1916./Beskadiget of Sovand./Forsendelse n har vaeret befordret med/Dampskibet "Arthur", der paa Rejse fra Leigh/til Goteborg den 23. Ds. er blevet saenket af/et tysk Krigsskib." German submarines were noted to attack allied shipping and capturing the mails besides whatever else could be stolen. The Swedish SS "Arthur" was captured. Less than 10 covers have been recorded.

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PS Koningin Regentes Captured by German Sub, 1916

[World War I Amsterdam]

9 November 1916. A cover from Amsterdam to Liverpool

9 November 1916. A cover from Amsterdam to Liverpool was being transported on the steamer Koningin Regentes. The ship was captured by German U-boat UB19 and taken to Zeebrugge where its mails were seized. No back stamp, but a note of delivery 5 Jan. 1917. A three line explanatory label "Part of a Mail captured /by the Germans and /delayed" was applied.

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German Bank Mail Held by the British, 1916

[World War I Germany]

8 December 1916. A cover sent from Deutsch National Bank of Bremerhaven to Brooklyn, NY

8 December 1916. A cover sent from Deutsch National Bank of Bremerhaven to Brooklyn, NY. The mail was intercepted by the British and held for a period till the war ended. A boxed, purple auxiliary mailing was applied "RELEASED BY THE/BRITISH MILITARY AUTHORITIES". An opened censor label #1128 was also applied. Some of this mail was held for years.

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Germans Capture Danish Mail, 1916

[World War I Denmark]

10 December 1916. A censored cover from Denmark to Scotland

10 December 1916. A censored cover from Denmark to Scotland was traveling by sea when German raiders attacked the vessel. The boat was probably sunk by a U-boat and mail taken as it floated to the sea. A three-line label "Part of a Mail captured/by the Germans and/delayed." Was applied. Opened by censor marking #872 was applied.

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Germans Capture and Delayed Mail, 1916

[World War I Denmark]

11 December 1916. A commercial cover from Denmark

11 December 1916. A commercial cover from Denmark most likely to England was captured by the Germans on the ship transporting mail. A German military seal was applied after it was opened. The mail was held until Nov. 1918, after the war. The cachet "Part of Mail captured by the Germans and delayed" was applied. It was sent to Denmark and a receiving mark 11-2-19 was applied. A 26 month delay "Sea Piracy" to a neutral ship.

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German Torpedo Boats Capture PS Prinz Hendrik, 1917

[World War I Netherlands]

18 January. 19187. A cover from the Netherlands to London

18 January. 19187. A cover from the Netherlands to London was captured by German torpedo boats. The mail was being transported by the Dutch paddle steamer Prinz Hendrik when it was seized 19 January 1917 and taken to Zeebrugge. A German military and English censor label are on reverse. The cover was readdressed on arrival in London 14 April 1917.

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IRA Rebellion, 1920-1923

The following items are from the IRA Rebellion in Ireland

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Recovered From Raided Mail to London, 1920/23

[IRA Rebellion Ireland]

16 December 1920. A cover from Limerick to London

16 December 1920. A cover from Limerick to London was delayed due to IRA raiders stealing and opening mail. An official seal was applied and censored by the IRA. A pencil notation was applied "censored by IRA".

12 March 1923. A cover from Skerries to London

12 March 1923. A cover from Skerries to London was intercepted and opened by the IRA and endorsed in manuscript C.I.R.A. (censored by IRA). The letter when returned to the Irish Postal Authority received the cachet "Recovered from Raided Mail". An official post office seal was applied.

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Opened by IRA Raiders, 1921

[IRA Rebellion Ireland]

17 February 1921. A cover sent from Bank of England at Tullamore

17 February 1921. A cover sent from Bank of England at Tullamore (red wax seals on back cover) to the Bank of England in London postage 2d, orange tied cancel 17 FE 21 "Skeleton", intercepted by raiders. It was opened with ms P.B.C./IRA a censor marking on face, and resealed with P.O. GR Found Open labels with ATHLONE 19 FE 21 CDS.

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Cookstown Raided Mail, 1922

[IRA Rebellion Ireland]

29 March 1922. A cover from Portrush to Cookstown

29 March 1922. A cover from Portrush to Cookstown was delayed by the IRA. The cachet "RAIDED MAIL/CORRESPDCE" . Only three covers are known with this marking, all dated 29 March and addressed to Cookstown.

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IRA Burns Dublin Post Office, 1922

[IRA Rebellion Ireland]

November 2, 1922. A local used letter sent in Dublin

November 2, 1922. A local used letter sent in Dublin showing a black written manuscript "Salved from FIRE/G.P.O. Dublin/Eire" on front and reverse in orange script. The cover bearing 1/2d (4) cancelled Ballsbridge, with Fairview Nov. 25 and Phibsbough D.O. Nov. 28 c.d.s. with manuscript "Not known at this address" and violet boxed Return to Sender mark, the cover torn on front. In the early hours of Nov. 6 republican irregulars forced entry to the sorting office of the G.P.O. in Dublin or near Rotunda Rink Post Office, spread petrol and set the building on fire. An official report records the loss of a great quantity of correspondence. All postage stamps were taken or burned.

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IRA Train Robberies, 1923

[IRA Rebellion Ireland]

23 February 1923. A cover from Dublin to Birkenhead

23 February 1923. A cover from Dublin to Birkenhead was cancelled by a New Ross date stamp. A violet two line marking “Recovered From/Raided Mail” stamped on the front of the cover with a 3 MR 23 date stamp. This cover was in the mail on the Wexford-Dublin train that was robbed by the IRA on February 23. This cover was delayed for 10 days

1 March 1923. A cover from Dublin to New York

1 March 1923. A cover from Dublin to New York was robbed on another train. It was cancelled Skerries Dublin 1 MR 22. The cover has been roughly opened and “C.I.R.A” (Censored IRA) written in manuscript applied. A violet two line marking applied “Recovered From/Raided Mail” was applied by the postal authorities in Dublin

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World War Two 1938-1945

The following examples are from 1938 to 1945.

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German Mail Stolen by the English, 1939

[World War II Germany]

19 August 1939. A large cover addressed to Hamburg was being transported by the SS Scharnhorst

19 August 1939. A large cover addressed to Hamburg was being transported by the SS Scharnhorst, a merchant steamer trading with East Asia. The course of travel was directed "via Suez" from Shanghi. China to Hamburg. A boxed cachet "In Frankfurt (Main) / ABP beschadigt eingegaugen / amtlich versehlossen"— "Arrived damaged and officially sealed at Frankfurt (Main) Overseas Railway Post Office". Manuscript ”Inhalt von den Englandern gestohlen"— "Contents stolen by the English" were all applied on the reverse. World War II is regarded as started from 1 September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. This cover is the earliest recorded example of disaster mail connected with the war. Photocopies of the front and back of this cover are shown.

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Germans Create Numerous Problems with Mail Robbery, 1940

[World War II Norway]

April 1940. A cover from Maloy to Oslo

April 1940. A cover from Maloy to Oslo with cachet "Funnet blandt post som er kom-/met tilrette etter krigshendingene." (Found among mail that has turned up after the acts of war.) The occupation by German troops caused many problems for the transport and treatment of mail, including mail theft.

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Mail Held in France by Germans, 1940

[World War II Argentina]

7 June 1940. An airmail cover from Argentina

7 June 1940. An airmail cover from Argentina, which was carried by Air France, was sent to a military Captain Murley in London. The cover was detained in France due to the German occupation. A three-line, black auxiliary marking was applied "DETAINED IN FRANCE/DURING GERMAN/OCCUPATION." Most of this mail was released after the war but many letters were returned as the intended party may have moved or died. No back stamp.

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Mail Captured by Germans, 1940

[World War II Switzerland]

17 June 1940. A Swiss cover sent to France cancelled Winterthur

17 June 1940. A Swiss cover sent to France cancelled Winterthur, Sulzer with a slogan meter cancel was detained in France. A three-line, black auxiliary marking "DETAINED IN FRANCE/DURING GERMAN/OCCUPATION" was applied. Much of this mail was often released about five years after the war ended. Some of this mail may have also been destroyed and possibly torn open looking for potential valuables or information.

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German Raiders Sink Ships & Capture Mail, 1940

[World War II Australia]

22 November 1940.

22 November 1940.

22 November 1940. Two similar covers from Scotch College in Melbourne was sent to Ocean Island in the Central Pacific. A 2dKGVI stamp tied by Melbourne 22 Nov. 1940 slogan date stamp, censor tape and hand stamp applied at Melbourne. The cover was aboard the SS Triona which was captured by the German raider ships Orion and Komet, 200 miles south of Nauru. The passengers and 60 crew members were released and the ship was sunk. The mail was examined and put ashore at Emirau Island on 21/12/40. It was later returned to Sydney, cover back stamped 23 Jan. 1941. It was endorsed "Raider Mail" in red crayon. The event is fully described in Brian Peace's Australian Wreck Mail (p. 303). There are possibly 10 items that have survived this incident. Mail was often captured by German Raiders having their contents evaluated for military interests and or any valuable content that may be found. Other items recovered from this military incident are known to have an auxiliary marking "Sunk by raider and recovered". This mail was headed to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands including Ocean Island.

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Allied Forces Raid the Lofoten Islands, 1941

[World War II Norway]

24 December 1941. A cover from Narvik to Grimstad

24 December 1941. A cover from Narvik to Grimstad with a three line black auxiliary marking "Holdt tilbake av allierte styrker I 1941" (the Reine raid) The allied forces raided the Lofoten Islands and the British forces seized some mail which was detained by the allied forces. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if a letter was stolen even after being censored during times of war.

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Registered Cover Sold at Prize Court, 1946/1950

[World War II United States]

27 August 1941. A cover sent from New York and intended to an address in Bulduri, Latvia

27 August 1941. A cover sent from New York and intended to an address in Bulduri, Latvia was sent by transatlantic mail. However, the mail at this time during the war, letters and parcels containing material such as stamps, coins, etc., was held in Bermuda until after the war and sold by the Prize Court in a number of auctions held between 1946 and 1950. Well over 60 covers are known with a handstamp "Released by/Prize Court", usually applied on the back in black, red, grey, violet or blue and often accompanied by a Hamilton date stamp which is considered to be a judicial marking. The cover back is also shown with a two-line, black stamp stating, "Released By/Prize Court". A label is also applied and #27743 in red was also applied which was a number of the reference from the Prize Court.

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General Index

Afghan War (intro_india)	Looted Mail (boer2h)
Air France (wwii_held_in_france)	Looted Mail (boer_loot_convoy)
Amsterdam (wwi_capture_by_sub)	Looted Mail (boer2_oud)
Appam (wwi_german_appam)	MPHS (main section,index)
Argentina (wwii_held_in_france)	Mahsud Tribesmen (wwi_waz)
BALPEX (main section,index)	Mail Robbery (intro_india)
Bank (ira_opened_by_raiders)	Mediterranean (wwi_eryssos)
Bank of England (ira_opened_by_raiders)	Melbourne (wwii_german_raider)
Bank, German (wwi_german_bank_mail)	Military Postal History Society (main section,index)
Berlin, Dr. Steven J. (main section,index)	Moscow (wwi_moskow)
Bermuda (wwii_prize)	Mowe (wwi_german_appam)
Boat, Torpedo (wwi_capture)	Narvik (wwii_nor)
Boer (intro_sa)	Natal (boer_loot_convoy)
Boer War (boer2a)	Nauru (wwii_german_raider)
Boer War (boer2b)	Netherlands (wwi_german_delay)
Boer War (boer2c)	Netherlands (wwi_capture)
Boer War (boer2d)	Neutral Countries (wwi_german_delay)
Boer War (boer2e)	Norway (wwii_problems_with_germans)
Boer War (boer2f)	Norway (wwii_nor)
Boer War (boer2g)	Occupation (wwii_problems_with_germans)
Boer War (boer2h)	Occupation (wwii_held_in_france)
Boer War (boer_loot_convoy)	Occupation (wwii_captured_by_germans)
Boer War (boer_capture_train)	Officially Sealed (wwii_german_stolen_by_english)
Boer War (boer2_oud)	Opened by Rebels (jacobite)
British (boer2f)	Opened by Rebels (civil)
British (wwi_waz)	Pacific (wwii_german_raider)
Brooklyn, NY (wwi_german_bank_mail)	Poland (wwi_german_part)
Burnt Mail (boer2e)	Post Office Fire (ira_burns)
Capture of Ship (wwi_capture)	Post Office Robbery (ira_burns)
Captured Mail (boer2a)	Prinz Hendrik (wwi_capture)
Captured Mail (boer2f)	Prize Court (wwi_german_appam)
Captured Mail (wwi_waz)	Prize Court (wwii_prize)
Captured Mail (wwi_german_delay)	Raided Mail (ira_robbery)
Captured Mail (wwi_german_delay2)	Raider (wwi_german_appam)
Captured Mail (wwi_moskow)	Raider (wwi_capture_danish)
Captured Mail (wwi_eryssos)	Raider, German (wwii_german_raider)
Captured Mail (wwi_looting_by_sub)	Raiders (ira_recovered)
Censor, German (wwi_eryssos)	Rebel (civil)
Censored (wwi_eryssos)	Rebellion (ira_recovered)
Censored (ira_recovered)	Rebellion (ira_cookstown)
Censored (ira_opened_by_raiders)	Rebellion (ira_burns)
Censored, Germany (wwi_greek)	Rebellion (ira_robbery)
Censored, IRA (ira_recovered)	Recovered Mail (shangani)
Censored, IRA (ira_opened_by_raiders)	Recovered Mail (boer2a)
Censored, Russia (wwi_german_delay2)	Recovered Mail (boer2b)
Censored, UK (wwi_delay_by_uk)	Recovered Mail (boer2c)
Censorship, Military (wwi_moskow)	Recovered Mail (boer2d)
Civil War (civil)	Recovered Mail (boer2g)
Copenhagen (wwi_looting_by_sub)	Recovered Mail (boer2h)
Delayed Mail (wwi_german_part)	Recovered Mail (boer_capture_train)
Delayed Mail (wwi_german_delay)	Recovered Mail (ira_recovered)
Delayed Mail (wwi_german_delay2)	Recovered Mail (ira_robbery)
Delayed Mail (wwi_moskow)	Released (wwi_delay_by_uk)
Delayed Mail (wwi_delay_by_uk)	Rhodesia (shangani)
Delayed Mail (wwi_greek)	Robbery (intro_us)
Delayed Mail (wwi_eryssos)	Robbery (ira_burns)
Delayed Mail (wwi_capture_by_sub)	Russia (wwi_german_delay2)
Delayed Mail (wwi_capture_danish)	Russia (wwi_moskow)
Delayed Mail (wwi_capture_delay)	SS Eryssos (wwi_eryssos)
Delayed Mail (ira_cookstown)	SS Triona (wwii_german_raider)
Delayed Mail (ira_robbery)	Scandinavia (wwi_german_delay)
Denmark (wwi_german_part)	Scotland (jacobite)
Denmark (wwi_german_delay)	Scotland (wwi_capture_danish)
Denmark (wwi_looting_by_sub)	Sealed (wwii_german_stolen_by_english)
Denmark (wwi_capture_danish)	Second World War (wwii)
Denmark (wwi_capture_delay)	Shangani Rebellion (shangani)
Detained Mail (wwii_held_in_france)	Sharnhorst (wwii_german_stolen_by_english)
Detained Mail (wwii_captured_by_germans)	Ship (wwi_german_appam)
Dublin (ira_burns)	Ship Letter (intro_us)
Dublin (ira_robbery)	Sierra Leone (wwi_german_appam)
England (wwi_german_part)	Soldiers Mail (boer2c)
Field Post Office (boer2f)	South Africa (intro_sa)
Field Post Office (boer2g)	South Africa (boer2a)
Financial Mail (wwi_german_bank_mail)	South Africa (boer2c)
Fire (ira_burns)	South Africa (boer2d)
German (wwi_capture_by_sub)	South Africa (boer2f)
German (wwi_capture_danish)	South Africa (boer2g)
German (wwi_capture)	South Africa (boer_loot_convoy)
German Occupation (wwii_problems_with_germans)	South Africa (boer_capture_train)
German Occupation (wwii_held_in_france)	South Africa (boer2_oud)
German Occupation (wwii_captured_by_germans)	Stamps Not Available (boer2g)
German Raider (wwi_german_appam)	Steamer (wwi_german_appam)
German Raider (wwii_german_raider)	Stolen Mail (shangani)
Germany (wwi_german_part)	Stolen Mail (boer2c)
Germany (wwi_capture_delay)	Stolen Mail (boer2h)
Germany (wwii_german_stolen_by_english)	Stolen Mail (boer_loot_convoy)
Gilbert Islands (wwii_german_raider)	Stolen Mail (wwii_german_stolen_by_english)
Greece (wwi_greek)	Submarine (wwi_capture_by_sub)
Greece (wwi_eryssos)	Submarine, German (wwi_greek)
Historical Information (historical)	Submarine, German (wwi_looting_by_sub)
History (historical)	Switzerland (wwii_captured_by_germans)
Holland (wwi_german_delay)	Torpedo Boat (wwi_capture)
IRA (ira_recovered)	Train (boer_capture_train)
IRA (ira_opened_by_raiders)	Train (ira_robbery)
IRA (ira_cookstown)	Train Robbery (ira_robbery)
IRA (ira_burns)	Transatlantic (wwii_prize)
IRA (ira_robbery)	U-Boat (wwi_capture_by_sub)
India (intro_india)	U. S. Postal Museum (historical)
India (wwi_waz)	United States (intro_us)
Intercepted Mail (wwi_german_bank_mail)	United States (civil)
Introduction (main section,index)	United States (wwi_delay_by_uk)
Jacobite Rebellion (jacobite)	United States (wwi_german_bank_mail)
Koningin Regentes (wwi_capture_by_sub)	Valuables (wwii_prize)
Latvia (wwii_prize)	Warsaw (wwi_german_part)
Local Cover (boer2b)	Waziristan (wwi_waz)
Looted Mail (intro_sa)	World War 2 (wwii)
Looted Mail (jacobite)	World War II (wwii)
Looted Mail (civil)	Wreck Mail (wwii_german_raider)
Looted Mail (boer2d)	Zeebrugge (wwi_capture_by_sub)
Looted Mail (boer2e)	Zeebrugge (wwi_capture)
Looted Mail (boer2g)	Back to Top (General) -- Back to Top (All Document Indexes)