BackwardVirtual Stamp CollectionForward

South African National Antarctic Expedition
Marion Island Postmark on International
Geophysical Year Expedition Cover

Marion Island Postmark

The postmark on this commemorative cover for the International Geophysical Year Expedition shows the location of Marion Island in the Indian Ocean 1700 kilometers south-east of South Africa.

In 1947 and 1948 South Africa established its claim to Marion Island and the adjacent Prince Edward Island. A meteorological and biological research station was established with Allan Crawford being appointed Acting Postmaster. Mail services were provided by relief ships but it was not until 1958 that a local post office was established. This cover is postmarked 24 March 1958 which was the day on which the post office was opened.

Marion Island Station on 1983 commemorative

Marion Island Station was depicted on one of the four stamps in
South Africa's SANAE commemorative set issued on January 19, 1983.


Bibliography

Kloetzel, James E. ed. "South Africa." Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. Sidney, Ohio: Scott Publishing, 2008.

"Marion Island." SANAP Understand, develop and conserve. 28 Aug. 2009. South African National
Antarctic Program. 30 AUG. 2009http://www.sanap.org.za/sanap_marion/sanap_marion.html.

Pendleton, Steve. "Atlantic or Indian Ocean." Gibbons Stamp Monthly. Sept. 2009: 131-133.


Backward

 

Virtual Stamp Collection
Index

Forward


© Grose Educational Media, 2009-2019