The Story of Australia’s Overseas Airmail
This four-book series by Ronald M. Lee details the history of Australian airmail beginning with balloon mail in the 19th Century and concluding with the re-establishment of services after WWII. It provides, for the first time, an overview of the story and relates philatelic events to the events of the time.
- Book 1: The beginning via India 1934
- Book 2: The rapid advances between 1934-1939 of the England/Australia mail services
- Book 3: World War II: 1939 – December 1941
- Book 4: World War II: December 1941 – 1943
The series brings to light various myths which have gradually been accepted without any historic basis. In particular, this has changed our understanding as to when the first airmail was carried in Australia.
The information in this series is arranged chronologically making it easy, when examining a cover, to understand the historic events and attitudes of the time. This has exposed, as a myth, some assumptions made in the past. There are route maps showing the development of services in Australia with a comprehensive selection of historic photos and illustrations. Various types of mail items are defined, including opportunity airmail, first flight covers, airmail, flight souvenirs, company mail, official mail, etc.
During WWII the majority of mail, on some air routes, was mail to and from Australian servicemen abroad – soldiers, sailors, airmen, nurses and prisoners of war etc. Books 3 and 4 provide details of this mail together with war events which provide a deeper understanding of conditions at that time.
Details at https://www.airmailaustralia.com
