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Auction: 14018 - The Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902, featuring Occupation and Siege Issues, The Harry Birkhead Collection
Lot: 166

(x) Mafeking
The town was surrounded by the Transvaal Army on 12 October 1899. The siege last seven months and the town was relieved on 17 May 1900 after 217 days
Postal History
1899 (Dec.) and 1900 (Jan.) pair of envelopes ex the Vyvyan correspondence to his wife in London, both bearing Cape 1d. cancelled at Crocodile Pools, Bechuanaland and not in Mafeking due to fear of interceptance by the Boers, the first marked "Siege No. 3" with the Crocodile Pools c.d.s. dated 20 December 1899 and with Bulawayo (22.12), Durban (9.1) and Notting Hill (3.2) c.d.s, the second marked "Siege No. 6" with Crocodile Pools c.d.s. dated 9 January 1900, the British authorities realising that this office was in Bechuanaland and that the Cape 1d. stamp was not valid, applying large "T" and "5d/f.b./a" handstamps, Bulawayo (11.1) and Notting Hill (24.2) c.d.s. on reverse A wonderful pair. Photo

Note: Lt. Col. Vyvyan of the Buffs was stationed in Mafeking to prepare for war and he trained members of the "Town Guard" some months before hostilities began. He was Town Commandant during the siege. He served in both the Matabele and Mashona Rebellions in Rhodesia. See also lots.....

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Sold for
£1,500