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Auction: 17044 - The Yen Boon Swee Large Gold Medal Collection of Malayan Airmails
Lot: 44

Malayan Airmails
The Sarawak Government Air Service
Following the success of the Air Survey Company flights, the Rajah decided to set up his own air service. Two De Haviland Moth seaplanes were purchased and christened "Royalist" and "Venus". An airmail fee of 8 cents per ounce or part thereof was charged on all flights. After two trial flights, "Royalist" took off from Kuching on January 12th 1929 and flew to Simanggang. On approaching Simanggang, the plane struck an air pocket, and crashed into the river. The pilot, Mr. Phillips, and the engineer, Mr. Goodban, were rescued and the mail was saved, but the plane was damaged beyond repair.
1929 (15 Feb.) OHHS envelope flown by the "Venus" on the return flight from Limbang to Kuching, showing fine despatch c.d.s. and circular "government air service/sarawak" cachet in violet. Photo

Sold for
SG$1,300