Pacific Clipper Postal History During World War II



NEW ZEALAND



Posted : Nov 9, 1940 at Auckland

Route : Pan Am FAM 19 California Clipper departed Auckland Nov 25 arriving Honolulu Nov 27 and San Francisco Nov 30; USA domestic airlines to New York. Pan Am FAM 18 to Lisbon; European transport, (airline or rail) to Switzerland. Backstamped Honolulu Nov 27, New York Dec 1, and Zurich Jan 1, 1941.

Notes : Registered two-ocean airmail cover, censored in New Zealand. It is interesting to note that the American Clipper left Auckland on Dec 12, yet this cover was not on that flight. It is most likely that the delay in departure was caused by the Office of Censorship.

Rate : 6sh 1p two-ocean rate + Registration Fee

New Zealand to Switzerland

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Posted : Nov 19, 1941 at Dunedin

Route : Dunedin to Auckland by domestic transport; Pan Am FAM 19 California Clipper departed Auckland Nov 25, arriving San Francisco Dec 1; USA domestic airlines to New York. Pan Am FAM 18 to Lisbon; BOAC / KLM to England.

Notes : On Nov 17 the California Clipper, NC 18602, departed San Francisco on what would be it's last pre-war flight. It arrived in Auckland on Nov 24, and departed for the return trip to the USA on Nov 25, arriving in San Francisco on Dec 1. Because of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into World War II, this was the last flight of the California Clipper. This cover was posted in Dunedin on Nov 19, and was carried on the last flight.

Rate : 5sh 9p - two-ocean rate

New Zealand to England

(Last Flight California Clipper)

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Posted : Nov 20, 1941 at Auckland

Route : Pan Am FAM 19 California Clipper departed Auckland Nov 25, arriving San Francisco Dec 1; USA domestic airlines to Columbus, Ohio.

Notes : On Nov 17 the California Clipper, NC 18602, departed San Francisco on what would be it's last pre-war flight. It arrived in Auckland on Nov 24, and departed for the return trip to the USA on Nov 25, arriving in San Francisco on Dec 1. Because of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into World War II, this was the last flight of the California Clipper. This cover has the private receiving mark of RANCO Inc. in Columbus, Ohio dated December 3, 1941, confirming that it was on the Last California Clipper flight.

Rate : 4sh

New Zealand to USA

(Last Flight California Clipper)

Click here to see the back of the cover.


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